Overview

Supporting individuals with learning disabilities to live full, independent lives requires both compassion and specialist clinical skill, working closely with families and a wide range of health and social care professionals. The BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities) at the University of Hertfordshire splits learning evenly between university-based study and practice placements from the very first year, giving students genuine hands-on experience alongside theoretical knowledge. Teaching draws on the expertise of practitioners, researchers and people with lived experience of learning disabilities and autism, and covers everything from anatomy and physiology to leadership and service improvement. The course suits students who are passionate about health and social inclusion, and who want to build a rewarding career advocating for a group often overlooked in wider health and social care.

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What You'll Learn

• The role of a learning disability nurse and the impact of this work on individuals and services

• Anatomy and physiology relevant to physical and mental health conditions

• Communication skills tailored to supporting people with learning disabilities

• How young people transition from child to adult health and social care services

• Research methods and evidence-based practice in learning disability nursing

• The psychological and emotional wellbeing needs of people with learning disabilities

• Leadership, management and political awareness within contemporary healthcare

• Innovation and quality improvement, culminating in an evidence-based proposal for service change

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to assess the health needs of people with learning disabilities and develop holistic care plans addressing their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. They will be equipped to communicate effectively and sensitively, working in partnership with individuals, families and a range of health and social care professionals. Through extensive practice placements and research-focused study, students will develop strong clinical, critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making skills. Graduates will be eligible to register as qualified nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, ready to pursue a wide range of career paths supporting people with learning disabilities across community, hospital and specialist care settings.