Applicants must hold a NFQ Level 8 Honours Degree In Mental Health Nursing with a minimum of 2.2 classification or equivalent qualification. Applicant should also be currently registered with the Nursing Board of Nursing and Midwifery Ireland (NMBI), and have post-qualification experience as a qualified Mental Health Nurse/ Psychiatric Nurse for a minimum of 3-5 years with clients presenting with a variety of mental health challenges. Candidate should be currently employed in a practice area where Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP) is employed as a treatment modality, and be able to provide evidence of support from their line manager/ director of services in the form of facilitating them to practice as a student CBP therapist under a named CBP therapist who will act as the students’ clinical supervisor throughout clinical practice. Potential students may be interviewed as part of the application process.

Recognition of Prior Learning: Yes.

Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.

For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.

Start Date: September 2026.

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.