Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Health & Social Care

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing starting in Inchicore, Dublin

A five-year route into intellectual disability nursing. You do a Level 5 Nursing Studies year in Inchicore, then four years at Trinity. It suits caring, motivated people with good communication skills.

How tertiary degrees work: you apply directly to the further education college, not through the CAO, and you don't need CAO points. You start in the further education college and then move on to the university or technological university to finish the full degree. Applications usually open early in the year; 2026 closing dates ranged from March to May.

Key facts

How long
5 years (Year 1 at FET College Inchicore, Years 2-5 at Trinity College Dublin)
Award
BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing (Trinity College Dublin)
Where you study
  • Year 1: City of Dublin FET College, Inchicore → Years 2–5: Trinity College Dublin (School of Nursing and Midwifery)

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert with five subjects at O6 including Maths, or a Distinction in LCA including Maths
  • Or QQI Level 4 Major Award at Merit including Maths
  • Mature applicants (23 at start of course) assessed individually
  • Must be 18 by 1 January of the year after the course starts
  • English: B2 (CEFR) if not first language
  • Personal statement, 20-minute interview and writing exercise
  • Garda vetting with no disclosures; agree to vaccinations
  • To progress to TCD: QQI 5M4349 with Distinctions in 5 modules including Anatomy and Physiology and Nursing Theory and Practice or Care Support

How to apply

2027 application link not yet published – check the NTO page. Apply directly to the college, not through the CAO. Apply directly to City of Dublin FET College Inchicore (not through the CAO). Interviews usually take place in May.

Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Nursing theory, anatomy and physiology
  • Person-centred care across the lifespan
  • Intellectual disability nursing practice
  • Practice placements in clinical settings
  • Research and clinical management in the final year

Where it can lead

  • Registered Nurse in Intellectual Disability (RNID)
  • Community services and day programmes
  • Residential and supported-living services
  • Acute hospitals and specialist healthcare
  • MSc nursing study

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Biology, Home Economics

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

This degree is also offered starting in

Apprenticeships in Health

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Information from the National Tertiary Office (nto.ie), checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.