Nursing (Learning Disability)

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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. Resources and facilities Have a look at our learning resources for Nursing. Entry requirements 220 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum C in a related subject.

Four GCSEs at minimum grade C to include English Language.

Find out more about qualification options from the UCAS tariff table.

Please check selection criteria for any additional entry requirements. Credit and UCAS requirements UCAS code: B763 UCAS points: 220 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). 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.

Costs

Click to view information on your study type and home location.

Home students

At the moment, this course is funded by the NHS, so you won't have to pay a penny. In addition to having your tuition fees paid in full, you may also be eligible for a £1,000 grant, a means-tested bursary and a non-means-tested student loan. This is subject to confirmation by the NHS.

Find out how much you're eligible for using the NHS bursary calculator.

For more information about NHS funding and how to apply, visit our student finance page.

Practice placement expenses

The cost of journeys between term time residence and placement can be reimbursed where appropriate, providing the cost is in excess of your normal daily travel.

If you incur additional accommodation costs whilst on placement, either because you have to retain accommodation on campus or because you have to pay for accommodation in your placement, then you may be able to claim the excess costs. This support is means-tested. For more information, visit the health student finance page.

More financial support

Access to financial support doesn’t end at registration. If you experience financial hardship during the year, you may be able to access an emergency support fund, such as:

• NurseAid
• Access to Learning Fund
• Utilities Trust

EU students

This course is currently funded by the NHS, so you won't have to pay a penny. Funding for 2013 is subject to confirmation from the NHS.

For more information about NHS funding and how to apply, visit our student finance page.

Practice placement expenses

The cost of journeys between term time residence and placement can be reimbursed where appropriate, providing the cost is in excess of your normal daily travel.

If you incur additional accommodation costs whilst on placement, either because you have to retain accommodation on campus or because you have to pay for accommodation in your placement, then you may be able to claim the excess costs. This support is means-tested. For more information, visit the health student finance page.

More financial support

Access to financial support doesn’t end at registration. If you experience financial hardship during the year, you may be able to access an emergency support fund, such as:

• NurseAid
• Utilities Trust

International students

The tuition fee for the 2013/14 academic year is £14,965.

Fees are billed annually and may be paid by the student or a sponsor. 75 percent of the annual tuition fees must be paid before or at registration. For students requiring a Tier 4 Student Visa, a deposit of £3,500 is expected as a minimum before a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) will be issued. For more information, visit our international student finance page.

Early payment discount

If you are paying your own fees, you may be eligible for an early payment discount of £1,000. This discount is awarded to students who pay in full before registration.

Additional financial support

Our money doctors will be on hand throughout the year to help you manage your money while you’re in the UK. However, if you do happen to run into financial difficulty during your time here, you may be able to access a small emergency support fund.

UCAS Link

Visit UCAS

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 overseas.

Download a copy of the Nursing course leaflet.