Bachelor of Nursing Science (General - Galway and Portiuncula)

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing Science (General course is an internationally recognized four-year degree programme during which students learn the art and science of nursing.

The University of Galway provides this programme in partnership with the Saolta University Health Care Group, Blackrock Health Galway Clinic, and Bon Secours Hospital Galway. The programme consists of theoretical and clinical modules. The theoretical content aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to underpin their professional practice. The teaching and learning strategies include lectures, seminars, workshops, experiential learning, clinical skills education and simulation in our state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation suite. The programme focuses on person-centered care and positive therapeutic relationships, communication skills, therapeutic interventions, and inter-professional team working, to enrich student experiences and help them prepare for the reality of professional practice in an ever-changing health care environment. These are further supported by clinical modules, which are undertaken in practice settings such as acute hospitals, community and in specialist placements.

Clinical modules are undertaken in the practice setting where students get a broad range of clinical experience in different clinical placement sites across the Saolta University Health Care Group, Blackrock Health Galway Clinic, and Bon Secours Hospital Galway. Additionally, students will attend placements in various community settings. Experts in the nursing and allied health professions will support students to become caring, compassionate professionals, working in partnership with people, families, and communities. The first three years of the programme are run within the academic year and include a combination of theory modules and clinical practice modules. Practice modules will require students to be in clinical practice for 32 hours per week. Year four comprises of clinical and theory instruction in semester one and a 36-week internship in clinical practice which runs from January to September. During the internship period, the student is an employee of the Saolta University Health Care Group and are paid a salary.

Following completion of the programme, students are eligible to apply to register as a registered general nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI, the regulatory body.

Student Support within the School and the University

The School of Nursing & Midwifery is committed to supporting students in relation to both their academic and personal development the structures that are in place to support students within the school and university are presented below.

Academic supports

Academic Advisor
Each student is allocated an academic advisor for the duration of the programme. This advisor will monitor the students’ academic progress and is available to advise and support the student if they encounter difficulties either personal, academic or relating to clinical practice whilst undertaking the programme.

Academic Writing Centre- Providing one-on-one tutorials and email consultations on essay writing

Library- The Library provides a wide range of services to all students. Learn about these services, opening times and lots more on their webpage

Academic Skills Hub- This online resources hub aims to support all students to develop the key skills required for academic success and learn about IT and digital skills, workshops, assignments and exam techniques.

Student Academic Advisors- Available to meet with students who wish to discuss personal, academic, financial or any other issues that may arise while in University.

Health and wellbeing Supports

• The Disability Support Service (DSS is available to University of Galway students who need supports or reasonable accommodations due to the impact of a disability, ongoing physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty.
• Student Counselling provides a free hybrid service of in-person, one-to-one counselling, and online counselling. They provide group counselling and workshops. The counselling service support about 10% of the student population each year.
• Student Health Unit provides a wide variety of medical support services including GP services, sexual health support service and vaccination clinics.

Support for students when on Placement

While on clinical placements, students are supervised by a Preceptor. This is a nurse who has been specially prepared to guide and direct student learning. Students are also supported by the Nurse Practice Development Co-ordinator and the Clinical Placement Co-ordinator, who ensures that learning outcomes are identified and achieved. Each ward / geographical area has an identified Link Lecturer from the school who is available to link with the student when they are on clinical placement to support them and manage any issues that arise. This helps ensure that there is a close liaison between the school and clinical practice in the support of students.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science), and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Please see full additional requirements here: Health Sciences

Nurses have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings both in the hospital and the community. The Bachelor of Nursing Science degree is recognised internationally and many nurses choose to work overseas to broaden their experience.