Undergraduate

Our undergraduate programmes will provide you with the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of a changing healthcare environment, nationally and internationally. Choose our Bachelor of Nursing Science (General), Bachelor of Nursing Science (Mental Health) or a Bachelor of Midwifery Science.

You can watch the introduction to the nursing programmes by Bernard McCarthy from this youtube link.

You can read more here about nursing as a career for you here: NMBI - Nursing/Midwifery A career for you

Our undergraduate students have a remarkable record of success, and are recognised each year in the Dr Henry Hutchinson Stewart Medical Scholarships and Prizes.

On successful completion of the programme, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) and practise as a registered nurse or midwife.

Engage in practical learning

You will acquire essential clinical skills in our labs and facilities, which have been purpose-built for our nursing and midwifery students. Our Clinical Skills Laboratories, Health Assessment Laboratory and Self-Directed Skills Room, will test your clinical and decision-making skills in a safe and supervised environment.

From your first semester, you will also gain practical experience in a clinical setting. You will undertake a clinical placement in each semester of the programme, enabling you to refine your knowledge and skills to provide safe and high-quality care in a range of healthcare settings. In Year Four, you will complete a 36-week clinical internship. During this period, you will be considered an employee and be paid a salary.

Be supported

You will be supported for the duration of the programme by an assigned Academic Advisor. Your Academic Advisor will monitor your academic progress, and provide support and advice when needed.

During clinical placement, you will be supervised by a registered nurse or midwife who will act as a role model and resource to support your learning in the clinical setting. You will also be guided and supported by a Clinical Placement Co-ordinator who will ensure learning outcomes are achieved.

You can also access NUI Galway’s support services at any time.

Benefit from excellent teaching

You will learn from academics with a wealth of teaching and clinical expertise. Many of our lecturers are also researchers dedicated to shaping practice and the health service of the future.

Our staff have been recognised for their outstanding teaching efforts. The President’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching have been presented to Dr Catherine Houghton (2016), Dr Siobhán Smyth (2011) and Former Head of School Dr Adeline Cooney (2009).

Ireland’s only Professor of Midwifery, Professor Declan Devane, is based at the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Professor Devane is recognised as a research leader, and was awarded the President’s Award for Research Excellence in 2015.

Broaden your career opportunities

Nurses and midwives have the knowledge and skills to make a real difference to people’s lives. There are opportunities for qualified nurses and midwives to work in a range of public and private health care settings. Nursing and midwifery qualifications are recognised internationally, giving you the opportunity to work overseas and broaden your experience.

A career as a nurse or midwife, offers many different career opportunities and pathways. You may work in clinical or management roles, teaching or research, or choose postgraduate study to specialise in a particular area.‌