Your Guide to Subject Choices for QQI Level 5 Intellectual Disability Practice (5M1761)
The QQI Level 5 Major Award in Intellectual Disability Practice is designed for learners who want to support individuals with intellectual disabilities to live full, empowered, and independent lives. Whether you’re starting your career or building on existing experience, this award opens doors to direct employment or further study.
At Forus Training, we offer a broad range of modules to help you achieve the 120 credits required for this award.
✅ Mandatory Modules (60 Credits)
These four core components form the foundation of the award and are required for all learners:
- Intellectual Disability Studies (5N1652) – 15 credits
- Empowering the Individual (5N1749) – 15 credits
- Community Inclusion (5N1740) – 15 credits
- Facilitating Learning (5N1753) – 15 credits
These modules focus on understanding the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities focusing on teaching independence skills, promoting inclusion, autonomy and community participation.
💬 Mandatory Module: Communications (15 Credits)
- Communications (5N0690)
Forus Training offers Communications with a focus on Intellectual Disability, which supports clear, inclusive communication practices, including communication supports – vital for those working in disability services.
👩⚕️ Mandatory Module: Work Practice (15 Credits)
- Work Practice (5N1433)
Hands-on learning is key to this award.
🔍 Specialist Electives (Choose Two, 30 Credits)
These modules allow you to tailor your qualification to your personal interests or career goals. Forus Training offers several aligned options:
- Challenging Behaviour (5N1706)
- Understanding Special Needs (5N1709)
- Person Centred Focus to Disability (5N1728)
- Applied Behavioural Analysis (5N1729)
- Social Studies (5N1370)
These modules prepare learners for a diverse range of roles supporting children and adults in residential, day service, and community-based settings. We recommend selecting based on your career interests – whether that’s education, day services, residential support, or advocacy.
🧮 Subject Planning Tips
- You must reach exactly 120 credits.
- Maximum 15 credits may be selected from Level 4 or Level 6 modules (optional).
- Prioritise modules that reflect your intended role in Intellectual Disability Services.
- Select electives that build relevant expertise (e.g. Challenging Behaviour, Community Inclusion).
- Core subjects like Intellectual Disability Studies, and Person Centred Focus to Disability are especially valued in HSE job applications.
🎓 Career and Progression Opportunities
Graduates of this award can:
- Work as a Health and Social Care Assistant or an Intellectual Disability Support Worker in HSE Intellectual disability services, HIQA designated residential homes, and community support roles.
- Progress to Level 6 Supervisory Healthcare awards.
- Use the QQI Level 5 certificate to apply for further education in areas like social care, nursing, or occupational therapy assistance.
🧠 Example Subject Combinations
➤ Example 1 – Intellectual Disability Practice
- Intellectual Disability Studies (5N1652) – 15 credits
- Empowering the Individual (5N1749) – 15 credits
- Community Inclusion (5N1740) – 15 credits
- Facilitating Learning (5N1753) – 15 credits
- Communications (5N0690) – 15 credits
- Work Practice (5N1433)– 15 credits
- Challenging Behaviour (5N1706)– 15 credits
- Person Centred Focus to Disability (5N1728)– 15 credits
= 120 Credits
Why Forus Training?
Our QQI-accredited courses are built for flexibility, relevance, and real-world application. You’ll benefit from expert trainers and a supportive online learning environment to help you grow in confidence and competence.
What’s Next?
- Choose your modules with guidance from our team.
- Start with the mandatory components to build strong foundations.
- Complete your work practice with support from your trainer.
- Progress to a Level 6 qualification or move directly into employment.
