BSc(Hons) Nursing (Learning Disability)

  • Location Lancaster
  • Duration 3 year/s
  • Mode of study Full-time
  • Start date September 2012, 2013

Why study with us?

During your nursing studies you will be supported by expert academic and clinical practice staff. This means you are fully prepared for practice as a registered nurse by the end of the course.

We use a wide variety of placement settings to help you gain the appropriate knowledge and skills; different teaching and learning techniques will help you get the most from your studies. Our student support mechanisms are designed to enhance your learning and your personal and professional development. We always know who you are and you won't get lost in the crowd!

What can this course lead to?

This qualification enables you to join the NMC Register so that you can practice as a nurse (learning disability). Career opportunities for qualified nurses are expanding rapidly, and job prospects for our graduate nurses are excellent. This is helped by our partnerships with local, national and international care providers. This qualification gives you access to our range of post-registration courses for your continuing professional needs.

Course Summary

People with learning disabilities often have a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. Learning disability nurses work in partnership with them and family carers, to provide specialist healthcare. Their main aim is to support the well-being and social inclusion of people with a learning disability by improving or maintaining their physical and mental health; by reducing barriers; and supporting the person to pursue a fulfilling life. For example, teaching someone the skills to find work can be significant in helping them to lead a more independent, healthy life where they can relate to others on equal terms.

Learning disability nursing is provided in settings such as adult education, residential and community centres, as well as in patients' homes, workplaces and schools. You could specialise in such areas as education, sensory disability or the management of services. If you work in a residential setting, you may do shifts to provide 24-hour care.

What does it involve?

The emphasis is on nursing in a range of social settings, including, home, work and leisure activities. Nurses specialising in learning disabilities will work as part of a team which includes, psychologists, social workers, teachers, general practitioners, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and healthcare assistants.

Our Learning Disability Nursing degree emphasises independent thinking and problem-solving, which will help you to undertake research, and deal with — or lead the management of — change in clinical practice.

The course integrates academic study with a wide range of practice placements. Graduate nurses are expected to apply their enhanced knowledge and be able to influence and manage changes in nursing. An important feature of this programme is the opportunity throughout for shared interdisciplinary and inter-professional learning. Additionally, in year 2 students are able to undertake an elective placement. Many of our students take this opportunity to work in an international context.

Entry requirements

See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credit

Selection criteria

For Learning Disability Nursing: 220 UCAS tariff points.

Additionally: GCSE minimum grade C in English Language AND a science or social science subject, PLUS evidence of successful recent study at GCSE level or higher within the past five years.

Alternate qualifications accepted for entry include:

  • Access to H.E. Diploma (as long as all subject specific elements are met, ie Level 2 English/science or social science for all branches. Merits must be achieved in all Level 3 subjects). Applicants must additionally provide evidence of successful recent study at GCSE level or higher within the past five years.
  • NVQ 3 in Health and Social Care, PLUS GCSE English Language and science/social science at grade C or above, PLUS a minimum of two years health care experience. Applicants must additionally provide evidence of successful recent study at GCSE level or higher within the past five years.
  • UK Honours degree in any subject, PLUS GCSE science/social science at grade C or above.

Equivalent qualifications other than those listed above may be accepted.

There is competition for places on our learning disability degree, so before you apply you should consider carefully if learning disability nursing is right for you. You will need to demonstrate commitment to learning disability nursing in your application, which means that your application will not be considered if you have applied to us for more than one branch (or for additional professional courses other than nursing). In your personal statement you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing learning disability nursing, and reflect upon any practical experience you have gained.

All places are offered subject to successful interview and numeracy test, as well as CRB and medical clearance and eligibility for a NHS bursary.

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