Learning Disabilities Nursing BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Professionally Accredited Programmes
A nurse attending a patient who is using a desktop computer.

This degree combines theory with practice-based learning to lead you to professional registration and a rewarding career as a learning disabilities nurse.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 years full-time

Course code

HU06

Start date

September 2025


Course overview

Learning disabilities nurses provide specialist healthcare and support to people with a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information. They work across a range of settings including people’s homes, primary and community settings, schools and specialist services, in-patient hospitals and care homes.

This course aims to equip you to support, empower and safeguard people with learning disabilities. It emphasises the importance of involving individuals, their families and support networks in the holistic assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care.

  • Successful completion of this course makes you eligible to apply for professional registration as a learning disabilities nurse with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) (please see Accreditation section for more information).
  • Gain the skills to deliver professional, impactful, evidence-informed care across a range of dynamic and diverse healthcare environments.
  • Learn to collaborate and thrive as a learning disabilities nurse across and within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate safe, evidenced-based care delivery.
  • Study one academic module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.
  • All eligible learners on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the government of £5,000 per year. You can apply for additional payments if you incur childcare costs6.
  • 50% of your learning will take place in diverse practice-based learning environments where you will apply your theoretical knowledge to the real world2,5.

Why you should study this course

The course is aimed at committed and enthusiastic individuals who embody a compassionate attitude and are eager to acquire the skills to deliver professional, impactful and evidence-informed care.

  • Our approach supports you to develop a strong sense of professional identity as a learning disabilities nurse from the outset.
  • Learn to thrive in dynamic healthcare environments and multidisciplinary teams, developing your relationship management skills.
  • Focus on one academic module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.
  • Gain a strong sense of professional accountability, in preparation to lead, influence and supervise others.
  • Delivered by a team that includes highly skilled, knowledgeable, nursing and allied health professionals.
  • Focusing on digital fluency, curiosity, critical and reflective thinking, this course instils you with the ability to access, evaluate and apply evidence to inform your practice.
  • Access to success coaches, placement supervisors, health and wellbeing services and specialist support for mathematics and academic writing4.

Studying nursing at CU Scarborough

Gain the skills and experience to transform lives, communities and the future of healthcare delivery. We aim to empower you to become a stand-out healthcare professional, capable, competent and confident in your field and role within the wider healthcare team.

While continuously developing your sense of professional identity as a learning disabilities nurse from day one, you'll learn in an environment that puts inclusivity, diversity and dignity at its heart.

15th

Coventry University ranked 15th for General Nursing​

Guardian University Guide 2024

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Nursing and Midwifery Council

Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)

The course is currently accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)1. Following changes that have been made to improve the course, we will apply for re-accreditation for entrants of 2025-26. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

This is a normal part of the process of continuous improvement of our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.


Every CU Scarborough nursing graduate secures local work

Each and every nursing student who graduated from CU Scarborough in 2022 found work within local NHS services (within one year of graduating).

Find out more about this achievement
Two nursing students working on a manikin.

What you'll study

You will study various cross-field modules as well as modules specific to your nursing field. Throughout the course you will study:

  • clinical skills
  • pharmacology
  • communications
  • nursing models and theory
  • nursing assessments and interventions
  • interprofessional working
  • research.

Modules

Modules

Modules

These modules are currently under review and any changes will be updated by summer 2024. Please refer back to this page before applying.


How you'll learn

We understand that everyone learns differently, so this course will consist of structured teaching sessions which can include:

  • on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • group work
  • self-directed learning
  • practice placement2,5
  • simulation
  • role play.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 10-12 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Practice-based learning:

Practice-based learning forms an essential and significant part of your learning experience. Practice hours will differ between placements and different health and care courses. You will have access to University staff, but should expect to spend the majority of your contact time with practice collaborators undertaking placement activity. Overall, the hours you undertake in practice-based learning will need to satisfy the eligibility requirements set by the professional body regulating profession, the NMC. No less than 2300 practice-based hours gained from a combination of placement and simulated learning will need to be completed over the course of your degree.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

  • coursework
  • practice placement2,5
  • formal examinations
  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
  • presentations
  • assessed discussions.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

The tutors at CU Scarborough are supportive and knowledgeable, the campus is small and modern. We had the opportunity to work with Coventry students within our Learning Disabilities modules. My advice for someone who wants to be a nurse is ‘Go for it!’, no matter how old you are or even if you have young children, like me.

Charlotte Gill, final year Learning Disabilities Nursing student, 2023
A student nurse writing down notes with a patient in a bed behind them.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 104
A level BCC excludes General Studies
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English, Mathematics and Science
BTEC DMM in a Health, Sport or Science-based subject
IB Diploma 27 points with 14 at Higher level
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Health units. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above

Additional information

Caring experience, either paid or voluntary is essential. You will be required to attend a selection event (this may be online or in person) which also provides detailed information about the course. Skills in digital and technological literacy are considered vital and there is opportunity to develop these throughout the course.

In line with the National Health Service Constitution we use a values-based recruitment approach in seeking candidates with the appropriate values to support effective team working in delivering excellent patient care.

Evidence of recent study is desirable.

Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section5.

Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Additional information

Caring experience, either paid or voluntary is essential. You will be required to attend a selection event online, which also provides detailed information about the course. Skills in digital and technological literacy are considered vital and there is opportunity to develop these throughout the course.

In line with the National Health Service Constitution we use a values-based recruitment approach in seeking candidates with the appropriate values to support effective team working in delivering excellent patient care.

Evidence of recent study is desirable.

Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section5.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 7.0 overall (with no component part lower than 6.5)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.


Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£9,250 per year
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - as UK per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£19,850 per year
Not available

A non-repayable grant of £5,000 and extra payments worth up to £3,000 may be available to eligible students for each year of study. Read more about this in the NHS Learning Support Fund information booklet.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The university will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The university will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the university reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

Our campus building is designed with your needs in mind4. As nursing students, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • make use of our simulation facilities - from basic life support manikins to high-tech simulation manikins, which emulate patient responses and test resuscitation skills
  • use equipment found in the real world of practice, such as medical devices
  • assist with all elements of care, including medication administration.
  • This is designed to help you to build your confidence before you go on placement.

    Mock hospital ward

    Gain experience using simulation across a range of care settings. The aim is to:

    • build your confidence and knowledge
    • prepare you for how to act in real-world situations
    • enable you to practice and develop your clinical and interpersonal skills in a safe but realistic environment.

    Realistic scenarios

    We may use actors to enhance your experience. This gives you the opportunity to replicate real-life situations. For instance, breaking bad news, demonstrating emotional resilience, and dealing with conflict and aggression.

    Other facilities on campus

    Our purpose built campus building is arranged around an open central atrium and also includes:

    • indoor social spaces, including a café
    • a library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
    • open-access computers
    • a prayer room
    • student support and careers advice teams
    • free on-site student parking
    • public bus stops close to the campus
    • free WiFi.

    The campus itself is located next to Scarborough’s Sports Village, a complex that includes an Olympic Legacy swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, all-weather pitches, and the Scarborough Athletic Club Football ground.

    The campus is just a 10-minute walk from the stunning Yorkshire seafront. North Bay is Scarborough’s Blue Flag beach, meaning it is one of the best in Europe for cleanliness, both on the sand and in the water, for facilities, and safety.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.


Careers and opportunities

There are currently over 3,000 learning disabilities nurses within the NHS and demand for these specialist nurses is high. Typically, past final year students have been offered a range of posts within the NHS and the private sector prior to qualifying.

As a learning disability nurse, you will have opportunities to support people of all ages with learning disabilities in a range of settings, which may include:

  • hospital wards such as epilepsy and palliative care
  • mental health trusts
  • adult education
  • residential and community centres
  • patients' homes
  • workplaces
  • schools.

Career options for successful graduates may include working in specialist areas such as education, sensory disability or service management or moving into areas such as management, teaching or clinical research.

During your three years on the programme, you will have the opportunity to undertake six placements in a range of service settings5. These will give you the chance to work with and alongside qualified learning disability nurses, and therefore potential local and regional employers. Upon successful graduation, you can apply for registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), which can enable you to practise immediately (additional costs apply)1.

Local employers include:

  • Happy Futures Support Specialists
  • Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
  • York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Where our graduates work

The majority of our graduates find employment as qualified nurses in the NHS with a growing emphasis on community settings, in acute hospitals, military nursing or within the private and independent healthcare sector, in private hospitals, nursing or care homes. As your career progresses, a number of options are open to you as a lecturer or specialist practitioner, advanced nurse practitioner, consultant nurse or manager.

Recent graduates have gone on to roles such as working in forensic services, generic and specialised children’s services, end of life care (adults and children), neurology services, dementia services, prison and court diversion, police diversion, schools, research and many more.

We are very proud of the nursing programme at CU Scarborough. We are continuously exploring new approaches to teaching that is responsive to our students and links to real world practice. The course team have a wide range of experience across all fields of nursing and are extremely passionate about using this to prepare the future workforce.

Smaller cohort sizes mean that we get to know our students in their journey to become a registered nurse. We have close links with our practice partners who students will learn in practice with, and many go on to secure jobs in these areas too.

Claire Barwick, CU Scarborough Nursing Curriculum Lead, 2024
Nursing students around a mock hospital bed with a tutor and an acting student playing the role of a patient.

How to apply

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