Dundalk IT introduces new route to Intellectual Disability Nursing degree

A unique access route into the BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is set to commence in September 2025, with a tertiary degree route being made available across three ETB (Education and Training Board) campuses in Cavan, Monaghan, and the Louth /Meath Region and is aimed at widening participation to communities and individuals who may not have considered third-level education as an option.

Tanya Jones, Deputy Director, National Tertiary Office said: “Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees offer a great alternative and more affordable route for learners to achieve their degree, starting in a Further Education college and seamlessly progressing to the Higher Education Institution, while availing of all the supports and benefits across both FE and HE from the outset.

"Tertiary Degrees are about meeting prospective students where they are and helping them get to where they want to go. They provide an opportunity to pursue a degree regardless of background, family circumstances or financial situation.”

The Tertiary Degree Pathway in Intellectual Disability Nursing Route will commence with students completing a QQI Level 5 in Nursing Studies in one of the participating ETBs, and then gaining entry into the first year of DkIT BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing.

Incorporating the Level 5 Nursing Studies and the BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing, this innovative programme is one that will give the opportunity to students to start their preparation for the Intellectual Disability Nursing degree programme in the Further Education sector, in one of the participating campuses; O’Fiaich Institute, Dundalk, Cavan Institute and Monaghan Institute. Students will spend the first year of this programme in their local ETB and then progress to Dundalk Institute of Technology to undertake their four-year BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing programme.

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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 Intellectual Disability nursing. Each ETB will offer students additional support in the areas of mathematics, ICT and study skills to build knowledge and confidence in their next step to DkIT.

This tertiary education programme aims to increase access to degree level education in several ways, including increasing the number of locations regionally where students can begin their studies, enhancing flexibility through providing a number of programme paths, and widening access through more flexible entry requirements which take account of the socio-economic and other barriers faced by eligible participants.

Briege King, Head of Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years at DkIT said: “DkIT is proud to be part of the new Tertiary Access Degree in Intellectual Disability Nursing, offering prospective nurses across the North East a new route into this rewarding profession.

"We are very fortunate to collaborate with Cavan Institute, Monaghan Institute, and O’Fiaich Institute, Dundalk, to offer this programme which aims to widen participation and support students from diverse backgrounds to pursue third-level education. Intellectual Disability Nurses play a vital role in helping people live independently with dignity, and we’re excited to see more individuals gain access to this essential career path.”

 Sadie Ward-McDermott, Director of Further Education and Training, LMETB added: “LMETB and O Fiaich Institute are exceptionally proud to be a partner in this newly developed, innovative Tertiary Access Degree programme in Intellectual Disability Nursing which launches this Autumn.

"As a leading provider of FET provision, LMETB is pleased to see this programme now being made available in the North East region and is assured that it will be a hugely popular course with Adult returners and school leavers as they consider their options for September 2025.

"The tertiary degree programme is a unique offering which is aimed at enabling and supporting the widening of access to participate in education and training. Intellectual Disability nursing provides a hugely rewarding career and LMETB is very proud to be part of this partnership, delivering this opportunity in September 2025 in the region.”

Dr Linda Pinkster, Director of Further Education and Training, CMETB, said: “CMETB is delighted to be part of this collaboration with DKIT and LMETB that opens new doors for learners in our region. This tertiary degree pathway provides a meaningful and supported route into a highly rewarding career in Intellectual Disability Nursing.

"By starting their journey in their local community, students gain confidence, develop essential academic skills, and are empowered to progress into higher education. This is about equity, opportunity, and building the future workforce in a sector where compassionate, skilled professionals are so urgently needed.”

To find out more about this new Tertiary Pathway visit: https://nto.hea.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-intellectual-disability-nursing/