MSc in Learning Disabilities Nursing (pre-registration)

Why you should study this course

This innovative programme is designed to equip you with the hands-on clinical and care skills to prepare you to practise autonomously and compassionately. You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide effective person-centred approaches, and to build effective therapeutic relationships across the lifespan, with the individuals who you support as well as their families, carers and social groups.

• The course is aimed at individuals with a prior undergraduate degree and evidence of experience in health and social care. Previous undergraduate degrees may include (but are not limited to) health-related disciplines, psychology, criminology or sociology degrees. Those with non-health-related degrees must demonstrate extensive experience in the clinical health and social care sector. It is also suitable for existing nurses looking for dual qualification.
• Designed to challenge you to develop high standards of person-centred care, skills in coordinating complex care, clinical, legal and ethical decision-making, leadership and mentoring, the course is complemented by research and evidence-informed practice and independent project work which is focused on, and promotes, service improvement.
• You will have the opportunity to study and develop specialist skills in communication, comprehensive health assessment, equality and diversity, and issues related to professional practice. This includes the study of complex health needs, profound and multiple needs, care packages and therapeutic approaches to service users with learning disabilities.
• The course will facilitate you to lead in the implementation and coordination of positive behavioural approaches, adapted mental and physical health interventions and additional clinical specialism including the provision of care in forensic and secure environments. You will be equipped with the necessary theory-practice skills in trans- and multi-disciplinary assessment, which is at the core of best practice. This course requires individuals with excellent communication skills and a person-centred and empathetic approach to those with healthcare needs.
• Clinical placements² are integral to the Learning Disabilities Nursing MSc, accounting for 50% of the course. This includes clinical practice in a range of healthcare settings (organised by the university) and practice learning with local practice partners. Learning Disabilities Nurses work in collaboration with individuals with learning disabilities and with a range of other health professionals to provide a multidisciplinary approach to person-centred care. You will complete placements across four practice modules in a variety of settings such as community teams, respite care, secure service provision, autism services and other services relevant to learning disabilities nursing. Practice assessment is divided into three parts which build on proficiencies required to become autonomous nurse practitioners.
• Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, including additional physical and mental health needs in people with learning disabilities, adapted therapeutic approaches, forensic issues in the learning disabled population, positive approaches to behaviour management and other contemporary issues. Your studies will focus on the needs of populations, individuals, related health and nursing services with an emphasis on using research to enhance and improve services for people with Learning Disabilities. You will be encouraged to act as a champion for the service users you work with and support their diverse needs.
• You will study in the multi-million-pound Alison Gingell Building, which provides facilities⁴ for teaching and research, featuring an operating theatre, mock wards, critical care settings, community housing and other real life nursing environments relevant to practice.
• Upon successful completion, in addition to eligibility for NMC registration, you will also graduate with a Chartered Management Institute (CMI)* accredited¹ qualification in Global Professional Development and have the opportunity to apply to become a member of the CMI.

 

• Applicants for Pre-registration MSc in Learning Disability Nursing should ideally hold a good honours degree of 2:2 or above in a health-related subject
• However, applications with other degrees and relevant care experience will also be considered on an individual basis
• As the MSc in Learning Disability Nursing is a two-year course, there is a requirement to demonstrate completion of 460 practice hours in relevant health/care settings through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process to meet the NMC standard of nursing education of 2300 practice hours. The RPL process will credit students for 460 hours to meet the stated NMC criteria. Applicants will be supported in the RPL process.*

*Care is defined as activities that include washing, dressing, feeding or toileting of an individual, as well as nursing intervention procedures. Care encompasses meeting the physiological and psycho-social needs of the physically ill, mentally ill, and disabled people of all ages, in all healthcare and other community settings. This can be undertaken in a formal workplace environment, or informally in the family setting. Please contact the admissions tutor if you are unsure whether your experience meets the requirements above.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no component 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. 

 

University Deadlines:

31^st December 2022                January 2023