Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Health & Social Care

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing starting in Waterford

A five-year nursing degree for working with people with intellectual disabilities. You do a Level 5 nursing studies year in Waterford, then four years at SETU. It suits caring people who want to support people of all ages in the community.

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 full-time (Year 1 pre-entry in further education, then 4 years at SETU)
Award
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing (SETU); QQI 5M4349 Nursing Studies in Year 1
Where you study
  • Year 1: Waterford College of Further Education (WWETB) → Years 2–5: SETU Waterford Campus

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert: at least five subjects at O6/H7
  • Or Leaving Cert Applied including Maths
  • Or a QQI Level 4 major award or equivalent
  • Mature applicants (23 or over at the start) assessed on life and work experience
  • B2 English for non-native speakers
  • If oversubscribed, priority goes to applicants with the greatest local need

How to apply

Apply directly to Waterford College of Further Education (WWETB), not through the CAO.

Apply to Waterford College of Further Education (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Nursing studies at Level 5 in Year 1
  • Nursing care for people with intellectual disabilities
  • Working in multidisciplinary community teams
  • Clinical placements

Where it can lead

  • Registered Intellectual Disability Nurse
  • Work in homes, schools, residential and respite services
  • Specialise in challenging behaviour or complex disabilities
  • Advanced study in nursing education or management

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.