Trinity launches first tertiary pathways in Mental Health Nursing and Intellectual Disability Nursing
Posted on: 03 February 2026
Applications for tertiary pathways in Mental Health Nursing and Intellectual Disability Nursing will open shortly
The School of Nursing & Midwifery at Trinity College Dublin has launched the University’s first tertiary pathways, creating seamless progression routes from further education and training (FET) into its Mental Health Nursing and Intellectual Disability Nursing degree programmes.
Developed in partnership with City of Dublin FET College Cathal Brugha, City of Dublin FET College Inchicore, and the National Tertiary Office, the new pathways provide a clear model of advancement into higher education for FET students who successfully complete the Level 5 Nursing Studies programmes embedded as part of this new Tertiary pathway.
In line with Trinity’s commitment to widening participation and supporting underrepresented communities, several places will be reserved on the Mental Health Nursing tertiary pathway for applicants from Traveller and Roma backgrounds.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Damien Brennan, Head of the School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, said:
“The School of Nursing & Midwifery is proud to offer FET learners a clear path to study Mental Health Nursing or Intellectual Disability Nursing at Trinity College Dublin. Through these additional places on our undergraduate programmes, we are actively contributing to an expanded and strengthened healthcare workforce.”
Tanya Jones, Deputy Director of the National Tertiary Office, said:
“Too often, capable and motivated students are held back by structural barriers — points requirements, financial pressures, or a lack of confidence borne not of ability, but of circumstance. The tertiary pathway directly responds to this reality. These degrees are transformative because they are designed around learners, not around obstacles.”
John Moriarty, Director of Further Education and Training, City of Dublin ETB, said:
“City of Dublin ETB is delighted to partner with Trinity College Dublin on these tertiary programmes. They are a strong example of how further and higher education can work together to create clear, supported pathways for learners. Through this partnership, we are recognising the quality of learning in FET and opening new opportunities for learners to progress into nursing careers that are vital to our health system.”
Applications for tertiary pathways in Mental Health Nursing and Intellectual Disability Nursing will open shortly on www.nto.ie