Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing
Overview
Intellectual Disability Nursing is a specialised area of nursing that focuses on providing holistic, person‑centred care to people with intellectual disabilities across their lifespan. RNIDs (Registered Nurses in Intellectual Disability) work to promote independence, health and quality of life, while advocating for each person’s rights, inclusion and dignity.
As an RNID, you can work in a wide range of settings, including:
- Community services and day programmes
- Residential and supported‑living services
- Acute hospitals and specialist healthcare services
Our graduates work with individuals, families and communities to support people with intellectual disabilities so that they can live full lives. At the heart of the intellectual disability nurse’s role is the ability to establish therapeutic relationships with individuals and their families. Nursing is a dynamic and physically demanding vocation. We are looking for motivated and compassionate students who can demonstrate strong:
- Communication skills
- Problem‑solving ability
- Critical thinking and reflection
Incorporating QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies with the BSc (Hons) Intellectual Disability Nursing gives students the opportunity to start their preparation for their nursing career in FET College, Inchicore, leading to a seamless progression to the BSc. Intellectual Disability Nursing in Trinity College Dublin.
Provider Locations and Structure
Year 1
QQI Nursing Studies 5M4349– FET College Inchicore
Years 2-5
School of Nursing and Midwifery, The GAS Building, D’Olier Street, Trinity College Dublin.
Course Content – For All Years
Modules subject to change in accordance with an MNBI new standards and requirements and TCD faculty quality review process.
Year 1 – QQI Nursing Studies 5M4349
5N4325 Nursing Theory and Practice
5N0749 Anatomy and Physiology
5N1279 Human Growth and Development
5N1356 Work Experience
5N0690 Communications
5N3734 Infection Prevention and Control
5N2770 Care Skills
5N0758 Care Support
5N1652 Intellectual Disability Studies
Year 2 – Trinity College Dublin – Intellectual Disability Nursing – Trinity modules
Module Code Module Title
MNU11002 Foundations of Person-Centred Intellectual Disability Nursing Practice
MNU11003 Principles of Intellectual Disability Nursing Across the Lifespan
MNU11010 Biological Sciences Underpinning Health and Wellbeing
MNU11011 Health Promotion, Essential Knowledge for Skills and Practice
MNU11012 Psychosocial Foundations for Care
MNU11013 Foundations for Professional Practice
Year 3 – Trinity College Dublin
Module Code Module Title
MNU22002 Person-Centred Support Across the Lifespan
MNU22003 Contemporary Health and Wellbeing in Intellectual Disability Nursing Practice 1
MNU22015 Physical Health and Pharmacology in Mental Health
MNU22005 Elective
MNU22016 Enhancing Professional Practice
MNU22017 Managing Care in Practice
MNU22018 Practice Placement
Year 4 – Trinity College Dublin
Module Code Module Title
MNU33002 Contemporary Health and Wellbeing in Intellectual Disability Nursing Practice 2
MNU33019 Individualised Dynamic Support Mechanisms
MNU3300x Elective (choice)
MNU33016 Clinical Judgement, Professional Practice, Foundations of Management
MNU33017 Practice Placement
Year 5 – Trinity College Dublin
Module Code Module Title
MNU44003 Using Research to Enhance Nursing and Midwifery Practice
MNU44004 Applied Clinical Management and Interprofessional Practice
MNU44005 Linking Education Practice Year 4
Planned Intake (Number of Places)
15 Places
Entry Requirements and Eligibility
Leaving Certificate with five subjects at grade 06 including Mathematics or a distinction in Leaving Certificate Applied including Mathematics
or
QQI Level 4 Major Award with a minimum grade of a merit including Mathematics
or
Applications are welcome from mature applicants (aged 23 years at the date of commencement of the course). These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed and are considered on an individual basis; previous education, life experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme.
CERFL proficiency at B2 for applicants whose first language is not English
Applicants must be 18 years of age by the 1st January in the year following commencement of the course.
Oversubscription
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 SUSI and/or are in receipt of a DSP long-term means tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups identified as part of the National Access Plan 2022-2028 (National Access Plan 2022-2028 | Policy | Higher Education Authority)
Course entry requirements and eligibility are in agreement with TCD and the National Tertiary Office.
Non EU Students
Non-EU citizens, who are not in the international protection system, but have permission to reside in Ireland unrelated to their student status (such as Stamp 4 visa holders) would be eligible to apply for the programmes but would not be eligible for free fees. They would therefore be liable to pay tuition fees for the FET portion of the programme, and fees (as determined by the individual HEI) per year of the HE portion. More information on eligibility and nationality criteria can be found here:https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/course-fees/
Learner pre-requisites
- Personal Statement
- Interview
- Garda Vetting
- Prospective students should also be aware that some aspects of this course are physically demanding and should satisfy themselves that they are physically fit enough to undertake it. All applicants will undergo a processing stage during which further information will be gathered in relation to their application.
Learner’s Desirable competencies and experience
Learners interested in undertaking this course should want to be part of an active and changing dynamic environment. They should, enjoy working with others and value caring for people. In addition, learners should be excellent communicators with problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Selection Process
- After shortlisting based on the above Entry Requirements and Eligibility, applicants will be invited to Round 1 interviews which usually take place in May.
- A 20-minute interview (in-person) and a writing exercise will be scored.
- Offers will be made to eligible applicants, and a waiting list will be formed.
- Conditional offers which will be issued subject to LC/LCA/Level 4 examination results.
- We will organise Garda Vetting and please note that this course requires applicants with No Disclosures.
- Applicants will be required to agree to receive vaccinations which will be organised and paid for through the programme, when they are enrolled on the course.
- Vacant places will be offered via above competition process until the 30th of September.
Onward Pathways
MSc Nursing
MSc Professional Nursing
MSc Advanced Practice Nursing
Special Features
To progress to TCD you must:
- Successfully complete the QQI Level 5 Major Award in Nursing Studies (5M4349)
- Gain distinctions in 5 modules including:
Nursing Theory and Practice or Care Support
And
Anatomy and Physiology.
Contact Details
City of Dublin FET College
Inchicore
Emmet Road
Dublin 8
D08 PX93
