Intellectual Disability Health Care Practice

In response to the changing needs of educational provision in healthcare practice and stakeholder consultation, the School of Nursing and Human Sciences has developed a postgraduate educational framework for nurses and other healthcare practitioners.

The programme includes modules predominantly focused on practice embedded elements. It is anticipated that students will normally be working a minimum of 20hrs per week in an area related to their intended focus of study, e.g. recovery oriented practice, the management of long term illness, community/primary care, intellectual disability & concurrent mental health problems, care of the older person or care of the child and adolescent.

This programme will further develop your analytical skills, and provide an educational framework to deliver optimum care to individuals, families and communities, as well as improving the quality of healthcare practice in the Irish healthcare system.

Programme

To initiate and lead practice developments in your area.

To demonstrate clinically effective practice through critical engagement.

To demonstrate advanced research skills, which enable you to appraise research design and effective practice, and develop the requisite research knowledge and skills to implement best practice.

To engage in effective intra and inter professional working with healthcare colleagues.

To advance practice in your profession and designated area through effective leadership and innovation.

To demonstrate a critical engagement with decision-making frameworks and processes in health and social care contexts.

For those continuing to complete the MSc. component it is expected that you will be able to plan, undertake and disseminate an original piece of healthcare practice research upon completion.

General Entry Requirements

Direct entry to the programme will be considered for candidates who hold a primary degree, with a minimum of second-class honours, grade two, in a relevant discipline. Where a prospective student has not attained the required academic level prior to their application, and in keeping with the University policy on equality of access and opportunity, additional opportunities for entry to the programme will be available. These are offered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Candidates will normally be expected to be working in the area of practice which they hope to study over the course of the programme. The programme will incorporate a separate external practice placement

Dublin City University is proud to award merit-based scholarships to high achieving students who enter the Faculty of Engineering and Computing and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for the 2016/17 academic year. These scholarships are available to Indian applicants only and are based on academic merit to those who have a Full Offer. 

The Faculties also award scholarships of €1,000 to high achievers entering Masters and Bachelor programmes who are ranked by academic achievement. 

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Intellectual Disability Health Care Practice at Dublin City University is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary programme designed to prepare students for a career in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. This programme offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, emphasizing person-centered care, multidisciplinary teamwork, ethical considerations, and the promotion of independence for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects including health promotion, safeguarding, mental health, communication strategies, and community-based support, equipping graduates to meet the complex needs of this population.

Throughout the course, students engage in both classroom-based learning and hands-on clinical placements in various health and social care settings. This experiential learning component ensures that graduates are well-prepared to operate confidently within the health care system, providing quality support and fostering positive outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The programme places significant emphasis on developing professional competencies such as assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation, all aligned with contemporary health and social care standards.

The programme also explores recent developments in policy and legislation related to disability and health care, ensuring that students are aware of their legal and ethical responsibilities. Interprofessional education activities encourage collaboration across different health and social care disciplines, fostering a holistic approach to caregiving. Graduates of this programme are equipped to work in a variety of settings including residential care facilities, community support services, healthcare providers, and advocacy organizations.

As part of their academic progression, students benefit from access to experienced faculty members who have expertise in intellectual disability, health promotion, and social care. The programme also offers career support services to assist students in securing employment post-graduation and opportunities for further education or specialization. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to register with relevant professional bodies and pursue advanced studies in related fields. Overall, the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Intellectual Disability Health Care Practice aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and compassion necessary to improve quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities and to make meaningful contributions to the health and social care sector.