BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing

QQI Level 7

Course Code

Major Award Code

5M4349

About This Course

This is a unique access route into the BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing across three ETB campuses in Cavan, Monaghan, and Louth/Meath Region, aimed at widening participation to communities and individuals who would not traditionally consider third-level education as an option.

Intellectual Disability Nursing is a specialised branch of nursing that focuses on supporting people with intellectual disabilities to live healthy, fulfilling, and independent lives. These nurses work with individuals who may have challenges with learning, communication, and daily living skills. Their role is to promote health, provide care, and advocate for the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all areas of life.

Incorporating the Level 5 Nursing Studies and the BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing, this innovative programme is one that will give students the opportunity to students to start their preparation for the Intellectual Disability Nursing degree programme in the FE sector, leading to direct access to the third-level college. Students will spend the first year of this programme in their local ETB (Education Training Board) and then progress to Dundalk Institute of Technology to undertake their four-year BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing programme.

Each ETB will offer students additional support in the areas of mathematics, ICT and study skills to build knowledge and confidence in their next step to DkIT.

Locations for NFQ L5 study:

O’Fiaich Institute, Dublin Rd. Dundalk Co. Louth
Cavan Institute, Cathedral Rd. Cavan Co. Cavan
Monaghan Institute, Armagh Rd. Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan
Location for the Intellectual Disability Nursing Undergraduate Programme
Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dublin Rd. Marshes Upper. Dundalk, Co. Louth.

Modules

Course Content

Students in year one Cavan Institute will complete QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies (5M4349)

Anatomy & Physiology
Nursing Theory & Practice
Human Growth & Development
Care Provision and Practice
Work Experience
Communications
Understanding Mental Health
Infection Prevention and Control
Research and Study Skills
Mathematics

In addition to elements such as First Aid Response, Patient Moving and Handling, and HSeLanD courses, the program includes a clinical placement in an Intellectual Disability setting, ranging from a minimum of 72 hours to a maximum of 150 hours.

Progression

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate/LCVP or a Merit in Leaving Certificate Applied

Relevant QQI Level 4 award (UK and International equivalents will be considered)

Mature applicants – (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year).  These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed here and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme)

An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience.
- Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must provide evidence of current and valid permission to study on a Further Education and Training (FET) programme in Ireland.
- Where English is not the applicant’s first language, a minimum English language proficiency level of B2 (as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR) is required.
In the event of over subscription priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate that they qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant under the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) and/or are in receipt of a Department of Social Protection (DSP) long-term means-tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups or from any priority group identified as part of the next National Access Plan (2022-2028).
Applicants must demonstrate competence to undertake the programme. All applicants are required to attend an interview to assess their suitability for the programme.

Course Fees

At Cavan Institute, we believe that quality education should be within everyone's reach. That's why all our courses have a single, affordable fee of just €200 in total. No hidden costs, no complex fee structures. Just straightforward, accessible learning to help you achieve your goals. We're proud to offer a diverse range of courses at a price that sets us apart from other colleges with high fees.

Do you have a Medical Card? Your medical card will exempt you from the €50 QQI exam fee, resulting in a reduced fee of €150.

Sarah Ryan

Nursing Studies

I am so grateful for all the help they’ve given me through this past year and am so happy that I was given the opportunity to go to my dream college!"