Pre-University Nursing & Midwifery
This course will prepare learners for a career in nursing or midwifery.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | First Aid Response |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| First Aid Response | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Course Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate with 5 passes or equivalent is the standard entry requirement for all Level 5 courses. Leaving Certificate Applied or QQI Level 4 Award are also acceptable on the majority of Level 5 courses. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements (e.g. mature learners etc.) for particular courses may be interviewed.
A QQI Level 5 award or equivalent in a relevant subject area is the standard entry requirement for Level 6 Advanced Certificate courses.
Non-Standard Applicants
Non-Standard Applicants may be required to complete an interview and/or other form of assessment to successfully complete their registration on their chosen programme.
English Language
All courses are delivered through English. In addition to the listed entry requirements, applicants whose first language is not English are required to complete and provide evidence of English language proficiency. Where prospective learners first language is not English, the standard minimum entry requirements for all courses is proficiency at B2 on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
School Leavers
Whether you have attended school in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK or further afield, we have a programme to suit your needs. We have a wide range of suitable programmes with internationally recognised certification that will enhance both your career and further education possibilities.
International Students
DIFE welcomes applications from eligible international students. Help and advice is available for international students at every step of the application process and continues after enrolment onto your chosen programme.
Careers / Further progression
Progression & Career Options:
Graduates can apply to Nursing degree courses in a range of universities and technological universities in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK. Graduates may also apply to join our Level 6 course in Health & Social Studies.
Graduates may also apply to join our Level 6 course in Health & Social Studies
Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked:
UCD, TCD, UCC, DKIT, UL - Midwifery Degree Programmes
NURSING PLACES IN DCU:
A new agreement with DCU has secured 12 reserved college places for DIFE Pre-Nursing Studies graduates annually across DCU’s Nursing Studies programmes.
Links to Midwifery degree programmes in UK universities
Links to:
John Moore University, Liverpool
Bangor University, Wales
University of the West of Scotland
Swansea University, Wales
University of Salford
Anglia Ruskin University, London
Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology.
This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.
Further information
Course commences: September 2026.
Students should apply online through the college website: www.dife.ie (see "Application Weblink").
Further information of the webpage - https://www.dife.ie/application-procedure/
This course will prepare learners for a career in nursing or midwifery. The course will provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for pursuing a career in nursing and midwifery. Students will gain the practical and clinical skills necessary to provide safe, compassionate, and effective patient care. including training in patient assessment, basic nursing procedures, and maternal and new-born care.
Nursing Places in DCU:
A new agreement with DCU has secured 12 reserved college places for DIFE Pre-Nursing Studies graduates annually across DCU’s Nursing Studies programmes.
Nursing Theory and Practice
Anatomy and Physiology
Human Growth and Development
Maternity Care Support
Care Provision and Practice
Word Processing
Safety and Health at Work
Communications
Work Experience
Additional Qualifications:
People Handling
Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults Persons Awareness Programme
First Aid Responder (PHECC)
Infection Prevention and Control
5M4349 - Nursing Studies
Award:
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies - 5M4349.
Additional Qualifications:
People Handling
Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults Persons Awareness Programme
First Aid Responder (PHECC)
Infection Prevention and Control
Contact Admissions Office or Course Co-ordinator,
Drogheda Institute,
Tel: 041 983 7105
Web: www.dife.ie
email: dife@lmetb.ie