COURSE CURRICULUM

The Learning Disabilities Nursing programme is structured to develop the advanced clinical knowledge, practical skills and professional competencies required for registration as a compassionate and highly skilled learning disabilities nurse. The course begins with the completion of an RPL portfolio, which formally recognises previous learning and professional experience through the submission of evidence in accordance with university procedures. During the second year, students undertake A Partnership in Care – Valuing the Experts by Experience, a module that develops knowledge and practical skills in qualitative research methods and interpretative approaches relevant to healthcare and applied psychology. Students explore a range of research methodologies including phenomenological, ethnographic, social constructionist, discursive and narrative approaches while gaining experience in data collection, interview design and advanced qualitative data analysis techniques such as Grounded Theory, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and discourse analysis. The module culminates in the production of a substantial qualitative research proposal and feasibility study. Contemporary Public Health in Nursing Practice develops understanding of the nurse’s role in promoting health and wellbeing at local, national and global levels while examining public health policies, legislation and health inequalities that affect individuals with learning disabilities and wider communities. Developing a Skilled and Compassionate Learning Disability Nurse runs throughout the academic year and supports the integration of theoretical learning with practical nursing skills, preparing students for placements across a variety of healthcare settings. Integrating Evidence-Based Decision Making in Learning Disability Nursing introduces evidence-based practice frameworks and decision-making theories that support safe, effective and person-centred care. In the final year, Biopsychosocial Assessment and Decision Making in Learning Disability Nursing further develops students’ clinical reasoning and assessment skills, enabling them to manage complex caseloads, lead teams and coordinate care for children and adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers. Leading Innovative Evidence-Based Nursing focuses on leadership, research utilisation and service improvement by requiring students to identify a clinical issue, develop an evidence-based solution and demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to implement sustainable improvements in nursing practice and healthcare delivery.