The course provides the opportunity for those who have studied an undergraduate degree to undertake a two-year full-time Master’s course and upon successful completion receive eligibility for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The course helps you to develop the skills required, in order to become a confident, competent and compassionate nurse in a rapidly changing health and social care environment.

• The course will assist you to develop both practical and theoretical skills, in order to achieve your full potential as a learning disability nurse and meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards. These include professional values, communication and interpersonal skills, nursing practice and decision making, and leadership, management and team working. Your practice learning will be field specific to meet a wide range of physical, psychological and social needs.
• This challenging and intensive course comprises 50% theory and 50% practice, where you will undertake placements in a range of settings. The course consists of three stages, each comprising of a number of compulsory modules, where you will have the opportunity to study alongside students from the other fields of nursing.
• The University has strong links with NHS Trusts within the West Yorkshire and wider region, as well as private organisations who offer services to people with a learning disability
• You will be taught in innovative and contemporary teaching and learning environments by lecturers who are committed and passionate, as well as practice supervisors and assessors who are research active and have extensive and varied experience in learning disability nursing.
• Student support will be given from personal tutors and year leaders, as well as academic learning support and experienced practice supervisors and assessors.

You will also have the opportunity to develop a high level of personal and technical skills to help improve the quality of life of people with a learning disability and their ability to live as independently as possible. You will study how to work in partnership with service users, their families, carers and other professionals to promote health and wellbeing.

Placements

Nothing can really replicate working in the real world, that’s why the course comprises of 50% practice, which is essential in your development. During the course you will undertake a number of practice learning experiences in a range of healthcare environments, these may include NHS Trusts, charities, hospices, schools and community settings. You will undertake 622.5 hours in stage 1, 647.5 hours in stage 2 and 722.5 hours in stage 3.

Throughout the practical experience you will be supervised and assessed by a qualified nurse or other suitably qualified professional who will provide expert help and advice if required.

To allow you the broadest professional experience possible, practice experiences are generally offered across West Yorkshire and beyond, covering 24 hour care including evening, weekend and occasional night shifts. You will be required to travel to and during your placements. For more information visit our placements page.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including written coursework, practice, professional simulated exams, case presentations, competency based assessments and examinations, through which you will demonstrate your in-depth knowledge and understanding.

Your Career

Upon successful graduation you could work within the National Health Service, the private or voluntary sectors or you could specialise in an area of acute care requiring intensive support, as well as community care. Alternatively you may choose to practice abroad or undertake further extensive professional development opportunities. Possible career opportunities may include training as a district nurse, advanced nurse practitioner or specialist in acute care, as well as undertaking management roles, where you may develop and implement policy. There are also many nurse specialist roles including diabetes specialist nurse, respiratory specialists, continence specialists, palliative care specialists and community matrons specialising in managing long term conditions.