BSc Hons Intellectual Disability Nursing

Cork

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BSc Hons Intellectual Disability Nursing program at University College Cork (UCC) offers comprehensive training for individuals aspiring to become intellectual disability nurses. This program prepares students to provide specialized care and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives and participate fully in their communities. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience, equipping students with the skills and competencies needed to deliver high-quality, person-centered care to individuals with diverse needs.

Holistic Approach: The program emphasizes a holistic approach to nursing care, focusing on the physical, emotional, social, and psychological well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Students learn to assess clients' needs, develop individualized care plans, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to promote holistic health and support positive outcomes.

Person-Centered Care: Central to the program is the concept of person-centered care, which emphasizes respecting individuals' autonomy, preferences, and choices. Students learn to engage with clients in a respectful and empathetic manner, recognizing their unique strengths, abilities, and aspirations. Through clinical placements and experiential learning, students develop the skills to advocate for clients' rights and facilitate their active participation in decision-making processes.

Clinical Placements: The program incorporates extensive clinical placements in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, residential facilities, community-based services, and educational settings. These placements provide students with hands-on experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities under the supervision of qualified nurses. Students have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, develop clinical skills, and gain confidence in providing safe and effective care.

Specialized Training: In addition to foundational nursing courses, students receive specialized training in areas relevant to intellectual disability nursing, such as communication strategies, behavior management techniques, sensory integration, health promotion, and therapeutic interventions. The curriculum addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities and prepares students to address complex health issues with sensitivity and expertise.

Professional Development: Throughout the program, students are encouraged to reflect on their practice, engage in continuous learning, and uphold professional standards of nursing practice. They learn about ethical principles, legal frameworks, and policies relevant to intellectual disability nursing, preparing them to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and advocate for social justice and equality for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Pollster Education

Location

Cork

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 6.5

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

€ 16700

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: € 50

Academic Qualifications: For undergraduate programs, applicants require a minimum academic score of 80-85% or above in their previous studies.

English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, with no individual band below 5.5.
  • TOEFL: Overall score of 90, with specific section requirements: Listening 20, Reading 20, Speaking 21, Writing 20.
  • PTE: Overall score of 63, with no section below 59.
  • DET: Overall score of 120, with a minimum of 110.

Students must provide:

  • academic marksheets & transcripts
  • letters of recommendation
  • a personal statement - SOP
  • passport
  • other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

University College Cork (UCC) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. 

International Merit-Based Scholarships: UCC provides merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and may cover partial tuition fees or provide stipends.

Government and External Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by their home governments, non-governmental organizations, or external funding bodies. UCC assists students by providing information and support in applying for these external scholarship opportunities.

Research Scholarships and Grants: For postgraduate research students, UCC offers various grants and scholarships to support research endeavors. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide additional stipends for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: UCC recognizes talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and athletic pursuits. These scholarships assist students in balancing their sports with their studies.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Certain faculties or departments within UCC offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships aim to attract exceptional students to particular programs and fields of study.

Need-Based Financial Aid: The university understands the financial challenges international students might face and offers need-based financial aid programs to assist students who demonstrate financial need.

Graduating from the BSc Hons Intellectual Disability Nursing program at University College Cork (UCC) opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the field of healthcare. Intellectual disability nurses play a crucial role in providing specialized care and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities across various settings.  

  1. Registered Intellectual Disability Nurse: Upon completion of the program and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), graduates become qualified registered intellectual disability nurses. They can work in diverse healthcare settings, including residential care facilities, community-based services, hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers.

  2. Community Nursing: Graduates may choose to work as community intellectual disability nurses, providing essential healthcare services to individuals with intellectual disabilities in their homes and communities. They play a vital role in promoting independence, supporting families, and facilitating access to healthcare resources and social services.

  3. Hospital-Based Nursing: Hospitals often have specialized units or clinics dedicated to providing healthcare services to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Graduates can work in these settings, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address the complex health needs of patients and ensuring they receive appropriate care and support during hospital stays.

  4. Education and Training: Some graduates may pursue careers in education and training, becoming clinical educators, lecturers, or trainers in intellectual disability nursing programs or healthcare institutions. They can share their expertise and experiences with future generations of nurses, contribute to curriculum development, and engage in research and scholarship to advance the field.

  5. Advocacy and Policy Development: Intellectual disability nurses are well-positioned to advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities at local, national, and international levels. Graduates may work in advocacy organizations, government agencies, or policy-making bodies, influencing healthcare policies and practices to promote inclusivity, equality, and social justice for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

  6. Research and Innovation: For those interested in research and innovation, opportunities exist to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and evidence-based practice in intellectual disability nursing. Graduates may pursue further education and training, undertake research projects, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative interventions and improve outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities.


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