COURSE CURRICULUM

The Nursing (Learning Disabilities) BSc (Hons) programme follows a comprehensive three-year curriculum designed to develop students into compassionate, skilled, and confident learning disabilities nurses who can provide person-centred care across a range of healthcare and community settings. During the first year, students establish a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice through modules including Foundation Nursing Practice, Health and Wellbeing, Foundation Nursing Care, Academic Skills for Health and Social Care, and Scientific Enquiry in Nursing. Students also begin developing specialist knowledge through the Core Care Skills Provision for Learning Disability Nursing module, which introduces the principles of supporting individuals with learning disabilities while promoting independence, dignity, and wellbeing. The My Professional Journey module encourages reflection and professional growth as students begin their nursing careers. In the second year, students further develop their clinical skills and professional understanding through modules such as Developing Nursing Practice, Public Health and Inequalities for Nursing, Research Design and Data Analysis, and Interdisciplinary Team Working. Specialist modules including Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making for Learning Disability Nursing, Complex Care and Medicines Management in Learning Disability Nursing, and Learning Disability Nursing: Autistic Spectrum Disorder provide students with advanced knowledge and practical skills to support individuals with complex needs and neurodevelopmental conditions. Professional development continues through the My Professional Journey modules, helping students build confidence and leadership capabilities within clinical environments. During the final year, students consolidate their learning through modules including Consolidating Nursing Practice, Leading High Quality and Safe Care in Nursing, Medicines and Public Health, Contemporary Nursing and Innovation, and Learning Disability Nursing Specialisms. Students also complete an Independent Project that enables them to investigate an area of professional interest while strengthening research and evidence-based practice skills. Throughout the programme, extensive clinical placements provide opportunities to work with multidisciplinary teams and apply learning in real-world settings. Overall, the course prepares graduates for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and successful careers as learning disabilities nurses who can lead positive change and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.