Welcome to your course

Firstly, congratulations on being offered a place at the University of Cumbria.

On behalf of the course team at the University of Cumbria, I would like to offer you a very warm welcome to the BSc (Hons) Nursing Learning Disability. As tutors it is our responsibility to ensure that you are introduced to your chosen programme and settle into life at the University. For many of you, commencing study at the University may be a daunting experience but our aim is that you feel well supported, such that your experiences in Higher Education and in practice, are stimulating and fulfilling.

During the first week of the programme you will be more formally introduced to the programme content and will have an opportunity to clarify any questions you may have about the course delivery and organisation.

You may find it useful to access the University of Cumbria website where you will find resources and information relating to a range of services, including campus facilities, library and learning resources, accommodation and student finance.

In due course, you will receive information from the central services within the University inviting you to attend formal student registration prior to commencing the programme.

Timetables

Click your campus below to download your Welcome Week timetable.

Carlisle - Fusehill Street

Lancaster

 

Student support systems

As you begin your career in nursing, it is important that you feel supported, both academically and personally. You will undoubtedly be exposed to a wealth of experiences, some of which will be personally challenging and it is for this reason you need to be aware of the support mechanisms available to you.

At the University of Cumbria, we have been commended nationally by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) for the level of support on offer. This support can be accessed via a number of sources:

Support from lecturing staff: The focus of student support is the Personal Tutor (PT). You will be assigned a PT within the first few weeks of your programme and will be expected to attend regular meetings to review your personal, academic and professional development. In addition you will also have a year co-ordinator who has the responsibility of managing the day to day delivery of the programme.

Support for students on practice placements comes in the first instance from a practice/based mentor or supervisor with support from a Link Tutor. The Link Tutor is a member of the lecturing staff who will liaise with you during your placement time to address any issues you may have. In addition, you will have access to a Practice Education Facilitator who supports practice-based learning on behalf of the Trust

Student support services: All students have access to the university’s Student Support Services. These include confidential counselling service, student welfare services and learning support services.

Support from Professional Organisations: Students are entitled to join professional organisations such as the Royal College of Nursing or UNISON and to receive support and benefits through these channels. You will have an opportunity to meet with representatives from a number of health care unions during the ‘welcome week’. You are strongly recommended to join a Union/Professional Organisation.

Student Involvement

You will have an opportunity to be actively involved in the development and delivery of the programme in a number of ways. All groups may nominate a Set Academic Representative who meets on a regular basis with the relevant Programme Leader to discuss issues related to the delivery of the programme.

Course Attendance

During the welcome week the site year co-ordinator will provide you with details of the programme and discuss attendance requirements. The University day is primarily from 09.00-16.00 hours although some lectures may finish at 18.00 hours. There is an expectation that you attend all lectures and fully embrace the learning opportunities available to you.

During placements you will adopt the shift patterns of the placement setting. It is therefore important that you make provision to accommodate for any personal responsibilities eg. child care arrangements, transport, during this time.

Clinical Placements

The campus-based work will help prepare you for placement. We arrange all the clinical placements for nursing students for the duration of their course, except for elective placements later in the programme. Account is taken of a student’s base site and home area, however students need to be aware that our placements cover a large geographical area and many students will be required to travel to a placement which is outside their home area. Students can be reassured that the placements that are used by the University are audited to ensure that they meet the student’s educational requirements (i.e. that students will be able to meet their learning outcomes in a safe and supportive environment).

Placements will not be altered once they have been organised (except in exceptional circumstances).

Whilst on placement, you will be allocated to a registered nurse or suitably qualified and experienced health professional to act as your mentor or supervisor. This person will be someone to relate to, a role model, adviser and teacher. In order to facilitate this valuable educational function, your duty rota will be closely aligned with that of your mentor who will also be in a good position to assess your progress on the placement. As discussed above, a system of link tutors ensures that there will be a University member of staff acting as a point of contact and support for you.

Contact Details

If you have any questions about your course, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Admissions team.

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