Maynooth University has announced that it will establish an undergraduate General Nursing programme. The course is being developed to meet Ireland’s existing and growing population and healthcare requirements. As part of the University’s broader ambition, it is also exploring opportunities to develop programmes in Medicine in the future, subject to regulatory approval.
The development and introduction of the new Nursing course supports the Maynooth University Strategic Plan 2023-28, which aims to develop a strong academic presence in health and medical disciplines. This builds on the University’s strong academic underpinnings in biomedical sciences, immunology, assisted living, digital health and social care courses. MU aims to establish a School of Health and Medicine over the next five to ten year horizon that will be known for innovative and inclusive health education, making a significant contribution to the development of a future health care workforce in Ireland.
B.Sc. (Hons) General Nursing – Key Information
A four-year undergraduate (Level 8) General Nursing Programme, the programme will commence in 2025, with a planned initial intake of 50 students rising incrementally to 100 students per year. The course will take approximately 50% of its intake from mature/local FET learners (those who have completed pre-nursing schools). The establishment of the course is aligned to the MU strategic plan to develop a School of Health and Medicine that will offer health programmes at all levels from undergraduate to PhD. In developing the programme, the University will continue to actively engage with key stakeholders, and it aims to expand non-traditional pathways into Nursing, with a strong regional focus and the potential to create greater access to Nursing outside of Dublin.
Commenting, Professor Eeva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University stated, “This is a very significant development for Maynooth University, the healthcare sector and citizens accessing services. Our ambition in healthcare, nursing and medicine is aligned to our long standing and emerging strengths in academic disciplines underpinning Human Health and significant medical and health focused research. Through our existing strengths in areas such biomedical sciences, chemistry, digital health, the work of the Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Health Research and the Institute for Assisting Living and Learning, for example, we are well placed to deliver the country’s next future-focused health care courses.
“With regard to the new courses being developed, we are actively engaging with regional providers to develop a unique model of collaboration that enables an enhanced focus on community-based placements to address both existing and future regional and national healthcare needs. We will offer new academic and professional opportunities for those from backgrounds under-represented in health professions. This is part of our new strategic vision and plan for 2023-28 which builds on the ongoing success of the university to date, and indeed the broader development of Maynooth and the overall region as a desirable location to live and work."