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

    • How to apply

    Note: Prospective apprentices must consult with their employers to initiate the application.

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    Overview

    This apprenticeship course has been designed to provide the opportunity to study whilst being employed in learning disability healthcare services. During this apprenticeship you’ll get the opportunity to 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'll 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.

    In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you’ll remain employed by your host organisation. You'll spend one day a week working for your employer in your current role. The other 30 hours a week will be either on placement in clinical practice or in university. The course is designed to be progressively demanding and once qualified you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work as a Registered Nurse for Learning Disabilities.

    If you’re thinking of studying an apprenticeship course or are an employer looking for an apprenticeship for your employees, you’ll also find useful information on our Degree Apprenticeship webpages.

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

    Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by a team who are learning disability nurses first and foremost, with extensive and varied practice experience and diverse interests in the field of learning disabilities. You’ll learn through lectures, workshops, seminars, group work, simulation and role play. This will also involve a combination of face to face on campus learning, as well as online teaching and resources.

    Individuals with learning disabilities are involved in the development of teaching materials, too, and will work with you in the classroom. You’ll have the opportunity to hear the experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.

    Your time on the course will be divided between learning theory and applying your knowledge in a clinical environment, with clinical practice providing opportunities for you to put what you’ve learned into practice in a variety of settings. These may include working in a range of statutory, private and voluntary services, providing care and support for both children and adults.

    The University’s new Daphne Steele Building is now open on the site of the National Health Innovation campus, enabling our Learning Disability Nursing students to benefit from specialist clinical teaching facilities and world-leading research facilities.

    The University of Huddersfield has the highest Apprenticeship Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR) among Higher Education Institutions in England.*

    Our 2023/24 QAR was 87.6% and coupled with our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating displays the excellent learning experience for apprentices and their employers at the University of Huddersfield.

    *Excludes providers with fewer than 100 apprentices.

    Key Information

    Entry requirements

    You must:

    • Be employed in healthcare and supported to undertake the course by your employer.
    • Have BBB at A Level (120 UCAS points). If you are studying a Science A Level, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course, DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, Merit at T Level, NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade B or a Pass in Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits 15 at Distinction, 30 at Merit.
    • 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 Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 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.

    Complete a Rehabilitation of Offenders form and have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check.

    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 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. A Nursing Associate qualification will usually mean you can be granted Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) onto the second year of the 3-year BSc course but please check prior to applying. Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered via a portfolio of evidence mapped against the NMC standards of proficiency and the apprenticeship framework for Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA). As sector leaders in apprenticeships we hope this attracts more people to train as nurses and help towards recruiting more apprentices. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

    Start dates

    22 September 2025

    Duration

    2-3 years full-time

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    Becoming a Professional - Learning Disability Nursing

    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

    This module provides the opportunity for you develop the fundamental knowledge and skills to provide effective person-centred care to people of all ages and specifically for people who have a learning disability. You’ll learn about the principles of holistic assessment and care for people with a range of physical, mental health and cognitive care needs, as well as about the promotion and maintenance of health and wellbeing with all groups of people including those who are ‘well’. You’ll gain an understanding of development through the lifespan by exploring the principles of anatomy and physiology, along with an introduction to pharmacology and medicines administration.

    Nursing Practice 1

    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’ve learnt into practice.

    Nursing Practice 2

    This module provides you with a further opportunity 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’ve learnt into practice.

    Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing

    This module introduces you to the nature of knowledge and how it supports evidenced-based nursing practice. You’ll learn 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.

    Core modules:

    Developing as a Professional

    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

    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. Using 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 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

    This module builds on the Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing module in Year 1, by introducing you to the design of research studies, including literature reviews and empirical projects. 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 learn about research ethics, data collection, analysis and research approaches including qualitative, qualitative and mixed method studies, literature reviews undertaken systematically 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

    This module provides you with the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills of 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

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

    Core modules:

    Being a Professional

    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, 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

    This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1 and 2. 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

    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

    You’ll be supported in supervised practice in placement areas to develop your knowledge and skills related to practice. Simulated placement learning will focus on preparation for placement; mandatory skills and transition to registered nurse. Both formative and summative assessment will be provided with initial, intermediate, and final interviews in practice. Lectures will provide opportunities for preparation and support before and during placement.

    Using Evidence and Research to Enhance Learning Disability Nursing Practice

    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 have the opportunity to develop a detailed literature review report or research study report. 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.

    Learning and teaching on this course is delivered through seminars, lectures, group work, simulation and skills practical experience. The modules have been designed to embed transferable skills and enable you to progressively increase your knowledge and confidence. 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 the assessment varies from module to module, and mirrors 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.

    Clinical skill 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 and practice 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.

    The End Point Assessment (EPA) is integrated within the programme and is awarded on successful completion of the programme and apprenticeship requirements.

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. 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).

    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.

    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 2,300 hours across the course in order to obtain registration.

    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 service, 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.

    In order to provide you with 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.

    Whilst on placement you'll be supported by trained supervisors and assessors, as well as by members of the academic team who will meet with you and your practice support team every 12 weeks.

    Please note that you'll be required to travel to and during your placements.

    Discover more about the course

    Your Career

    Discover the job roles our graduates are working in now.

    Professional links and accreditation

    Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate.

    Inspiring Graduate

    Get inspired by real students and their careers.

    Careers advice

    Check out the personalised guidance we offer you.

    Student Support

    Discover all the support available so you can thrive.

    Further Study

    Learn about pursuing a Master’s or PhD at Huddersfield.

    Research Excellence

    See how our innovative research shapes what you'll learn.

    Important information

    When you enrol as an apprentice learner of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and our disciplinary procedure. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you'll be asked to agree to them when you join us as an apprentice. You'll find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you'll also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to.

    Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

    Changes to a course you have applied for but not yet started

    If we propose to make a major change to an apprenticeship course that you have applied for, then we will tell you and your employer as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Although we always try and run all the courses we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or delay your course start date if we consider this reasonably necessary, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you and your employer as soon as reasonably possible. In such instances, we will work with you and your employer to agree a deferred start date, or cancel your application and, if appropriate, provide information regarding other local apprenticeship providers.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as an apprentice

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that materially changes the services available to you, or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days, classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the requirements of an updated version of the apprenticeship standard relevant to your course; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you and your employer as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered or claiming an interim award and exiting the University.

    If a major change affects your course, we will notify you and your employer as soon as possible and will carry out suitable consultation with affected apprentices. If you and your employer reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment we will work with both of you to try to find an appropriate solution. Where one cannot be found we will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring your remaining apprenticeship learning to another training provider if you and your employer wish to do so.

    Termination of employment

    As your employer is funding your apprenticeship course, you must remain in relevant employment for the duration of the course until you have completed your end point assessment. Under the apprenticeship rules, if you are made redundant and you have completed 75% of the practical period or have less than 6 months left, then you may complete the course. Otherwise, unless you find alternative relevant employment within 12 weeks of the date you are made redundant, then you'll be withdrawn from the course.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University. The ESFA is the principal regulator for your apprenticeship course.

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