BSc Professional Nursing (Learning Disabilities)

This three-year degree programme integrates theory and practice, preparing our students to be world-class practitioners in the area of Learning Disability Nursing. Students in this programme will begin in September 2023.

Students will spend 50 per cent of their time in University learning the latest nursing theory and clinical skills, and 50 per cent of their time with one of our internationally-recognised training partners in a wide variety of clinical and community settings throughout Northern Ireland.

Our highly-trained lecturing staff are actively engaged in areas of speciality practice. Our personal tutor system for student support is very well regarded, and we were awarded the Best Student Experience award in the 2021 Student Nursing Times Awards.

On successful completion of this programme of study, you will become a Registered Nurse in Learning Disabilities (RNLD) possessing a distinct set of knowledge, skills and expertise of the health and wider education and social care needs of people with learning disabilities and their families and carers in the context of person-centred care and co-production that promotes and maintains health and well-being.

The Learning Disability Nurse adopts a life span approach to nursing assessment, treatments, interventions, education and care and support across a diverse range of settings, including, home, in-patient assessment and treatment units, nursing homes, secure settings, schools, day care, residential care homes and community-based teams to contribute to meeting the care needs of people with learning disabilities and their families and carers.

On successful completion of this programme of study, you will be able to
o Provide person centred care for people with Learning Disability and their families across the lifespan.
o Deliver effective care to people with learning disabilities who may have multiple health morbidities and additional interrelated physical, psychological, emotional, social, and educational needs.
o Be respectful, kind, caring, compassionate knowledgeable and skilled nurse practitioners.
o Be effective communicators
o Act as advocates for people with learning disabilities their families, health care professionals and other stakeholders within dynamic health and social care contexts

This programme is fully funded by the Department of Health for Home students, including full fees and a bursary. Students on this programme are ineligible to apply for funding from the Student Loans Company. It is not available as a part time programme.

If you have previously commenced or completed a DoH paid place/bursary for a pre-registration nursing, midwifery or AHP course in Northern Ireland you will not be eligible for a funded place on this programme.

Already have a degree? Why not consider joining our Masters in Professional Nursing programme? This new and innovative 2 year programme that prepares graduates from any subject with experience in caring for a Nursing career.