Nursing Studies - QQI level 5

Applicants should have a minimum Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate standard of education, or equivalent education or relevant experience.

Where English is not the learner’s first language, evidence of English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or another recognised qualification may be required.

Learners may also need to complete additional training, such as Patient Manual Handling or First Aid, depending on the requirements of their work placement provider.

The QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies programme is made up of eight modules. A typical five-week module may include:

Week 1: Webinar over 2 hours of course material – including overview of the module, overview of how the blended programme works and assessment criteria.

Week 2: 1 Hour tutor support via email, or where necessary TEAMS. Tutors may also upload a forum question which students have to engage with.

Week 3: Recorded lecture. Learners will also be directed to read specific units in their course notes.

Week 4: Webinar over 2 hours of course material. The webinar can be a lecture, a guided discussion

Week 5: Study week for students & tutor support, 1 hour for Q&A, assessment questions, additional information etc. This can be via email or where necessary through TEAMS.

* Academic Admin/Tutor will load module course material & reading list on MOODLE

The QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies course is assessed through continuous assessment rather than a single final examination. Learners complete written assignments and practical assessments throughout the programme.

Learners must also complete 160 hours of work experience in a suitable healthcare setting.

On successful completion, learners receive the QQI Level 5 Major Award in Nursing Studies (5M4349), comprising eight QQI Level 5 component certificates.

The qualification provides a recognised foundation for progression to further study in nursing and related healthcare disciplines, subject to the admission requirements of individual higher education institutions.

Garda Vetting is a legal requirement under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 for the vetting of persons carrying out work with children or vulnerable persons.

Students must complete the Garda Vetting process before commencing work placement.

Students who have spent more than 6 months living outside of Ireland will need to provide a copy of their Police Clearance Certification for all international addresses that they have lived at, before starting placement.

QQI supports learners at each stage of their learning journey, whether by issuing and replacing QQI Award certificates, verifying existing qualifications such as FETAC or HETAC awards, or advising on the move to higher education.

As the national awarding body for further education and training and most private higher education providers, QQI works in partnership with providers and stakeholders to develop and maintain award standards. Along with offering guidance on certifying awards and verifying qualifications, we maintain searchable databases of QQI-validated programmes and CAS awards and support the recognition of prior learning, and access, transfer and progression pathways.

Through this QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies course, students are introduced to the caring role of the nurse, with a strong emphasis on developing essential interpersonal and communication skills. Learners also develop practical competence in providing patient care within safe and hygienic environments, supporting progression to both healthcare employment and further study.

The programme is often chosen as a pre nursing pathway and includes practical, relevant modules designed to build the knowledge and skills required in today’s healthcare environment.

Upon completion, graduates may progress to healthcare roles in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, residential centres and day services. A significant number of City College Dublin graduates also progress to degree programmes in Nursing and Midwifery at leading Irish universities, including TCD, DCU and UCD.

Achieving the QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies award provides a recognised foundation for continued progression within the National Framework of Qualifications and can support both employment and further education pathways in healthcare and nursing.

Course content is subject to review after each intake and may be updated in line with industry standards.