Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing, Trinity College Dublin
QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies, FET College Inchicore, 1 year + BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing in TCD, 4 years
About the Course This is a new and exciting Tertiary Degree programme leading to the BSc in Intellectual Disability Nursing in Trinity College Dublin. There are 15 places on this programme.
A Career in ID Nursing
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
You may support children, adults and older people with intellectual disabilities, often working closely with families, multidisciplinary teams and community organisations. Work experience is an integral part of this course and it will give you a real insight into the role and responsibilities of an Intellectual Disability nurse.
Is this branch of Nursing for you?
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. 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
If you are passionate about supporting people with intellectual disabilities to live full and meaningful lives, this pathway could be the right next step for you.
How does the Tertiary Pathway work?
If you are accepted onto this Degree programme, you will be enrolled as a student of City of Dublin FET College, Inchicore and Trinity College Dublin from the start. Only students who meet all of the requirements below will proceed to Year 2 on the undergraduate degree in Intellectual Disability Nursing in Trinity College Dublin. To progress to Year 2 of the BSc in Intellectual Disability Nursing in Trinity, you must:
- Successfully complete the 1‑year, full‑time FET programme 5M4349
- Achieve 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.
Course Coordinator: Tammy O’Rourke
- Year 1 – QQI Nursing Studies 5M4349– FET College Inchicore
- Nursing Theory and Practice
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Human Growth and Development
- Work Experience
- Communications
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Care Skills
- Care Support
- Intellectual Disability Studies
- Course content may be revised for educational or organisational reasons and is subject to agreement with
- NMBI, TCD and the National Tertiary Office
- Year 2 – Trinity College Dublin – Intellectual Disability Nursing – Trinity modules
- 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
- 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
- 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
- MNU44003 Using Research to Enhance Nursing and Midwifery Practice
- MNU44004 Applied Clinical Management and Interprofessional Practice
- MNU44005 Linking Education Practice Year 4
Course content may be revised for educational or organisational reasons.
QQI Nursing Studies 5M4349 Patient Lifting and Manual Handling On successful completion of Year 1 in FET you will progress to Year 2 on the Bachelor of Science in Intellectual Disability Nursing at TCD
Minimum Entry Requirements
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.
Eligibility
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)
Fees
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/ Course entry requirements and eligibility are in agreement with TCD and the National Tertiary Office.
Learner pre-requisites
- Personal Statement
- Interview
- Garda Vetting
This course requires students to be Garda vetted and return No Disclosures. Applicants 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
- Shortlisting for Interviews will apply.
- Offers will be made to eligible applicants, and a waiting list will be formed.
- Conditional offers which will be issued subject to examination results.
- Applicants will be required to agree to receive vaccinations which will be organised and paid for through the programme once enrolled on the course.
- Vacant places will be offered via above competition process until the 30th of September.
On successful completion of Year 1 in FET you will progress to Year 2 on the Bachelor of Science in Intellectual Disability Nursing at TCD. To do this 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.
You are eligible to apply for many other CAO courses through the CAS Higher Education Links Scheme. You will also be qualified to work as a Healthcare Assistant. The focus of this programme will be to fill the 15 places offered by TCD in ID Nursing.
