Introduction:

Care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment: these core NHS values are embedded in our teaching. The World Health Organisation has declared 2020 as “Year of the Nurse”, recognising the huge part they play in day-to-day healthcare. It’s an important and deeply rewarding role.

What you’ll study

Through our flexible curriculum and blended learning approach – building up your theoretical knowledge, and then putting it into practice on placement – you’ll develop your holistic, clinical and decision-making skills in line with the demands of modern nursing. Taught by experienced practitioners – and with the additional input of service users and carer groups – you’ll learn from the very best on your journey towards accreditation as a Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse.

Our course gives you a robust knowledge of learning disabilities nursing practice – as well as the wider sector – both in and outside of the classroom. It’s the perfect combination of theory and practice, allied to great facilities, modules built around the latest research, and teachers who’ve worked for years in professional healthcare. You’ll develop your nursing knowledge based around:

• a holistic view of patients’ physical and psychological needs
• the chance to refine and apply your clinical and therapeutic skills
• a practice-learning environment, with simulated exercises and activities
• placements in a variety of health and social care settings
• some fantastic opportunities for career development.

Our nursing degree isn’t just distinguished by the amount of time you’ll spend on placement – it’s how early those placements opportunities arrive on your course. From the outset, we’ll ensure you’re in hands-on, practice-based environments, supporting local healthcare providers and putting your theoretical skills to the test. Alongside the “interprofessional” nature of our teaching – which connects you with experts from across the sector, broadening your skills and knowledge – you’ll have the perfect grounding in learning disabilities nursing.

How you’re assessed

This is a multi-disciplinary programme, and you’ll be assessed through a range of methods and activities. These include:

• OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations) – practical demonstrations of your hands-on nursing skills in a simulated environment
• observations by Practice Educators of your competency in practice
• an ePortfolio (PebblePad)
• case studies
• reflective accounts
• presentations
• essays
• multiple-choice and short-answer exams
• your own independent nursing project