This blended learning apprenticeship course provides the opportunity for those who have studied an undergraduate degree to undertake a two-year full-time Master's. It has been designed to provide a flexible way to study whilst being employed in learning disability healthcare services. It will assist you in develop the vital skills, values and confidence you need to work with people who have a range of learning disabilities, providing hands on care in relation to their complex physical, social and psychological needs. You will also have the chance 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.

• This course is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and has strong partnerships with NHS Trusts, private and voluntary organisations.
• You will be supported by a team who really understand what it is like to be a learning disability nurse and will learn through lectures, seminars, group work, simulation and role play.
• You will practice and develop your skills through a variety of clinical placements in a range of statutory, private and voluntary services, in order to prepare you to pursue your career.
• You will learn how to work in partnership with service users, their families, carers and other professionals to promote health and wellbeing.
• You will have the opportunity to hear the experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.

This course uses mainly digital technologies and includes practical hands-on experience. Although the theoretical component is predominantly delivered online, you will attend the campus in Huddersfield (or similar venue close to your home) for a maximum total of four one-week blocks for simulation and skills training. You will do this in each year of the course, providing the opportunity for you to practise skills in a safe and controlled environment. You will also undertake practice placements across the NHS and healthcare organisations in a setting close to home.

Learning disability nursing is an exciting and rewarding career where you can support people from a range of backgrounds to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Learning disability nurses provide hands on care, as well as emotional and educational support in order to promote an individual’s independence. They work in people’s homes, schools, respite units, hospitals and secure services to empower individuals to achieve their potential and have more choice and control over their lives. Working in partnership with the individual and their families, learning disability nurses work independently and with other professionals, learning how to respond to individual needs.

In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you will remain employed by your host organisation and may spend 20% of your time in your current workplace. The remaining 80% will be spent at the University undertaking theory work and clinical placements. The course culminates in an End Point Assessment (EPA) which is independently assessed outside of the Higher Education Institution (Skills Funding Agency, 2018). The course is designed to be progressively demanding and once qualified you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work as a Registered Nurse for Learning Disabilities.

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 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.