Nursing (Blended Learning) Learning Disability BSc(Hons)

Start date

22 September 2025

Duration

3 years full-time

Entry requirements

A Level - BBB-BBC

BTEC - DDM-DMM

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

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About the course

Reasons to study

This course, which is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), can lead to a potentially life-changing career, working in the exciting field of learning disability nursing.
You’ll have the chance to undertake work placements and benefit from interprofessional learning; you can borrow a clinical skills kit, too, familiarising yourself with some fundamental equipment you may use in practice.
Digital technologies offer the opportunity to study to become a nurse in a way that offers some flexibility to fit around life commitments, while gaining practical, hands-on experience.

Are you looking to pursue an interesting and exciting career in nursing? Learning disability nurses are qualified to work with individuals with learning disabilities – from childhood through to end of life. They work in a person-centred way and are passionate about rights, choice, inclusion, and equality.

Our Nursing (Blended Learning) Learning Disability BSc(Hons) course has been designed for those who would like to become a nurse and are located within the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, Cheshire and Merseyside, North West, Cumbria or North Lincolnshire. If you are located outside these areas, please visit Health Education England for more information.

Supporting individuals with learning disabilities is an enriching and life-affirming experience – and if you’re passionate about meeting the needs of people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder, Learning Disability Nursing could be for you. The career opportunities of a learning disability nurse are varied, too, including roles within community teams, specialist behaviour teams, nursing care, autism services, children’s services, assessment and treatment services, mental health, and palliative care.

The course is designed to help you become a competent, caring, and compassionate nurse. You’ll have the opportunity to develop communication and interpersonal skills, become confident in person-centred approaches, and develop and hone leadership and management skills. This will also help improve your evidence-based decision making and team working, as well.

Why study Nursing (Blended Learning) Learning Disability BSc(Hons)

This blended learning course provides a flexible way to study using mainly digital technologies. You’ll attend the campus for a maximum total of 20 days per year of the course and you’ll also undertake practice placements across the NHS and healthcare organisations in a setting close to home. These will take place in a wide range of clinical practice settings, allowing you to provide care and support for both children and adults.

You'll be taught by a team who really understand what it is like be a learning disability nurse. Individuals with learning disabilities are also involved in the development of our teaching materials and will work with you on campus. To enhance your learning, you can borrow a clinical skills kit to familiarise yourself with fundamental equipment you may use in practice.

You’ll learn online through seminars and group work and have the chance to be part of an online community, to showcase your work, collaborate with peers and establish relationships with tutors. You’ll also learn through independent, self-directed study, developing confidence in your self-discipline and organisational skills.

In 2024, the University’s new Daphne Steele Building will open on the site of the National Health Innovation campus, too, allowing Learning Disability Nursing students to benefit from specialist clinical teaching facilities and world-leading research facilities.

After successful completion of the course, you can apply to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work as a Registered Learning Disability Nurse. Students on this course may be eligible to receive a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each year – find out more on the NHS Learning Support Fund Website.

Not quite ready to start Nursing (Blended Learning) Learning Disability BSc(Hons)? Successful completion of our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degreewill equip you with the foundation knowledge to study Learning Disability Nursing.

Course detail

Year 1

Core modules:

Becoming a Professional - Learning Disability Nursing (Blended Learning)

This module involves exploring your development as a professional, examining your personal and professional attitudes and beliefs, as well as relating these to your future professional role as a learning disability nurse. You’ll gain an understanding about how you can develop as a learner and maintain your physical and mental health, so you are able to promote and support people who have learning disabilities with their health. You’ll also learn how to manage the transition to university and explore ethical and professional codes underpinning learning disability nursing.

Introduction to Learning Disability Nursing (Blended Learning)

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the fundamental knowledge and skills to provide effective person-centred care specifically for people with a learning disability, as well as people of all ages from conception to end of life, with a range of physical, mental health and cognitive care needs. You’ll learn about the principles of holistic assessment and management of well and sick people of all ages. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain an understanding of development through the lifespan by exploring the principles of anatomy and physiology, as well as be introduced to pharmacology and medicines administration.

Nursing Practice 1 (Blended Learning)

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the fundamental skills of nursing practice including personal hygiene, infection control, undertaking observations and basic life support. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you'll put the theory you have learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 2 (Blended Learning)

This module provides you with an opportunity to further develop the fundamental skills of nursing practice including personal hygiene, infection control, undertaking observations and basic life support. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing (Blended Learning)

This module introduces you to the nature of knowledge and how it supports evidenced-based nursing practice. You’ll learn about how to search for and read evidence to identify its value and relevance to nursing practice. You’ll explore how to evaluate published research and will be introduced to the concept of ethics within healthcare research. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop and use a variety of transferable skills including literature searching, critical appraisal of evidence and application of evidence to your own and the nursing practice of others.

Year 2

Core modules:

Developing as a Professional (Blended Learning)

This module builds on the Becoming a Professional module in Year 1 and provides the opportunity for you to develop the professional and transferable knowledge and skills required to become a Registered Nurse. You’ll gain an understanding of professional, legal, and ethical knowledge and frameworks, and their role in your clinical decision-making. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your understanding and skills for effective team working, leadership and management to enable you to positively influence care delivery, decisions and management for people in your care.

Developing Critical Knowledge and Skills in Learning Disability Nursing (Blended Learning)

This module builds on the knowledge and skills you developed in Year 1. You’ll expand your range of assessment skills and apply them to more complex care encounters with people with learning disabilities. You’ll use your knowledge to recognise deterioration and begin to identify appropriate interventions to meet the care needs for people with a range of complex physical, mental health and cognitive care needs. You’ll also plan care needs and begin to formulate care plans to meet the needs of individuals and groups of people in your care.

Developing Research Knowledge and Evidence for Learning Disability Nursing Practice (Blended Learning)

This module builds on the Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing module in Year 1 and introduces you to the design of research studies, including literature reviews and empirical studies. You’ll have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills of research methods and design preparing you to undertake a study relevant to learning disability nursing in Year 3. You’ll also learn about research ethics, data collection, analysis and research approaches including qualitative, qualitative and mixed method studies, literature reviews undertaken systematically, systematic reviews and audits. For those apprentices with a Nursing Associate qualification, this module may not be required. If so, you would spend this time back on base with your employer.

Nursing Practice 3 (Blended Learning)

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills in nursing practice including cannulation and phlebotomy. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 4 (Blended Learning)

This module provides you with the opportunity to further develop your skills in nursing practice including cannulation and phlebotomy. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Year 3

Core modules:

Being a Professional (Blended Learning)

This module builds on professionally themed modules in Year 1 and 2 to consolidate your preparation to become a qualified nurse. You’ll have the opportunity to develop future nurse leader skills to prepare you to positively influence care beyond the organisation to a national and global level. You’ll also have the chance to develop skills in promoting quality care and service improvements across and beyond the organisation. The module prepares you to undertake the role of teacher to individuals and groups, as well as the role of practice supervisor for future nurses.

Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Learning Disability Nursing (Blended Learning)

This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1 and 2, enabling you to further develop your critical understanding of assessment skills to recognise and respond appropriately to the deteriorating patient. You’ll have the opportunity to expand your range of assessment skills and apply them under minimum supervision whilst managing and coordinating the care of people with learning disabilities with a range of conditions varying in complexity and in a range of settings. The module also assists you to develop skills in advanced care management and complex discharge or transfer planning.

Nursing Practice 5 (Blended Learning)

This module provides the opportunity for you to gain fundamental skills of nursing practice including intravenous medicine administration. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 6 (Blended Learning)

This module provides you with the opportunity to further gain fundamental skills of nursing practice including intravenous medicines administration. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Using Evidence and Research to Enhance Learning Disability Nursing Practice (Blended Learning)

This module builds on the evidence and research modules in Year 1 and 2, enabling you to systematically undertake a literature review or a small-scale research project based on the research proposal developed in Year 2. You’ll use one of a variety of approaches including qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, audit or a review of literature undertaken in a systematic way within the learning disability nursing field. You’ll also be involved in data collection and analysis.

Teaching and assessment

An average of 8% of study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc and 51% is spent on placement.

You'll be taught by a team who really understand what it is like be an learning disability nurse and are able to demonstrate the latest techniques and procedures, whilst supporting you to put these skills and qualities into practice.

Learning and teaching on this course involves online seminars and group work, as well as on campus activities, for example clinical skills simulated practice. Learners are expected to work independently with the materials provided. This offers some flexibility about time of study but involves a commitment to self directed and self organised learning.

The modules have been designed to embed transferable skills and enable you to progressively increase your knowledge and confidence. You'll have the opportunity to engage in immersive situated activities through simulation-based learning (SBL) supported by facilitation. You can expect to attend University campus up to 20 days per year for various teaching and learning activities. Your studies will also be supported by the University's virtual learning environment.

The assessment methods on the course are varied and involve a combination of coursework, practice/proficiency-based learning, reports, presentations, and examinations. The nature of assessment varies between modules mirroring the modes of communication expected of graduates in this field, such as the ability to present to a range of audiences and provide reports to enhance the quality of care.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

Laboratory sessions, classroom based learning and the use of simulated patients enable you to practice your skills in a safe and controlled environment. You’ll undertake practice placement experiences, where you’ll learn and be assessed in a real practice setting, under the supervision of appropriately qualified practice supervisors, practice assessors and academic assessors. You’ll be assessed whilst on placement through a Practice Assessment Document (PAD).

Throughout the course you’ll also have access to a Personal Development Plan, where you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, construct a record of achievement documenting the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies, as well as reflect and act upon your personal, professional, academic and long term career goals.

Further information

Once you’ve submitted your application form to UCAS you may be invited to attend an interview.

Your breaks will be interspersed throughout the year depending on what stage you have reached in the three year course. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. This is a full-time blended learning course, so you may have to engage every day of the week.

Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study core modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification.

If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

Teaching excellence

The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.
Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.
We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 23 since 2008 (2024 data).
We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

*full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

Entry requirements

BBB-BBCat A Level . If you are studying A Level Science, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course.

120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications. If you are studying A Level Science, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course.

Merit at T Level

DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade B.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits, 15 at Distinction, 30 at Merit.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

This course has been designed for those who would like to become a nurse and are located within the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, Cheshire and Merseyside, North West, Cumbria or North Lincolnshire. If you are located outside these areas please visit Health Education England for information on your nearest course provider.

In addition, you must have GCSE English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or Ofqual regulated Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.

If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree.

You must demonstrate that you have a broad understanding of learning disability nursing, as well as relevant work experience (employment or voluntary) highlighting your transferable skills.

You must have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and the ability to access and use online study guidance and support as this course is delivered through distance learning.

Offers will be subject to an interview and references. Please note all the information provided in support of your application may be checked and must be verifiable as a true record.

You’ll need a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration on the course. We arrange these as part of the application process. You'll be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year and at the end of the course. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination. We will request an Overseas Police Check if you have lived in a country outside of the UK for 6 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years before applying to us and whilst aged 18 or over.

Placement providers for this course may require you to have received a number of vaccinations, unless medically exempt, and provide evidence of these. As a student on a course with a clinical or healthcare placement, we strongly recommend that you complete any courses of vaccinations required under current guidelines for your future profession. Failure to do so may result in your inability to undertake a placement in certain clinical settings, therefore impacting upon your academic progression, and may result in academic failure of your course.

You must meet the NMC (2018c) entry requirements in respect of literacy and numeracy, good character and good health.

You may be eligible to gain accreditation for your prior learning towards this course. Please note that the course you are applying for is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which allows a maximum of 50% of credits for the award to be conferred through accreditation of prior learning.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

If you have alternative qualifications, including the nursing associate foundation degree, you may wish to contact us for advice before applying. Please note places are limited and attainment of the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview or offer. You must include details of any previous study. Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Learning Disability Nursing?

Learning Disability Nurses work with people who have a range of learning disabilities and provide hands on care in relation to a person’s complex physical, social and psychological needs. Watch this video to learn about the role of a Learning Disability Nurse, the environments in which they may work and the skills required.

Blended Learning Nursing

Watch this video to find out more about what our Blended Learning Nursing courses entail at the University of Huddersfield.

Daphne Steele Building

The Daphne Steele Building which is due to open in September 2024, will be the new home to our Health Professional degree courses. This will feature state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for our midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, operating department practice, paramedic science, physiotherapy, podiatry and speech and language therapy courses.

Watch the video to tour our new Daphne Steele Building, the first development on our National Health Innovation Campus in Huddersfield.

Placements

Nothing can really replicate working in the real-world, which is why practice placements are essential and a compulsory part of the course. The Nursing and Midwifery Council require you to complete the minimum of 2300 hours over the three years in order to obtain registration. Each year you'll complete two blocks of placement.

You'll have the opportunity to complete your practice learning experiences in a diverse range of health and social care settings, reflecting the diversity of the services accessed by people with a learning disability. This may include community teams, nursing and residential homes, supported living services, schools, short break services, day opportunities or hospitals and clinics. You may also have the opportunity to work within forensic services, prisons, palliative care and youth offending services.

You'll be supervised during your practical experiences by a variety of professionals/experts in the area of care who will provide you with any required help and advice. In order to provide you with the broadest professional experience possible, practice experiences generally cover 24 hour care including evening, weekend and occasional night shifts.

Please note that you will be required to travel to and during your placements. For more information visit our placements page.

“My placements enabled me to enhance my knowledge of the different settings and roles for a Learning Disability Nurse. The staff at the placements were supportive and friendly. I have developed my confidence as they provided the opportunity to learn and develop in a safe environment.”

Grace Molloy, Currently studying Nursing (Blended Learning) Learning Disability BSc(Hons)

Facilities

Clinical skills session

Interactive session with service users.

Fibre optic light stimulate/soothe clients needs.

Multi-sensory equipment in our dedicated room.

Your career

Possible career opportunities include working as nurses in local healthcare trusts, charities and short-term care providers, as well as igh profile leadership roles supporting people with learning disabilities and specialist needs or roles within specialist assessment and treatment areas.

After qualification there is an extensive range of training and career opportunities, which include becoming a manager for local service providers, epilepsy nurse, safeguarding nurse, behavioural specialist or forensic care nurse. Other opportunities include working in dual diagnosis services or specialist services for people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, specialist nurse for drug management, consultant nurse specialist or nurse lecturer, as well as a policy maker and advisor at a national or local level.

* Percentage of graduates from this subject area who go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 20/21, UK Domiciled).

85% Graduates employed

Professional links and accreditations

This course is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Whilst studying this course you're currently not required to register as a member with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), however you must follow their codes of conduct.

Career support

We know you’re coming to university to undertake your course, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

So while you’re here (and even after you graduate) the Careers and Employability Service offer professional help, support and guidance, including industry-supported workshops, careers fairs and one-to-one guidance sessions. Find out more about the Service.

Further study

Progression to one of our Workforce Development courses could include studying a specialist short course, Postgraduate Certificate, Master’s or Master’s by Research. Our courses are designed to assist you in developing your career and skills in specialist areas of clinical practice.

Caring for Children and Young People (Distance Learning)

Gain knowledge and skills in relation to caring for children and young people.

Start date

Duration

Entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

About the course

Reasons to study

Why study Nursing (Blended Learning) Learning Disability BSc(Hons)

Course detail

Becoming a Professional - Learning Disability Nursing (Blended Learning)

Introduction to Learning Disability Nursing (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 1 (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 2 (Blended Learning)

Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing (Blended Learning)

Developing as a Professional (Blended Learning)

Developing Critical Knowledge and Skills in Learning Disability Nursing (Blended Learning)

Developing Research Knowledge and Evidence for Learning Disability Nursing Practice (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 3 (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 4 (Blended Learning)

Being a Professional (Blended Learning)

Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Learning Disability Nursing (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 5 (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 6 (Blended Learning)

Using Evidence and Research to Enhance Learning Disability Nursing Practice (Blended Learning)

Entry requirements

Learning Disability Nursing?

Blended Learning Nursing

Daphne Steele Building

Placements

Facilities

Your career

Caring for Children and Young People (Distance Learning)

Health Professional Education PgCert

Health Studies MSc

Independent and Supplementary Prescribing

Long Term Conditions PgCert

Master of Public Health

Nursing and Midwifery (MSc by Research)

Career support

Caring for Children and Young People (Distance Learning)

Health Professional Education PgCert

Health Studies MSc

Independent and Supplementary Prescribing

Long Term Conditions PgCert

Master of Public Health

Nursing and Midwifery (MSc by Research)

Student support

Fees and Finance

Fees and Finance

Important information

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules:

Major changes:

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Registered Nurse (Learning Disability) (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc(Hons)