Online Anytime

QQI Level 5
Intellectual Disability Practice
Major Award

A nationally recognised Major Award for anyone pursuing a meaningful career in Intellectual Disability services — online and flexible.

QQI Accredited · 5M1761
NFQ Level 5 Major Award
Online · Self-Paced
HSE & HIQA Recognised
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Course Fee
€1,100
Pay upfront — admin fee waived
Or pay in 10 instalments
of €155.50/month
(includes €55 admin fee)
Apply Now — Enrol Today
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4.9 Stars1,800+ Google Reviews
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QQI AccreditedNFQ Level 5
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OnlineStudy at your own pace
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Full Major Award8 QQI modules
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Tutor SupportThroughout your studies

Enrolments Open Now — Begin your Intellectual Disability Practice programme at your own pace. Places are limited — reserve yours today.

Reserve Your Place

Launch Your Career in Intellectual Disability

Gain a recognised qualification to work in Intellectual Disability Services. This course is recognised by HSE and HIQA and is ideal for new and existing care professionals looking to specialise in intellectual disability practice, or anyone seeking a meaningful career change.

Accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and included on the NFQ, your certificate is nationally and internationally recognised. Study online at your own pace, with full tutor support throughout.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to formalise your experience, this programme gives you the knowledge, skills, and qualification to make a real difference in people's lives.

Award 5M1761 Major Award
Level QQI Level 5
Delivery Online · Self-Paced
Modules 8 QQI Minor Awards
Recognised by HSE & HIQA
Course Fee €1,100

Recognised by HSE & HIQA

This programme meets the qualification requirements recognised by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) for roles in Intellectual Disability services. On successful completion you will hold a QQI Level 5 Major Award — the standard entry qualification for Intellectual Disability Support Worker roles in Ireland.

What You Will Learn

Through this programme you will develop the skills and knowledge to provide person-centred, rights-based support to people with intellectual disabilities.

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Person-Centred Understanding Develop an understanding of intellectual disability through a holistic and person-centred lens.
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Rights-Based & Social Models Explore how social and rights-based approaches influence inclusion, participation, and quality of life in everyday practice.
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Practical Support Skills Develop practical skills to provide rights-based, person-centred support in a range of settings.
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HIQA Standards & Quality Understand service provision, HIQA standards, and quality assurance in Ireland and internationally.
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Multi-Disciplinary Teamwork Learn to work effectively as part of the multi-disciplinary team supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
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Inclusion & Community Support meaningful participation, independence, and inclusion in community life.

How You Will Study

Flexible online learning designed to fit around your life — study at your own pace with full tutor support.

💻 Online Learning Platform

Format Online · Anytime Access
Materials Electronic Learner Packs & resources
Access 24/7 via any device
Assessments Submitted online

🎓 Tutor Support

Support Dedicated tutor throughout
Group learning Peer cohort encouraged
Feedback On all submitted work
Certification QQI issues 6× per year
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Study from anywhere

All you need is a laptop or computer and an internet connection. No commuting required.

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Work at your own pace

Progress through modules at a speed that suits your schedule and other commitments.

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Expert tutor support

Your dedicated tutor is available for check-ins, guidance, and feedback throughout your studies.

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Fully QQI certified

Every module earns a QQI-certified minor award, building toward your 5M1761 Major Award.

Course Fees

Transparent pricing with flexible payment options to suit your budget.

Pay in Full

Best Value
€1,100
Pay upfront and save the €55 admin fee
Course fee€1,100
Admin feeWaived
What you pay today€1,100

Enrol — Pay in Full

Pay in Instalments

€155.50/mo
10 monthly payments — spread the cost
Course fee€1,100
Admin fee€55
10 × €155.50= €1,155
Total cost€1,155

Enquire About Instalments

Where Can This Take You?

This qualification opens doors to employment and further study across intellectual disability and broader social care services.

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Intellectual Disability Support Worker

Residential & community services · HSE & voluntary sector

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Day Services & Activation

Day centres · community activation · respite services

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Residential Support

Group homes · supported independent living

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Further Education

QQI Level 6 · Social Care · Health Services Management

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Social Care Degree Pathways

Level 7/8 progression from QQI Level 5

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Recognition of Prior Learning

Use existing experience for RPL credit

Why Learners Choose Forus Training

⭐
4.9 Stars
1,800+ Google Reviews from our students
🏅
QQI
Accredited training on the National Framework of Qualifications
📅
25+ Years
Training professionals across Ireland since 2000

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question not answered here? Contact us at hello@forustraining.ie or call 044 934 9400.

What are the entry requirements? ▼
Prospective learners should hold a qualification at NFQ Level 4 or equivalent. You will also require a PPS number to enrol. If you're unsure whether you qualify, contact our team and we'll be happy to advise.
Is this course recognised by the HSE and HIQA? ▼
Yes. The QQI Level 5 Intellectual Disability Practice (5M1761) Major Award is recognised by the HSE and HIQA as the standard entry qualification for Intellectual Disability Support Worker roles in Ireland. Many employers in the sector require or prefer this qualification.
How long does the course take to complete? ▼
The programme consists of 8 modules. Forus Training sets the pace at roughly 8 weeks per module, which is achievable for most learners. For a Major Award at QQI Level 5, you have a maximum of 36 months from your start date to complete all modules.
What digital access do I need? ▼
You'll need a computer or laptop with internet access (minimum 10mbps), a browser that accepts cookies (Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox), Adobe Reader, and a word processor such as MS Word or Google Docs.
When will I receive my QQI certificate? ▼
You'll receive provisional results within four weeks of submitting your assessments. QQI certifies results six times per year — in February, April, June, August, October and December. Certification typically takes five weeks to complete after the relevant period.
Can I use previous experience or qualifications (RPL)? ▼
Yes. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows you to use existing skills, work experience, or earlier qualifications to gain exemptions or entry to the programme. Contact us at hello@forustraining.ie to discuss how RPL may apply to your situation.
Is funding available? ▼
Funding may be available through your employer, INTREO, or a CE scheme. Contact us and we can help you explore the options available to you.

Don't just take our word for it — 1,800+ Google Reviews

★★★★★

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by our students

★★★★★

"The course was always great to attend. The trainer was very helpful and knowledgeable. I would recommend Forus Training to anyone thinking about getting into care."

— Forus Training Graduate
★★★★★

"Really enjoyed the process. The team are always helpful and clear. The online format worked perfectly around my schedule and the support was excellent."

— Forus Training Graduate
★★★★★

"I found the content really informative and practical. It prepared me well for working in intellectual disability services. Highly recommend Forus."

— Forus Training Graduate

Ready to Begin Your Career in Intellectual Disability?

Enrol today and start your QQI Level 5 Intellectual Disability Practice programme — fully online, flexible delivery, and full tutor support every step of the way.

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Hours
Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm · Sat 9am–2pm