Nursing school at Maynooth Uni to open in September

Maynooth University has announced the launch of Ireland’s newest School of Nursing, with the first students set to begin a BSc in General Nursing this September.

Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, applications open on 28 August via the CAO ‘Available Places’ route.

This marks the first new university-based nursing school in Ireland in two decades and reflects a major shift toward community-focused, digitally enabled healthcare education.

Maynooth University’s new School of Nursing will welcome its first students in September, following official approval by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

The first intake of 30 students will commence their undergraduate studies in September.

Professor Fintan Sheerin, Founding Head of the new MU School of Nursing, said student numbers are expected to rise to 100 over the next four years.

“Maynooth University is in a unique position in establishing a wholly new school of nursing,” said Prof Sheerin.

“This hasn’t been done in an Irish university for about two decades, and we are ideally placed to take the lead in tackling challenges and in re-shaping Irish healthcare education and service delivery.

“Our new School of Nursing is at the forefront of a new wave in healthcare education, and we are committed to inclusive pathways for diverse learners – that was explicit in our commitment that 50 per cent of our students will come from further education and mature learners.” The nursing programme, established by Prof Sheerin and his colleagues Dr Adeline Cooney, and Dr Myles Hackett, reflects the policy recommendations of the Expert Review of Nursing and Midwifery Curriculum published last year.

This means that Maynooth University has a head start with its pioneering curriculum approach that will soon apply across all institutions. The programme is offered in partnership with HSE Dublin and Midlands Region.

The School of Nursing incorporates a vision of community health and wellbeing that will be at the forefront of how service delivery is evolving towards community care hubs and minor injury units. It is fully aligned with the Government’s 10-year health service plan, Sláintecare.

Prof Sheerin explained: “What makes the new School’s approach especially distinctive is our focus on integrating community care and primary care - shifting away from a hospital model of nurse education to a community-focussed model of maintaining health and well-being.

“Digital health innovation is also a key component of the nursing curriculum. Maynooth University has the opportunity to be a leader in digital health integration and sustainability,” he added.

Minister James Lawless lauded the development. 

He said: “This initiative will open up new opportunities for students across Kildare and beyond to pursue careers in healthcare. The inclusion of further education and mature learners is particularly welcome, ensuring we are tapping into all available talent and building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities. 

“This is about building long-term capacity in a healthcare system that continues to evolve. Maynooth University is now well positioned to become a hub for nursing education and research, supporting local needs while contributing nationally to the future of healthcare delivery."

He added: “I want to congratulate Maynooth University for their leadership, dedication and innovation in entering healthcare provision in higher education, and I look forward to continued engagement with the University as it continues to develop."

Based in the Eolas Building on campus, the School incorporates a state-of-the-art Clinical Skills and Simulation Laboratory that mirrors hospital and community care environments. Students will combine theory with hands-on practice in a controlled environment.

While a BSc in General Nursing will be the core programme, the School will later incorporate other areas of nursing, and is expanding to postgraduate programmes, and research and innovation.