Overview
Note: This programme has been revised. Students who enter the programme from 2018/19 onwards follow the curriculum detailed below. Students who entered prior to 2018/19 follow the curriculum detailed here.
This is a four-year (four and a half years in the case of CK712), full-time undergraduate registration programme, leading to the award of a BSc (Hons).
- On successful completion of the programme, students on CK710, CK720 and CK730 will also be recommended to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland for registration as a nurse in one of the following divisions of Nursing: General Nursing, Mental Health Nursing or Intellectual Disability Nursing.
- On successful completion of the programme, students on CK712 will also be recommended to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland for registration as a nurse in both the Children's Nursing and General Nursing divisions.
Students must take modules specific to General Nursing, Children's and General (Integrated) Nursing, Intellectual Disability Nursing or Mental Health Nursing in order to register in the relevant division(s).
Attendance
Full attendance is required at all scheduled teaching activities in all modules, including at clinical placement. Where this does not occur, students will be expected to satisfactorily explain and support with evidence (e.g. medical illness certificates, explanation of other mitigating circumstances causing non-attendance) all absences and this must be considered acceptable by the relevant module coordinator(s) and Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Unavoidable planned absence must be discussed and agreed with each module coordinator(s) of affected module(s) in advance. Each situation will be assessed on an individual basis. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a student being deemed not to have fulfilled the requirements for entry to the subsequent examination. These regulations apply also to students who are studying for the qualifications of some other regulatory body. The Deputy President and Registrar, UCC will certify whether or not the student's attendance has been satisfactory on the basis of recommendations from Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Repeat Year Arrangements
Students who entered the programme prior to 2018/19 and are required subsequently to repeat one or more modules in a repeat year will do so under the revised curriculum and associated regulations (detailed on this page). In the event that a student fails one or more modules that are not available in the repeat year, special repeat arrangements will be made for that student. This may entail studying new material (not previously covered in the old curriculum) in the repeat year, as part or whole substitution for the module(s) failed, and/or may require students to take equivalent credits in the repeat year and/or subsequent years. A similar arrangement will apply for students who take a year or more leave of absence.
First Year - Nursing
In order to be admitted to the First University Examination in Nursing, each student must have attended theory modules in Part A to the value of 50 credits and a Practice Module in Part B to the value of 10 credits.
Second Year - Nursing
A student may not register for the Second Year of the programme until the First University Examination in Nursing and the relevant Part B module have been passed. In order to be admitted to the Second University Examination in Nursing, each student must have attended theory modules in Part A to the value of 50 credits and a Practice Module in Part B to the value of 10 credits.
Note: Advanced Entry
Successful advanced entry applicants into Second Year of the BSc (Hons) Nursing programme may be required to undertake NU2101 (5 credits) in addition to the 60 credits in Second Year, making a total of 65 credits. Applicants into BSc (Hons) Nursing (Intellectual Disability) may also be required to undertake NU2102 (5 credits) in addition to the 60 credits in Second Year.
Alternative Pathway for Students Not Completing Second University Examination in Nursing
The Diploma in Health Studies, NFQ Level 6, is an alternative diploma pathway for students who do not satisfy the pass standard for the Part B practice module in the chosen area of specialisation (NU2063, NU2068, NU2081 or NU2086). Students who do not pass the Part B practice module for Year 2 of the BSc (Hons) Nursing either on the first and repeat attempts as per the module descriptor will re-register for the alternative pathway - the non-clinical Diploma in Health Studies. This pathway does not confer eligibility to practice as a Registered Nurse.
To complete the Diploma in Health Studies, a student must pass all Part A modules for the second BSc Nursing Examinations and achieve a pass in the Part B independent study module NU2074 (10 credits). Students who complete the Part B study module are required to exit the programme with a Diploma in Health Studies award.
Diploma in Health Studies
Third Year - Nursing
A student may not register for the Third Year of the programme until the Second University Examination in Nursing and the appropriate Part B module have been passed. In order to be admitted to the Third University Examination in Nursing, each student must have attended theory modules as detailed in Part A to the value of 50 credits and a Practice Module in Part B to the value of 10 credits.
Alternative Pathway for Students Not Completing Third University Examination in Nursing
The BSc Health Studies, NFQ Level 7, is an alternative ordinary bachelor's degree pathway for students who do not satisfy the pass standard for the Part B practice module in the chosen area of specialisation (NU3054, NU3068, NU3082 or NU3086). Students who do not pass the Part B practice module for Year 3 of the BSc (Hons) Nursing either on the first and repeat attempts as per the module descriptor will re-register instead for the non-clinical BSc Health Studies. This pathway does not confer eligibility to practice as a Registered Nurse.
To complete the BSc Health Studies, a student must pass all Part A modules for the third-year BSc Nursing Examinations and achieve a pass in the Part B independent study module NU3046 (10 credits). Students who complete the Part B study module are required to exit the programme with a BSc Health Studies award.
BSc (Ord) (Health Studies)
Fourth Year - Nursing
A student may not register for the Fourth Year of the programme until the Third University Examination in Nursing and the relevant Part B module have been passed. In order to be admitted to the Fourth University Examination in Nursing, each student must have attended theory modules in Part A to the value of 45 (or 50 credits for Children's and General (Integrated) Nursing) and a Practice Module in Part B to the value of 15 credits (or 10 credits for Children's and General (Integrated) Nursing).
Alternative Pathway for Students Not Completing Fourth University Examination in Nursing
The BSc (Hons) Health Studies, NFQ Level 8, is an honours bachelors' degree pathway for students who do not satisfy the pass standard for the Part B practice module in the chosen area of specialisation (NU4069, NU4083, NU4087 or NU4094). Students who do not pass the Part B practice module for Year 4 of the BSc (Hons) Nursing either on the first and repeat attempts as per the module descriptor will re-register for the non-clinical BSc (Hons) Health Studies. This pathway does not confer eligibility to practice as a Registered Nurse.
To complete the BSc Health Studies, a student must pass all Part A modules for the fourth-year BSc Nursing Examinations and achieve a pass in the Part B independent study module NU4091 (15 credits) or NU4080 (10 credits for Children's and General (Integrated) Nursing).
BSc (Hons) (Health Studies)
Fifth Year - Nursing
Children's and General (Integrated) Nursing Practice
A student on the Children's and General (Integrated) pathway may not graduate without achieving a pass in the Fifth University Examination involving a practice module.
Alternative Pathway for Students Not Completing Fifth University Examination in Nursing
The BSc (Hons) Health Studies, NFQ Level 8, is an honours bachelors' degree pathway for students who do not satisfy the pass standard for the Part B practice module in the chosen area of specialisation (NU5075). BSc (Nursing) - Children's and General (Integrated) students who do not pass the Part B practice module for Year 5 of the BSc (Hons) Nursing either on the first and repeat attempts as per the module descriptor will re-register for the non-clinical BSc (Hons) Health Studies. This pathway does not confer eligibility to practice as a Registered Nurse.
To complete the BSc (Hons) Health Studies, a student must pass all Part A modules for the fourth-year BSc Nursing Examinations and achieve a pass in the Part B independent study module NU4080 (10 credits). Students who complete the Part B Study Module are required to exit the programme with a BSc (Hon) Health Studies award.
BSc (Hons) (Health Studies)
Alternative Pathways
Diploma in Health Studies
BSc (Ord) (Health Studies)
BSc (Hons) (Health Studies)
Programme Requirements
For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements.
Programme Requirements
Module List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| |
| NU1026 | Academic Writing, Information Technology and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice | 5 |
| NU1032 | Fundamental Knowledge and Skills for Nursing Practice | 10 |
| NU1040 | Infection Prevention and Control for Nursing and Midwifery Practice | 5 |
| SC1015 | Sociological Concepts for Nursing | 5 |
| NU1042 | Developing Hope-Inspiring Relationships and Psychology for Health Care | 10 |
| NU1043 | Recovery - Theory, Concept and Principles | 10 |
| NU1045 | Creative Therapies and Self Awareness Skills for Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
| NU1044 | Developing Skilled Mental Health Nursing Practice 1 | 10 |
| |
| NU2003 | Pharmacology and Medication Management for Nurses and Midwives | 5 |
| NU2050 | Research for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Care | 5 |
| NU2066 | Recovery - Understanding Mental Health | 10 |
| NU2069 | Therapeutic Relationships - Communication and Self-Awareness | 5 |
| NU2097 | General Health Care for Adults with Mental Health Problems I | 10 |
| NU2098 | General Health Care for Adults with Mental Health Problems II | 5 |
| SS2028 | Social Justice and Mental Health: Combating Discrimination, Labelling and Stigma | 10 |
| NU2068 | Skilled Mental Health Nursing Practice 2 | 10 |
| |
| NU3076 | Professional and Disciplinary Learning for Nursing Practice | 5 |
| NU3083 | Research for Evidence-based Nursing and Midwifery Care | 5 |
| NU3050 | Health Promotion and Primary Health Care in a Mental Health Context | 10 |
| NU3051 | Mental Health Nursing: Politics, Policy and Practice | 5 |
| NU3053 | Psychosocial Interventions in Developing Hope-Inspiring Relationships | 10 |
| NU3088 | Recovery - Working with Children and Young People with Mental Health Problems | 5 |
| NU3089 | Recovery - Working with the Older Adult with Mental Health Problems | 10 |
| NU3054 | Skilled Mental Health Nursing Practice 3 | 10 |
| |
| NU4073 | Research for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Care | 10 |
| NU4057 | Recovery - Working with Vulnerable Populations | 10 |
| NU4058 | Leadership and Therapeutic Team Working Skills in a Mental Health Setting | 10 |
| NU4089 | The Profession and Discipline of Mental Health Nursing | 10 |
| 5 |
| Palliative Care: An Interdisciplinary Approach (5) | |
| Health Care Informatics for Nursing and Midwifery (5) | |
| Complementary Therapies in Healthcare (5) | |
| Ethical and Legal Decision Making at the End of Life (5) | |
| Healthcare and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (5) | |
| LGBTQI+ Inclusion in Nursing & Midwifery (5) | |
| Mental Health in Film: Critical Approaches (5) | |
| Pastoral Education for Healthcare (5) | |
| NU4094 | Skilled Mental Health Nursing Practice | 15 |
| Total Credits | 240 |
Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Programme Learning Outcomes for BSc (Hons) (Nursing) (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
1
1-1
Acquire the knowledge, professional values and discipline specific competencies to fulfil the role of the Registered Nurse to deliver safe, high quality, compassionate, ethical, legal and accountable practice across the life spectrum and in diverse health care settings;
1-2
2
Demonstrate knowledge, clinical skills and professional behaviours that are underpinned by the Scope of Nursing and Midwifery Practice Framework (NMBI 2015) and the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurse and Registered Midwives (NMBI 2014);
1-3
3
Practise as a competent Registered Nurse to assess, plan, prioritise, deliver and evaluate nursing care based on a comprehensive and systematic assessment of health and nursing needs in consultation with the person receiving such care, their representative and the multi-disciplinary team;
1-4
4
Apply theoretical principles to the practice of nursing using professional judgement, critical reasoning, problem-solving and reflection derived from an evidence base of nursing and from the applied life, health and social sciences;
1-5
5
Deliver person-centred, high quality, facilitative, supportive and safe nursing care based on a collaborative relationship with a person receiving such care, that respects her/his dignity, autonomy, self-determination and rights to make health and life choices across the health spectrum;
1-6
6
Demonstrate skills of effective communication, delegation, inter-professional liaison and team working to promote the quality and safety of the health care environment;
1-7
7
Maintain competence to develop and enhance the capacity for self-awareness, reflective practice, analysis, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and professional scholarship;
1-8
8
Apply evidence from an appraisal of research studies relevant to the division of nursing to the practice of nursing.
*** Only for Incoming First Years and Repeat First Years 2024/2025 ***
*** Click here for Marks and Standards for all other years ***
Marks and Standards
These Marks and Standards should be read in conjunction with the Programme Requirements and the Book of Modules.
Fitness to Practise
All students on programmes subject to Fitness to Practise in UCC will be required to comply with the Fitness to Practise Policy and meet the relevant Fitness to Practise standards, in order to progress to the next year of his/her/their programme. Click here for a list of programmes subject to the Fitness to Practise Policy.
Marks and Credits
Students are required to take modules to the value of 60 credits.
Total Marks for year: 1200.
First Year - Pass and Progression Criteria
To pass first year and progress to second year, students must have satisfied the Fitness to Practise requirements and must achieve:
- An aggregate mark of 50% across all modules,
- A pass mark in modules to the value of at least 50 credits,
- A pass mark practice placement module NU1044, and
- A module mark of at least 45% in any remaining modules in Part A.
Students who fail to complete the practice placement module at the Summer Examination Board due to extenuating circumstances (e.g. sick leave), may have an Incomplete Placement Judgement (IP) recorded.
Pass by Compensation: Students who satisfy each of the above criteria are allowed to compensate in modules to the value of 10 credits and pass the year overall.
Award of Honours in the Degree Award
An honours classification is awarded for the final degree using the final year examination results and marks carried forward from first, second and third year. The aggregate of 10% of Year 1 Part A, 20% of Year 2 Part A, 35% of Year 3 Part A, and 35% of Year 4 Part A will be used to calculate the final degree award.
Honours will be awarded as follows:
- First Class Honours: ≥ 70%
- Second Class Honours, Grade I: ≥ 60% and <70%
- Second Class Honours, Grade II: ≥ 55% and <60%
- Pass: ≥ 50% and <55%
Examination Boards
- Provisional marks for Semester 1 examinations are released in January/February of each year. These marks are subject to approval at the University Examination Board.
- Marks for all modules taken in Semester 1 and 2, including those wholly assessed by Continuous Assessment, will be presented to the University Examination Board at the end of Semester 2.
Supplemental Examinations and Assessment
- Students who fail to achieve the progression standard for the year at the Summer Examination Board must complete Supplemental Examinations and/or Continuous Assessment for those specific module(s), where there is provision to do so.
- Please refer to the Book of Modules for requirements governing the Supplemental Examination and Assessment for individual modules. Note: For some modules there is no Supplemental Examination and Assessment.
- The marks achieved in the Supplemental Examinations and/or Continuous Assessment of a repeat module are considered at the Autumn Examination Board.
- The actual mark achieved by the candidate in the Supplemental or Repeat Year Examination will be recorded on the student record (Academic Transcript).
- The maximum mark that will be taken into account for aggregation and progression purposes is a pass level, unless the student has been granted a cap waiver or deferral by the University Mitigation Committee, or a University Examination Board, or has been approved to defer the previous attempt by the University Mitigation Committee.
- At the Autumn Examination Board, marks from all passed modules approved at the Summer Examination Board are carried forward and are combined with the marks achieved in Supplemental Examinations and/or Assessments. The pass and progression criteria are applied to the aggregate mark achieved.
Note: The mark achieved at the last examination/assessment attempt is the mark that is included in the calculation of the aggregate mark for pass and progression purposes.
- If a student fails to achieve competence in their CAD at the Summer Examination Board, the student will be provided with a supplemental repeat opportunity as prescribed in the School of Nursing and Midwifery Policy for Repeating a Clinical Module. Students failing to achieve a pass judgement at the Autumn Examination Board will be required to repeat the failed CAD in a repeat year. In addition, failure to attend 'repeat time' and/or 'time owing' as prescribed/scheduled by the School of Nursing and Midwifery will result in a fail judgement and students will be required to repeat the module in a repeat year. A student can only repeat Part B once in a repeat year. Results of the repeat year clinical practice module (Part B) will be presented to the next appropriate Examination Board. If a Fail Judgement for the clinical placement module (Part B) is returned in a repeat year, the student will be offered the opportunity to take the non-clinical exit route.
- Students who fail to complete Part B (the practice placement module) at the Summer Examination Board due to extenuating circumstances (e.g. sick leave), may have an Incomplete Placement Judgement (IP) recorded until the Autumn Examination Board, after which an Incomplete Placement Judgement (IP), Pass, Fail or Absent Judgement will be awarded. Students failing to achieve a pass judgement in Part B at the Autumn Examination Board will be required to repeat the failed CAD in a repeat year.
Exemptions
All passed modules carry an exemption, which is limited to a period of five academic years (or two in the case of Computer Science modules) subsequent to the award of the exemption.
Repeat Year Examinations
Students retain module exemptions, if any, and must repeat all failed/absent modules, including those modules where the failing mark previously achieved was greater than the level of compensation (≥ 45%) but who failed to achieve the progression standard for the year (see above). The pass and progression criteria are then applied to the combination of full marks achieved in modules passed at the first attempt, plus capped marks achieved in modules in the Repeat Year Examinations.
Note: For students selecting different modules not previously taken, there are no restrictions on the marks awarded for those modules at the first attempt in a repeat year. The selection of different modules by the student means that the student foregoes any previous marks achieved in the original modules (including previously passed modules).
Two Year Rule
Students must pass/progress within two academic years of the date of first registration for a year, otherwise they cannot continue in the programme. Any individual year can be repeated only once, however, a maximum of two failed years may be repeated during a student’s programme of studies. Thus, students must complete their studies ordinarily within six years of registering for the First Year of the programme.
Terms and Definitions
Programme Description
Module Descriptions/Assessment
- Module descriptions, including the pass standard for a module, special requirements to pass a module, and assessment elements and their weightings, are contained in the Book of Modules.
Marks and Credits
- A maximum of 100 marks may be awarded for every five credits of a programme.
- Some modules are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis only, i.e. marks are not awarded.
Pass and Progression
- Progression is defined as the permission granted to a student to register in the subsequent academic year for the next set of modules within his/her/their programme of study.
- Compensation is defined as the process by which a student, who fails to satisfy some of the regulations for credit in a specific module, is nevertheless recommended for credit to be awarded on the grounds that the failure is offset by his/her/their performance in the other modules on his/her/their programme of study.
