UCD Launches World-First Guidelines for Universal Design for Learning in Nursing Practice Placements

University College Dublin has launched the world’s first set of guidelines to support the integration of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into clinical practice placements for nursing students. The guidelines, developed collaboratively with student partners, provide a practical framework to make practice-based learning more inclusive, accessible, and learner-centred.

Nursing students spend 50% of their programmes in practice placement sites, yet until now most approaches to UDL have focused on classroom and online learning. These new guidelines bridge that gap, offering clear recommendations for educators and clinical staff on how to create flexible, supportive, and equitable learning environments in hospitals, community settings, and specialist services.

The guidelines are structured around three principles: multiple means of engagement, multiple means of representation, and multiple means of action and expression. They include examples of inclusive approaches to mentoring, assessment, communication, and feedback, as well as strategies for responding to diverse learning needs in busy clinical environments. The resource also outlines practical steps for practice partners to embed UDL in placement planning and supervision, ensuring students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Speaking at the launch, Dr John Gilmore, Assistant Professor in Nursing and Head of Subject for Adult General Nursing, said:

“We are incredibly proud to launch these guidelines, which represent a significant step forward in embedding equity and inclusion into nursing education. By applying UDL principles to practice learning, we are ensuring that every student can participate fully and meaningfully, while also supporting clinical educators to provide the best possible learning environments. The collaborative work with students has been central to this project, and their voices are reflected throughout the guidelines.”

Dr Lisa Padden, Deputy Director of the UCD Centre for Access and Lifelong Learning, highlighted the broader significance of this work across the university:

“The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems has been at the forefront of Universal Design implementation since this work began in UCD and are sectoral leaders in this area. The University for All Faculty Partnership Programme has supported the development of many Universal Design projects and initiatives across UCD and these guidelines demonstrate the importance of embedding UD for our students beyond their university campus. I look forward to seeing these guidelines adopted on our clinical placement sites.”

That emphasis on student-centred design was particularly evident in the development process.

Pamela Walsh, a student collaborator, reflected:

“Sharing my thoughts with other students was a wonderful experience, and I felt heard and appreciated. Our feedback will undoubtedly enhance student placements in the future, and I am grateful for the experience that has made me more conscious of the significance of diversity and inclusion in practice learning.”

Her comments were echoed by fellow student collaborator James Sage, who added:

“It was great to participate and collaborate on this project. I look forward to hopefully witnessing the document's considerations in clinical practice.”

The guidelines were produced as part of a project funded by UCD Access and Lifelong Learning through the Higher Education Authority, and will now inform pilot implementation across several practice partner sites. The project team will evaluate the impact of the guidelines on student experience and practice education, with the aim of scaling up their use nationally and internationally.

You can download the Universal Design for Practice Learning (Nursing) Guideline here.