Learning Disability Nursing

Top 11 for General Nursing - The University of Northampton is a top 11 institution for general Nursing in the Best UK University Guardian League table for 2026.

Our BSc (Hons) Learning Disability Nursing equips you with nursing skills to work within health and social care environments with people with learning disabilities. The practical placements that you will take throughout this course will be in a variety of health, education and social care settings with people of all ages that have a range of learning disabilities.

After successful completion of this programme, you’ll be awarded an Honours degree and can register as a Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

On completion of this course you could pursue a wide range of professional careers in health and social care in NHS, private or education sector, including Registered Nurse; Clinical Nurse Specialist; Community Nurse; Strategic Healthcare Facilitator; School Nurse; Prison Nurse; Nurse Consultant; Nurse Educator; Nurse Researcher and manager.

The NHS Learning Support Fund

Students, studying nursing, midwifery and many of the allied health professions courses from September 2020, may be eligible for a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back. They may be able to apply for Financial support at the university through the NHS Learning Support Fund (NHS LSF) which offers eligible students additional support while studying for their degree. This is in addition to the Student Loan from the Student Loans Company*.

Why choose the University of Northampton?

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027*.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost**, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

The Northampton Employment Promise

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱ Eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information
✱✱✱ the information provided above is correct for the academic year 2025/26 but please check the NHS LSF website for full details, any changes and updates.
*Calculations are based on Office for Students data based on the average positivity measure across all NSS questions for CAH3 taught all modes, all levels, limited to HEIs.

Course Modules

STAGE 1:
• Discovering My Identity as a Nurse (compulsory)
• Professionalism and Public Protection in Nursing (compulsory)
• Exploring the Evidence Base for Nursing (compulsory)
• Guided Participation in Nursing Care (compulsory)

STAGE 2:
• Constructing and Developing My Nursing Identity (compulsory)
• Applying Understanding of Nursing Professionalism and Protection of the Public in Nursing (compulsory)
• Interpreting the Evidence Base Influencing Learning Disability Nursing (compulsory)
• Active Participation in Nursing Care (compulsory)

STAGE 3:
• Transforming and Innovating Learning Disability Nursing (compulsory)
• Developing My Nurse Identity Towards Becoming a Registrant (compulsory)
• Becoming a Professional, Responsible, and Accountable Registered Nurse (compulsory)
• Demonstrating Competence and Confidence in Safe, Effective Administration and Optimization of Medicines and the Health Numeracy Assessment (compulsory)
• Leading and Coordinating Learning Disability Nursing Care (compulsory).

*Students must take all modules. Students who do not complete the Honours Degree will be eligible for an Ordinary Degree upon successful completion of a minimum of 60 Level 6 credits. These can be from any Level 6 modules, whether identified as compulsory or designated. The name of the Ordinary Degree will differ from that of the Honours Degree due to professional body requirements. Details can be found in the relevant Supplementary Regulations.

**Module information is quoted for 2025/26 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

We use a variety of methods of assessment on our Learning Disability Nursing course, including: an electronic nursing practice portfolio for each year; online examination for numeracy in years one and three (to comply with Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements); anatomy and physiology examination; nursing care plan; essays; presentation; viva voce exam and reflective essay.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Nursing and Midwifery Council