COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc (Hons) Nursing – Intellectual Disability Nursing program is a four-year degree that combines academic learning with clinical practice to prepare students for specialist nursing roles. In the first year, students study the foundations of person-centred intellectual disability nursing practice, principles of care across the lifespan, biological sciences related to health and wellbeing, health promotion, psychosocial foundations of care, and the basics of professional nursing practice. In the second year, students build on this knowledge by focusing on person-centred support across the lifespan and contemporary health and wellbeing in intellectual disability nursing, alongside practice placements. They also develop skills in enhancing professional practice and managing care, with the option to take an elective module. In the third year, learning becomes more advanced, focusing on contemporary health and wellbeing, individualised dynamic support mechanisms, and further clinical placements. Students also develop clinical judgement, professional practice, and basic management skills, supported by an elective. In the final year, students complete further practice placements and focus on using research to improve nursing practice, as well as applied clinical management and interprofessional practice. Across all years, the program emphasises person-centred care, ensuring students develop the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in achieving the highest possible quality of life across healthcare settings.