Nursing - Intellectual Disability Nursing - Tertiary Education Programme
This is a unique access route into BSc Hons in Intellectual Disability Nursing with Atlantic Technological University is aimed at widening participation to communities and individuals who would not traditionally consider third-level education as option.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Atlantic Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Atlantic Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Atlantic Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Atlantic Technological University | Level 8 NFQ |
| Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) | Major | Atlantic Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
| Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | Atlantic Technological University | Level 6 NFQ |
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
5 years.
Location(s)for NFQ L5 study
GRETB Further Education & Training Centre, Lower Marion Road, Boyle, Co. Roscommon F52 X580
Locations for Nursing Undergraduate study
ATU, St Angela’s campus, Sligo
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate/LCVP or a Merit in Leaving Certificate Applied or a relevant QQI Level 4 certificate (UK and International equivalents may be considered)
or
QQI Level 4 award or equivalent
or
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)
or
An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience.
and
Applicants must demonstrate competence to undertake the programme.
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).
Progression to 3rd Level study at ATU: To progress to the four-year undergraduate degree in Intellectual Disability Nursing, successful students must achieve the full QQI Level 5 Award, with a minimum of five distinctions, which must include Anatomy and Physiology and Introduction to Nursing Theory and Practice or Care Support.
Garda Vetting: Entrants to this programme may be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána.
Medical Evaluation: Successful applicants for this degree are required to undergo a medical evaluation and vaccination screening
Careers / Further progression
Onward Pathways
Did you know all nursing graduates are highly sought after, with 100% employability potential upon graduation? Upon completion of the programme and meeting the necessary requirements, graduates are eligible to enter the nursing register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) to become Registered Intellectual Disability Nurses .
Graduates can decide to work with individuals and groups with intellectual disabilities in the community or to work with families and other professionals. Intellectual disability nurses also gain employment in schools, respite services and supported employment agencies. Graduate nurses often decide after they have gained some initial experience as an RNID to specialise and work with persons who have particular challenges such as complex needs, autism spectrum disorders, behaviour or mental health challenges. Many RNIDs also chose to enter careers in research, teaching, or management.
Many graduates choose to undertake further study in order to enhance their nursing practice and career opportunities. We offer a number of Postgraduate options which include:
Nursing/Professional Studies
International Healthcare Management
Disability Studies
Applied Health and Wellness Coaching
Professional Development Standalone Modules
ATU Level 8 qualifications are recognised worldwide for postgraduate entry. The programmes at Atlantic Technological University prepare students for global nursing.
It’s truly a fantastic career choice, and this course will prepare you for a fulfilling future.
Further information
Start Date: 02/09/2026
10 Places
Applications will be accepted through the Courses page from 5th November and will close late September 2026.
This is a unique access route into BSc Hons in Intellectual Disability Nursing with Atlantic Technological University is aimed at widening participation to communities and individuals who would not traditionally consider third-level education as option.
This course is designed to give applicants the academic skills and competence to succeed at undergraduate level, the confidence to progress into a professional programme and the opportunity to undertake a rewarding career in nursing.
This tertiary education programme aims to increase access to degree level education in several ways including increasing the number of locations regionally that students can begin their studies, enhancing flexibility through providing a number of programme paths, widening access through more flexible entry requirements which take account of the socio-economic and other barriers faced by eligible participants.
Incorporating the Level 5 Nursing Studies and the BSc (Hons) Intellectual Disability Nursing, this innovative programme gives students the opportunity 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 GRETB Further Education & Training Centre, Boyle and then progress to ATU’s St Angela’s campus to undertake their four-year Nursing programme.
GRETB will offer students additional support in the areas of mathematics, ICT and study skills to build knowledge and confidence in their next step to ATU
Accreditation and Embedded Awards
This tertiary degree is a comprehensive 5 year programme. The programme is designed to support academic success despite challenges that may arise. If a student has to leave the programme before completing the final year, tertiary degrees include embedded awards. Embedded awards formally recognise learning achieved during time in the programme. For this degree, the embedded awards is:
After successfully completing Year 1:
NFQ level 5 Major Award in Nursing Studies from QQI
After successfully completing Year 3:
NFQ level 6 Higher Certificate in Science in Health Sciences from ATU
After successfully completing Year 4:
NFQ level 7 Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from ATU
The final NFQ level 8 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing is awarded by ATU
Students in year one will complete QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies (5M4349):
• Anatomy & Physiology 5N0749
• Nursing Theory & Practice 5N34425
• Human Growth & Development 5N1279
• Work Practice 5N1433
• Communications 5N0690
• Infection Prevention & Control 5N3734
• Care of the Older Person 5N2706
• Care Skills 5N2770
As well as additional elements such as First Aid Response, People Manual Handling, and 150 hrs clinical placement in a Healthcare setting.
Then from year two students progress to ATU to complete the BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing at ATU, St Angela’s Campus
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Intellectual Disability Nursing, is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become Registered Intellectual Disability Nurses (RNIDs) and enter the professional practice of nursing through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. The curriculum is comprehensive, combining theoretical education with practice based teaching and clinical experiences. While specific courses and programme structures may vary between each of the ATU sites, here are some common components you can expect to find on the program:
1. Basic Sciences: The programme often begins with foundational courses in the basic sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology. These courses provide a solid understanding of the human body and its functions.
2. Nursing Theory and Practice: Students learn the theoretical foundations of nursing, including concepts like nursing ethics, health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. They also study nursing processes, critical thinking, and decision-making skills essential for providing patient care.
3. Clinical Skills: All of the programs include hands-on training in various clinical skills. Students learn fundamental nursing procedures, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, wound care, and conducting patient assessments. They also gain proficiency in using specialised equipment and technologies.
4. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Health promotion focus on educating individuals, families, and communities about maintaining and improving their health. Students learn strategies for health education, health promotion, and disease prevention in diverse populations.
5. Person Centres & Empowered Support: Students will reflect on their own and current nursing practice drawing on the knowledge gained from previous modules. Students will gain experience in supporting people with intellectual disability to live an ordinary life across various settings. This will necessitate the student to empower the person with an intellectual disability and their advocates to meet their life, social and health needs within a person-centred nursing context.
6. Intellectual Disability Nursing Studies: Students will gain a theoretical, evidence informed understanding of the diverse role of the RNID in supporting adults with an intellectual disability to live an ordinary life across various settings. This will necessitate the student to reflect on lived experiences and empower the adult and their advocates to meet their life, social and health needs within a person-centred context.
7. Leadership and Management: the programme will include an introduction on nursing leadership and management. Students learn about healthcare systems, healthcare policy, healthcare quality improvement, and leadership skills required to manage and coordinate patient care.
8. Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Students are introduced to the research process and learn to critically appraise nursing research. They understand the importance of evidence-based practice in nursing, using research findings to inform their clinical decision-making.
In addition to classroom lectures and laboratory sessions, the programs include supervised clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. These clinical experiences provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world healthcare environments under the guidance of experienced nurses (preceptors).
Claire Fiddaman
Programme Development Co-ordinator Tertiary Education
tertiary@atu.ie
Maria Doherty
Programme Manager
nto@dletb.ie