Nursing & Health Studies - Letterkenny Institute of Technology

YOU THINK YOU MIGHT WANT TO STUDY:
Early Childhood Care,
Health & Education
Health &
Social Care
General Nursing
Intellectual
Disability Nursing
Psychiatric
Nursing
170 NURSING AND HEALTH STUDIES

Course LISTING
Higher Certificate in Science in
Early Childhood Care, Health
& Education
Higher Certificate in Science in
Health & Social Care
Bachelor of Science in Health &
Social Care
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in
Early Childhood Care, Health
& Education
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in
General Nursing
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in
Health & Social Care
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in
Intellectual Disability Nursing
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in
Psychiatric Nursing
Higher Diploma in Science in
Nursing (Continuing Education)
DEPARTMENT OF
Nursing and
Health Studies
Head of Department
Marianne Moutray
mbe
Telephone
074 918 6303
Email
marianne.
moutray@lyit.ie
Department
Administration
Telephone
074 918 6310
074 918 6306
074 918 6308
We specialise in the training and development of next
generation professionals. Early Years Education, Health
and Social Care or Nursing, the journey starts here.
Working in partnerhship with placement providers
we ensure that practice is the central tenet of all our
courses. Looking for a passport to a world of career
opportunities, then look no further. It all starts here.
171

Early Childhood Care, Health & Education
course title
Higher Certificate
NEW
in Science in Early
Childhood Care,
Health & Education
WORK
PLACEMENT
national framework level
6
cao code
ly906
duration
2 years
number of places
20 of which
2 are reserved for FETAC applicants
2 are reserved for internal progression
from Certificate in Preparatory
Studies/Access Studies
awarding body
lyit
Is this the course for you
Childcare has become a crucial issue in
contemporary society. Economically
childcare is key growth area and is
fundamentastudl to the provision of
equal opportunities in the labour force.
Subsequently, demand for competent
and confident early childhood
professionals has never been higher
in Ireland.
This programme is designed to enable
the learner to undertake a variety of roles
in the childcare sector. It will furnish
the learner with an introduction to a
wide range of theoretical and practical
skills including the developing child,
children’s behaviour, curriculum
studies, creativity and imagination,
child protection, child health and
practical methods of engaging children
through play.
On successful completion, learners are
eligible for direct entry to Year 3 of the
BSc (Hons) in Early Childhood Care,
Health & Education.
Minimum entry requirements
At least 5 Leaving Certificate subjects,
including English or Irish at od3 or
higher (not Foundation Level Irish), and
Maths at od3/fb2/he.
or
FETAC Childcare Award at level 5
(DCHSC Childcare) with distinctions in
at least three specific modules (refer to
page 254 for required modules).
Non-Irish Exams: Applicants presenting
non-Irish exams as a basis for entry,
please check the IOTCEF listing to search
for the entry relevant to your country.
Garda Vetting: Everyone who joins
this course will have to be vetted by
the Gardaí (police). If the Gardaí raise
an issue it will have to be addressed
satisfactorily. If it is not, you will not be
able to go on placement or fulfil your
course requirements, in which case you
may be asked to leave the course. Please
note that all courses requiring Garda
vetting will only have places for non-
EU candidates if there are not enough
qualified EU candidates available to fill
the course.
Placement: Students will undertake
placement in all semesters of the course
except the first semester. Each placement
will be of 6 weeks duration and located
within the County of Donegal.
Students may be required to complete
a medical self-assessment declaration
form and be subject to a medical
assessment/screening and vaccination
programme for placements in
specific areas.
Career opportunities
The main employers are:
1 Private Sector Childcare Facilities such
as crèches, nurseries, playgroups,
pre-schools, homework clubs
1 The Health Services – special needs
services, family support services and
community services
1 Primary Schools – classroom assistant
1 Other Public Services – specialist
advisor, researcher, social planning.
172

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES
What will I study
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
Introduction to Psychology & Sociology M 10 8
Learning to Learn M 5 5
Introduction to Law M 5 5
Education & Play M 10 10
1|2 2|4
Curriculum Studies M 5 6
Working with Children &
Vulnerable Persons M 10 8
Early Years Environment M 10 8
Professional Placement 1 M 5 30
Year/
Semester
1|1 2|3
Proposed
Modules
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
Creativity in the Early Years M 5 6
Disability Awareness M 10 8
Child Health & Well-being M 10 8
Professional Placement 2 M 5 30
Understanding Children's Behaviour M 5 6
Children & Family Studies M 10 6
Curriculum, Pedagogy & Assessment M 10 8
Professional Placement 3 M 5 30
Note: module titles and associated credit weighting may
be subject to change following yearly review.
173

Health & Social Care
WORK
PLACEMENT
course title
Higher Certificate in
NEW
Science in Health &
Social Care
national framework level
6
cao code
ly916
duration
2 years
number of places
24 of which
2 are reserved for FETAC applicants
2 are reserved for internal progression
from Certificate in Preparatory
Studies/Access Studies
awarding body
lyit
Is this the course for you
This course is designed to meet the
aspirations of a variety of individuals.
The course links learning and
experiences from professional practice
areas such a work with children, young
people, people with disabilities and
older people in a variety of Health and
Social Care settings in order to facilitate
learners progress into responsible
positions in the growing area of
professional social care.
In addition, the course incorporates
academic subjects linked to Health
and Social Care that would be required
for post-graduate study in such areas
as social work and other allied health
professions, teaching and others.
Minimum entry requirements
Grade D3 or higher in at least five
ordinary level subjects at Leaving
Certificate, including Maths and either
Irish (not Foundation Level Irish) or
English, or an equivalent qualification.
or
FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Community
Care (DCHCC) with distinctions in at
least three specific modules (refer to
page 254 for required modules).
Non-Irish Exams: Applicants presenting
non-Irish exams as a basis for entry,
please check the IOTCEF listing to search
for the entry relevant to your country.
Garda Vetting: Everyone who joins
this course will have to be vetted by
the Gardaí (police). If the Gardaí raise
an issue it will have to be addressed
satisfactorily. If it is not, you will not be
able to go on placement or fulfil your
course requirements, in which case you
may be asked to leave the course. Please
note that all courses requiring Garda
vetting will only have places for non-
EU candidates if there are not enough
qualified EU candidates available to fill
the course.
Placement: Students will undertake
placement in all semesters of the course
except the first semester. Each placement
will be of 6 weeks duration and located
within the County of Donegal.
Students may be required to
complete a medical self-assessment
declaration form and be subject to a
medical assessment/screening and
vaccination programme for placements
in specific areas.
Career opportunities
On completion of this course learners
will have a wide range of transferable
skills applicable to a broad spectrum of
areas to include residential childcare,
intellectual disability services, respite
services, adult services, older people,
health promotion, Women’s Aid, nursing
homes youth work and community
development.
Follow-on courses
1 Bachelor of Science in Health &
Social Care
1 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Health
& Social Care
174

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES
What will I study
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
Introduction to Psychology & Sociology M 10 8
Introduction to Law M 5 5
Interpersonal Skills 1 –
Working with Individuals M 10 7
Learning to Learn M 5 5
1|2 2|4
Health Promotion & Recreational Activities M 5 4
Perspective of Ageing M 10 6
Working with Children &
Vulnerable Persons M 10 8
Professional Placement 1 M 5 30
Year/
Semester
1|1 2|3
Proposed
Modules
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
Community Development M 5 5
Interpersonal Skills 2 –
Individuals, Groups & Organisations M 10 7
Disability Awareness M 10 8
Professional Placement 2 M 5 30
Psychological Health & Wellbeing M 5 8
Law M 10 8
Children & Family Studies M 10 6
Professional Placement 3 M 5 30
Note: module titles and associated credit weighting may be
subject to change following yearly review.
175

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
WORK
PLACEMENT
course title
Bachelor of Science in
Health & Social Care
national framework level
7
cao code
ly917
duration
3 years
number of places
20 of which
1 is reserved for mature applicants
1 is reserved for FETAC applicants
2 are reserved for internal
progression from Certificate in
Preparatory Studies/Access Studies
awarding body
lyit
points in recent years
year final median
2009/10 285* 335
2010/11 300* 325
2011/12 305* 350
Is this the course for you
Do you enjoy helping others Are you
excited by the prospect of working
with and assisting people to live
independently If so, you may wish
to consider applying for this exciting
course developed in collaboration with
a range of stakeholders in the public
and voluntary sector. This is one of the
fastest growing areas of the economy
and it needs graduates with an interest
in working with and contributing to
the physical, psychological, social and
educational needs of a range of clients
across the social spectrum.
Minimum entry requirements
Grade D3 or higher in at least five
ordinary level subjects at Leaving
Certificate, including Maths and either
Irish or English, or an equivalent
qualification. The minimum points for
entry is 140 points.
or
FETAC Level 5 Award in Community
Care (DCHCC) or Healthcare Support
(DHSXX) with distinctions in at least
three specific modules (refer to page
254 for required modules).
Part-time study: Applicants who are
interested in taking selected modules
only from this course and/or those
interested in studying this course in
a part-time mode, visit our website
www.lyit.ie for further information.
Non-Irish Exams: Applicants presenting
non-Irish exams as a basis for entry,
please check the IOTCEF listing to search
for the entry relevant to your country.
Garda Vetting: Everyone who joins
this course will have to be vetted by
the Gardaí (police). If the Gardaí raise
an issue it will have to be addressed
satisfactorily. If it is not, you will not be
able to go on placement or fulfil your
course requirements, in which case you
may be asked to leave the course. Please
note that all courses requiring Garda
vetting will only have places for non-
EU candidates if there are not enough
qualified EU candidates available to fill
the course.
Placement: Students will undertake
placement in all semesters of the course
except the first semester. Each placement
will be of 6 weeks duration and located
within the County of Donegal.
Students may be required to
complete a medical self-assessment
declaration form and be subject to a
medical assessment/screening and
vaccination programme for placements
in specific areas.
Mature applicants: If you are 23 years or
older by 1 January in the year of entry,
and you do not have the minimum
educational requirements, you should
apply via the CAO, using the mature
code, before 1 February.
176

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES
What will I study
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
1|1
1|2
2|3
Introduction to Psychology & Sociology M 10 8
Introduction to Law M 5 5
Interpersonal Skills 1 –
Working with Individuals M 10 7
Learning to Learn M 5 5
Health Promotion & Recreational Activities M 5 4
Perspective Ageing M 10 6
Working with Children
& Vulnerable Persons M 10 8
Professional Placement 1 M 5 30
Community Development M 5 5
Interpersonal Skills 2 –
Individuals, Groups & Organisations M 10 7
Disability Awareness M 10 8
Professional Placement 2 M 10 30
2|4
3|5
3|6
Psychological Health & Wellbeing M 5 8
Law M 10 8
Children & Family Studies M 10 6
Professional Placement 3 M 5 30
Lifespan Psychology M 10 6
Autistic Spectrum Disorders M 5 4
Research M 10 7
Professional Placement 4 M 5 30
Understanding Modern Ireland M 10 7
International Perspectives on
Health & Social Care M 5 5
Youth Work M 10 7
Professional Placement 5 M 5 30
Note: module titles and associated credit weighting may
be subject to change following yearly review.
Career Opportunities
The newly established Health & Social Care
Professional Council (2007) will inevitably
lead to the need for all working in this
area to be registered. As a graduate, you
will be able to work as part of a multidisciplinary
team in a range of settings
including residential and day care and in
the community.
Prospective employers include the Health
Service Executive, organisations such
as Barnardos, Sisters of Charity and
community-based groups.
Follow-on courses
1 Bachelor of Science Honours in Health
& Social Studies in other colleges
and universities.
177

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE, HEALTH & EDUCATION
WORK
PLACEMENT
course title
Bachelor of Science
(Hons) in Early Childhood
Care, Health & Education
national framework level
8
cao code
ly968
duration
4 years
number of places
30 of which
2 are reserved for mature applicants
2 are reserved for FETAC applicants
2 are reserved for internal progression
from Certificate in Preparatory
Studies/Access Studies
awarding body
lyit
points in recent years
year final median
2009/10 n/a n/a
2010/11 n/a n/a
2011/12 310* 340
Is this the course for you
Do you enjoy caring for infants and
young children Would you like a career
where you are responsible for the health,
education and care of young kids If so,
then look no further than this course. It
will give you the knowledge and skills
that are essential to build your career in
this fun, exciting and rewarding area.
You will enjoy a mix of academic and
practical learning including social and
behavioural sciences, child health and
wellbeing and childcare management as
well as experience a work placement each
semester which is located in the County
of Donegal only.
Minimum entry requirements
Entry to the course will be via normal
CAO Applications Processes. The course
will be available to applicants who meet
the following criteria:
Standard Code applicants must have
passed at least 6 Leaving Certificate
Subjects, including the following
subjects:
1 English or Irish (not Foundation
Level Irish)
1 Mathematics (not Foundation Level)
1 At least 4 other subjects
Applicants must have a minimum of
Grade c3 in at least two higher-level
papers and a minimum of grade D3 in
the remaining papers.
or
Have obtained a full FETAC Childcare Award
at level 5: DCHSC Childcare (or equivalent
qualifications), including distinctions in at
least three of the following modules:
1 d20153 Working in Childcare
1 d20159 Caring for Children
1 d20005 Child Development
1 d20007 Early Childhood Education
All applicants who meet the minimum entry
requirements or who are taking the correct
combination of subjects in the Leaving
Certificate or an equivalent Examination are
eligible to apply through the CAO and will
be ranked and selected on points.
Non-Irish Exams: Applicants presenting
non-Irish exams as a basis for entry, please
check the IOTCEF listing to search for the
entry relevant to your country.
Health Declaration: Students may be
required to complete a medical selfassessment
declaration form and be subject
to a medical assessment/screening and
vaccination programme for placements in
specific areas.
Garda Vetting: Everyone who joins this
course will have to be vetted by the Gardaí
(police). If the Gardaí raise an issue it will
have to be addressed satisfactorily. If it is
not, you will not be able to go on placement
or fulfil your course requirements, in which
case you may be asked to leave the course.
Please note that all courses requiring Garda
vetting will only have places for non-EU
candidates if there are not enough qualified
EU candidates available to fill the course.
178

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES
What will I study
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
1|1
Introduction to Psychology & Sociology M 10 8
Introduction to Law M 5 5
Education & Play M 10 10
Learning to Learn M 5 5
3|5
Developmental Psychology M 10 6
Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood M 5 4
Research M 10 7
Professional Placement 4 M 5 30
1|2
2|3
2|4
Curriculum Studies M 5 6
Working with Children &
Vulnerable Persons M 10 8
Early Years Environment M 10 8
Professional Placement 1 M 5 30
Creativity in the Early Years M 5 6
Disability Awareness M 10 8
Child Health & Well-being M 10 8
Professional Placement 2 M 5 30
Understanding Children’s Behaviour M 5 6
Children & Family Studies M 10 6
Curriculum Pedagogy & Assessment M 10 8
Professional Placement 3 M 5 30
3|6
4|7
4|8
Cultural & Linguistic Diversity M 5 6
Communications in Early Years M 10 6
Comparative Education M 10 6
Professional Placement 5 M 5 30
Research Proposal M 5 6
Effective Infant Education M 10 6
Quality Pedagogy in Early Years M 10 8
Professional Placement 6 M 5 30
Outdoor Play & Risk Mastery M 5 7
Children with Additional Needs M 10 7
Management & Entrepreneurship M 10 6
Professional Placement 7 M 5 30
Note: module titles and associated credit weighting may be
subject to change following yearly review.
Mature applicants: If you are 23 years or
older by 1 January in the year of entry, and
you do not have the minimum educational
requirements, you should apply via the CAO
before 1 February.
Career Opportunities
There is a strong and growing demand for
qualified child care professionals at home and
abroad so you’ll find plenty of excellent career
opportunities. Some positions include:
1 Private sector childcare facilities – crèches,
nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools and
homework clubs
1 The Health Services – special needs
facilities, family support and
community services
1 Primary Schools – classroom assistant
1 Other public services – specialist advisor,
researcher or social planner
Follow-on courses
Progression to Masters or Doctoral
programmes at Institutes of Technology
and Universities in Ireland and abroad.
179

GENERAL Nursing
WORK
PLACEMENT
course title
Bachelor of Science
(Hons) in General Nursing
national framework level
8
cao code
ly908
ly938 (Mature Code)
duration
4 years
number of places
25 of which
4 are reserved for mature applicants
2 are reserved for FETAC applicants
awarding body
lyit
points in recent years (ly908)
year final median
2009/10 380 385
2010/11 390 415
2011/12 385* 405
points in recent years (ly938)
year final median
2009/10 #176 #188
2010/11 #177 190
2011/12 #221 227
180
Is this the course for you
If you have a strong desire to care for
people suffering from illness or injury
then a career in the highly respected
area of general nursing could be for you.
This course offers a mix of academic and
practical experiences. It will teach you the
nursing and communication skills you’ll
need and foster your natural passion to
care and support these people in their
time of need.
Practice Placement forms an integral part
of the course. Please note that placements
are normally 35/37.5 hours per week and
you may be required to work nights, long
shifts and weekends.
Minimum entry requirements
1 Grade hc3 in two higher level papers,
together with Grade od3 in four other
subjects of the Leaving Certificate
examination, to include Mathematics,
Irish or English, and a laboratory
science subject (Biology, Physics,
Chemistry, joint Physics & Chemistry
or Agricultural Science).
1 Equivalent international qualifications
are also accepted. Refer to pages 261–264
for more detail.
1 We accept certain FETAC Level 5
awards. You will find the complete
list on page 254.
Health declaration: Students are required
to complete a medical self-assessment
declaration and are subject to medical
assessment/screening and a vaccination
programme.
Garda Vetting: Everyone who joins this
course will have to be vetted by the Gardaí
(police). If the Gardaí raise an issue it will
have to be addressed satisfactorily. If it is
not, you will not be able to go on placement
or fulfil your course requirements, in which
case you may be asked to leave the course.
Please note that all courses requiring Garda
vetting will only have places for non-EU
candidates if there are not enough qualified
EU candidates available to fill the course.
Mature applicants: If you are 23 years or
older by 1 January in the year of entry, and
you do not have the minimum educational
requirements, you should apply via the CAO
using the mature code before 1 February.
Mature applicants are required to undertake
an aptitude test and must apply, separately,
for that test via www.publicjobs.ie.
Career opportunities
The nursing profession offers rewarding
and varied careers with very good
employment prospects at home and abroad.
Local employers are generally:
1 Health Service Executive
1 Private Sector Nursing Homes
– Acute General Hospitals
– Primary/community care services
– Other health-related services
Depending on your interests, you may
work in a variety of roles dealing with all
kinds of patients and ailments. These roles
may include:
1 Staff nurse in a hospital
1 Public health nurse
1 Clinical nurse specialist
1 Clinical nurse manager
1 Nursing lecturer.
Visit www.nursingboard.ie for more
career ideas.

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES
What will I study
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules*
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules*
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
1|1
1|2
2|3
Biological & Related Sciences 1 M 5 4
Introduction to Social &
Behavioural Sciences M 5 5
Learning to Learn Research & IT 1 M 5 6
Introduction to Nursing M 5 6
Nursing Skills 1 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Biological & Related Sciences 2 M 5 5
Sociology & Lifespan Psychology M 5 5
Learning to Learn Research & IT – 2 M 5 6
Fundamentals of General Nursing Practice M 5 6
Nursing Skills 2 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Individual Differences Sociology & Law 1 M 5 5
Family Health M 10 10
Primary Health Care M 5 6
Personal & Professional Development 1 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
3|5
3|6
4|7
Sociology Abnormal Psychology & Law M 5 5
Neurological Nursing M 10 8
Musculoskeletal Nursing & Care
of the Older Person M 5 6
Personal & Professional Development 3 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Sociology Health Psychology & Law M 5 5
Gastro-intestinal & Endocrine Nursing M 10 8
Personal & Professional Development 4 M 5 6
Nutrition & Health M 5 6
Complimentary Therapies M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Preparation for Professional Practice M 5 6
Renal & Related Nursing M 10 8
Perspectives in Nursing Management M 5 5
First Aid M 5 6
Counselling M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
2|4
Individual Differences Sociology & Law 2 M 5 5
Respiratory & Cardiovascular Nursing M 10 10
Specialist Nursing M 5 6
Personal & Professional Development 2 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
4|8
Taught Clinical Placement
(36 Week Internship) M 30 39
Note: module titles and associated credit weighting may
be subject to change following yearly review.
Follow-on courses
Higher Diplomas at LYIT in:
1 Critical Care Nursing
1 Accident and Emergency Nursing
1 Tissue Viability and Wound
Management Nursing
1 Orthopaedic Nursing
1 Care of the Older Person Nursing
(All courses may not be available every year.
Contact us for more details.)
1 Postgraduate Diplomas or Masters and
Doctoral degrees in other colleges and
universities.
181

Health & SOCIAL CARE
WORK
course title
Bachelor of Science (Hons)
in Health & Social Care
PLACEMENT
national framework level
8
lyit internal code
ly_nhlss_b
duration
1 year
number of places
30
awarding body
lyit
Is this the course for you
This new and exciting 1 year add-on
degree to the level 7 programme will
provide the graduate with an in-depth
comprehensive knowledge and work
place experience in two of the more
complex and essential services required
in society, ie, health and social care.
Minimum entry requirements
Level 7 in Health and Social Studies or
an equivalent qualification.
Health Declaration: Students may
be required to complete a medical
self-assessment declaration form and
be subject to a medical assessment/
screening and vaccination programme
for placements in specific areas.
Garda Vetting: Everyone who joins
this course will have to be vetted by
the Gardaí (police). If the Gardaí raise
an issue it will have to be addressed
satisfactorily. If it is not, you will not be
able to go on placement or fulfil your
course requirements, in which case you
may be asked to leave the course. Please
note that all courses requiring Garda
vetting will only have places for non-
EU candidates if there are not enough
qualified EU candidates available to fill
the course.
Career Opportunities
On completion of the programme
the learner will have the academic
preparation to present themselves for a
variety of career paths in many different
arenas within the Health and Social
Care environment both nationally
and internationally.
Career pathways such as management/
co-ordinating role in social and
healthcare within private or public
sector organisations, community
development, social enterprise, youth
development, special needs, voluntary
organisations and advocacy groups.
Furthermore, career opportunities
within this varied industry have the
potential to expand given discussion in
respect of ‘skill mix analyses’ within the
Health and Social Care arena.
Follow-on courses
1 Postgraduate professional training in
Social Work in both the Republic of
Ireland and the UK/Northern Ireland
1 Masters degrees at other colleges
or universities.
182

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES
What will I study
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
4|7
4|8
Research Proposal M 5 6
Social Policy & Economics M 10 7
Anti-Discriminatory Practice M 5 3
Media & Social Care M 5 5
Professional Placement 6 M 5 30
Professional Standards & Ethics M 5 4
Addiction Studies M 10 7
Management & Entrepreneurship M 10 6
Professional Placement 6 M 5 30
Note: module titles and associated credit weighting may
be subject to change following yearly review.
DEPT OF CREATIVE MEDIA 183

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY Nursing
WORK
course title
Bachelor of Science
(Hons) in Intellectual
Disability Nursing
PLACEMENT
national framework level
8
cao code
ly928
ly958 (Mature Code)
duration
4 years
number of places
15 of which
4 are reserved for mature applicants
1 is reserved for FETAC applicants
awarding body
lyit
points in recent years (ly928)
year final median
2009/10 330 350
2010/11 350 370
2011/12 345* 360
points in recent years (ly958)
year final median
2009/10 #164 #167
2010/11 #169 171
2011/12 #219 220
Is this the course for you
As one of the most rewarding careers you
can choose, nursing attracts people who
have a desire to care for and work with
others who, due to an intellectual disability
and/or mental ill health, are not able to live
a fully independent life. Everyday tasks that
we take for granted pose huge challenges to
people who have an intellectual disability.
This course will give you the knowledge
and special skills needed to enhance their
quality of life. They may have physical and/
or sensory impairments but with your
help they could live as independently as
possible. Just think of the potential shown
by Special Olympics athletes when they get
the support they need.
Practice placement forms an integral part
of the course. Please note that Placements
are normally 35/37.5 hours per week and you
may be required to work nights, long shifts
and weekends.
Minimum entry requirements
1 Grade HC3 in two higher level
papers, together with Grade od3 in
four other subjects of the Leaving
Certificate examination, to include
Mathematics, Irish or English, and a
laboratory science subject (Biology,
Physics, Chemistry, joint Physics &
Chemistry or Agricultural Science).
1 Equivalent international qualifications
are also accepted. Refer to pages 261–264
for more detail.
1 We accept certain FETAC Level 5
awards. You will find the complete
list on page 254.
Health declaration: Students are
required to complete a medical selfassessment
declaration and are subject
to medical assessment/screening and a
vaccination programme.
Garda Vetting: Everyone who joins this
course will have to be vetted by the Gardaí
(police). If the Gardaí raise an issue it will
have to be addressed satisfactorily. If it is
not, you will not be able to go on placement
or fulfil your course requirements, in which
case you may be asked to leave the course.
Please note that all courses requiring Garda
vetting will only have places for non-EU
candidates if there are not enough qualified
EU candidates available to fill the course.
Mature applicants: If you are 23 years or
older by 1 January in the year of entry, and
you do not have the minimum educational
requirements, you should apply via the CAO
using the mature code before 1 February.
Mature applicants are required to undertake
an aptitude test and must apply, separately,
for that test via www.publicjobs.ie.
Career opportunities
A career in this area will lead you to work
with children and adults and their families
and carers in their own homes, residential
homes, respite units, day centres, schools
and workplaces. Your role will vary with
each individual case, working as part of a
multi-disciplinary team to support each
person involved. Your activities will range
from nursing through to health promotion,
planning activities, counselling and case
management. Whether you work in the
public sector for the Health Service Executive
or for a private care organisation, your career
will help to change lives for the better. Visit
www.nursingboard.ie for more career ideas.
184

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES
What will I study
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules*
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules*
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
1|1
1|2
2|3
Biological & Related Sciences 1 M 5 4
Introduction to Social &
Behavioural Sciences M 5 5
Learning to Learn Research & IT 1 M 5 6
Introduction to Nursing M 5 6
Nursing Skills 1 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Biological & Related Sciences 2 M 5 5
Sociology & Lifespan Psychology M 5 5
Learning to Learn Research & IT – 2 M 5 6
Concepts & Aetiology of
Intellectual Disability M 5 6
Principles of Intellectual
Disability Nursing 1 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Applied Biological & Related Science 1 M 5 3
Individual Differences Sociology & Law 1 M 5 5
Principles of Intellectual
Disability Nursing 2 M 5 7
Primary Health Care M 5 6
Personal & Professional Development 1 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Follow-on courses:
1 Higher Diplomas at LYIT in:
2|4
3|5
3|6
4|7
Applied Biological & Related Science 2 M 5 3
Individual Differences Sociology & Law 2 M 5 5
Assessment & Skills Development M 5 6
Transitions & Interpersonal Relationships M 5 7
Personal & Professional Development 2 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Applied Biological & Related Science 3 M 5 3
Sociology Abnormal Psychology & Law M 5 5
Behaviours that Challenge 1 M 5 5
Living Options & Support Networks M 5 6
Personal & Professional Development 3 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Applied Biological & Related Science 4 M 5 3
Sociology Health Psychology & Law M 5 5
Behaviours that Challenge 2 M 5 5
Personal & Professional Development 4 M 5 6
Nutrition & Health E 5 6
Complimentary Therapies E 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Applied Biological & Related Science 5 M 5 3
Physical & Psychological Illness in
Intellectual Disability M 5 6
Principles of Intellectual
Disability Nursing 3 M 5 5
Perspectives in Nursing Management M 5 5
Culture & Diversity in Health Care E 5 6
Counselling E 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
1 Intellectual Disability Nursing
– Challenging Behaviour
4|8
Taught Clinical Placement
(36 Week Internship) M 30 39
1 Intellectual Disability Nursing
– Care of the Older Person
Note: module titles and associated credit weighting
may be subject to change following yearly review.
(All courses may not be available every year.
Contact us for more details.)
1 Postgraduate Diplomas or Masters and
Doctoral degrees in other colleges and
universities.
185

PSYCHIATRIC Nursing
WORK
course title
Bachelor of Science (Hons)
in Psychiatric Nursing
PLACEMENT
national framework level
8
cao code
ly918
ly948 (Mature Code)
duration
4 years
number of places
20 of which
5 are reserved for mature applicants
1 is reserved for FETAC applicants
awarding body
lyit
points in recent years (ly918)
year final median
2009/10 335 350
2010/11 340 355
2011/12 350 370
points in recent years (ly948)
year final median
2009/10 #166* #171
2010/11 #172* 175
2011/12 #219 224
Is this the course for you
If you are drawn to caring for and
working with people with mental
illness, then this course will have
what you’re looking for. Mental health
problems range from depression and
anxiety to grief, bi-polar disorders
and schizophrenia.
Practice placements are an integral
part of the course. Please note that
Placements are normally 35/37.5 hours
per week and you may be required to
work nights, long shifts and weekends.
Placements will be in Donegal and in
Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Services.
Each student will be required to attend
placement in both of these services.
Minimum entry requirements
1 Grade HC3 in two higher level papers,
together with Grade od3 in four other
subjects of the Leaving Certificate
examination, to include Mathematics,
Irish or English, and a laboratory
science subject (Biology, Physics,
Chemistry, joint Physics & Chemistry
or Agricultural Science).
1 Equivalent international qualifications
are also accepted. Refer to pages
261–264 for more detail.
1 We accept certain FETAC Level 5
awards. You will find the complete
list on page 254.
Health declaration: Students are
required to complete a medical selfassessment
declaration and are subject
to medical assessment/screening and a
vaccination programme.
Garda Vetting: Everyone who joins this
course will have to be vetted by the Gardaí
(police). If the Gardaí raise an issue it will
have to be addressed satisfactorily. If it is
not, you will not be able to go on placement
or fulfil your course requirements, in which
case you may be asked to leave the course.
Please note that all courses requiring Garda
vetting will only have places for non-EU
candidates if there are not enough qualified
EU candidates available to fill the course.
Mature applicants: If you are 23 years or
older by 1 January in the year of entry, and
you do not have the minimum educational
requirements, you should apply via
the CAO using the mature code before
1 February. Mature applicants are required
to undertake an aptitude test and must
apply, separately, for that test via
www.publicjobs.ie.
Career opportunities
Psychiatric nurses play a significant part
in a highly skilled team of professionals
who care for mentally ill patients in
hospitals or special units. For more
independent roles, you may prefer to
work in a community setting, providing
help in peoples’ homes, day care units or
supervised residential units.
Whether you work in the public sector for
the Health Service Executive or for a private
care organisation, your role will include
mental health promotion as well
as providing care to people with short or
long-term problems. In any setting, you
will have a varied and rewarding career
in a challenging environment. Visit
www.nursingboard.ie for more career ideas.
186

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES
What will I study
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules*
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
Year/
Semester
Proposed
Modules*
Mandatory
/Elective
No. of
credits
Class
hours
per week
1|1
1|2
Biological & Related Sciences 1 M 5 4
Introduction to Social &
Behavioural Sciences M 5 5
Learning to Learn Research & IT 1 M 5 6
Introduction to Nursing M 5 6
Nursing Skills 1 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Biological & Related Sciences 2 M 5 5
Sociology & Lifespan Psychology M 5 5
Learning to Learn Research & IT – 2 M 5 6
Fundamentals of Mental Health
Nursing Practice M 5 6
Mental Health Nursing Skills 2 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
2|4
3|5
Applied Biological & Related Science 2 M 5 5
Individual Differences
Sociology & Law 2 M 5 5
Therapeutic Interventions
in Mental Health M 5 6
Mental Health Nursing Care M 5 6
Personal & Professional Development 2 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Applied Biological & Related Science 3 M 5 3
Sociology Abnormal Psychology & Law M 5 5
Mental Health Across the Lifespan M 5 5
Specialist Approaches in Nursing Care M 5 6
Personal & Professional Development 3 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
2|3
Applied Biological & Related Science 1 M 5 3
Individual Differences Sociology & Law 1 M 5 5
Mental Illness & Therapy M 5 7
Primary Health Care M 5 6
Personal & Professional Development 1 M 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5
3|6
Applied Biological & Related Science 4 M 5 3
Sociology Health Psychology & Law M 5 5
Experiencing Mental Illness M 5 5
Personal & Professional Development 4 M 5 6
Nutrition & Health E 5 6
Complimentary Therapies E 5 6
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Follow-on courses
Higher Diplomas at LYIT in:
1 Mental Health Nursing Care of the Adult
1 Mental Health Nursing Care of the
Older Person
(All courses may not be available every year.
Contact us for more details.)
1 Postgraduate Diplomas or Masters
and Doctoral degrees in other colleges
and universities.
4|7
4|8
Applied Biological & Related Science 5 M 5 3
Arts & Humanities in
Mental Health Nursing M 5 6
Contemporary Issues in
Mental Health Nursing M 5 5
Perspectives in Nursing Management M 5 5
Culture & Diversity in Health Care E 5 6
Counselling E 5 5
Taught Clinical Placement M 5 35
Taught Clinical Placement
(36 Week Internship) M 30 39
Note: module titles and associated credit weighting may
be subject to change following yearly review.
187

CONTINUING EDUCATION
course title
Higher Diploma in Science in
Nursing (Continuing Education)
national framework level
8
lyit internal codes
ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY
ly_nnsae_g
TISSUE VIABILITY & WOUND
MANAGEMENT
ly_nntwm_g
CRITICAL CARE
ly_nnscc_g
GENERAL NURSING (OLDER PERSON)
ly_nngen_g
MENTAL HEALTH (ADULT)
ly_nnmen_g
MENTAL HEALTH (OLDER PERSON)
ly_nnmho_g
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
(CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR)
ly_nnicb_g
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
(OLDER PERSON)
ly_nniop_g
Is this the course for you
We have a range of Continuing Education
courses at LYIT if you wish to specialise
in a specific area.
Higher Diplomas in Science in
1 Accident & Emergency Nursing
1 Tissue Viability & Wound Management
1 Critical Care Nursing
1 General Nursing (Older Person)
1 Mental Health Nursing (Adult)
1 Mental Health Nursing (Older Person)
1 Intellectual Disability Nursing
(Challenging Behaviour)
1 Intellectual Disability Nursing
(Older Person).
Entry requirements
1 Registration or eligibility to register as
a nurse with An Bord Altranais
1 Two years’ post registration
experience, of which 6 months is in the
intended area of specialisation
1 Employment in the relevant speciality
for the duration of the course.
Selection process
If you meet the entry requirements and
have your employer’s approval, you
will then complete a written and oral
presentation and interview.
Delivery of these courses is subject to
sufficient demand. All courses may not
be available every year. Contact us for
more details.
The Department of Nursing and Health
Studies is currently reviewing its suite
of CPD and Postgraduate courses,
therefore, courses listed above will be
subject to change.
duration
1 year
awarding body
lyit
188

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES
189