BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Leeds Trinity University

Program Overview

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives, the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities) at Leeds Trinity is designed for you. This course combines practical hands-on learning with academic study, giving you the confidence, skills, and compassion to support individuals with learning disabilities to live independently, stay healthy, and reach their potential. You’ll learn not just how to provide care, but how to truly understand and empower the people you work with.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Laying the foundations

In your first year, you’ll start building the skills every nurse needs. Modules like Fundamentals of Contemporary Nursing Care and Psychosocial Concepts of Health and Wellbeing introduce you to core nursing practices and how social factors affect health. Communication and Relationship Skills for Person‑centred and Holistic Care helps you connect with individuals and families, while your first placements (Practice 1 and Practice 2) give you real-world experience under supervision, so you can start applying what you learn straight away.

Year 2 – Developing confidence and expertise

In year two, you’ll expand your clinical skills and start taking more responsibility. Developing Competence in Contemporary Learning Disabilities Nursing Care and Promoting Health and Wellbeing across the Lifespan teach you how to plan and deliver care in a thoughtful, evidence-based way. Modules like Evidence-based Practice and Informed Decision Making encourage you to use research to guide your practice, while Practice 3 and Practice 4 placements give you more hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings.

Year 3 – Preparing for professional practice

Your final year is all about leading and coordinating care with confidence. Modules such as Leading and Coordinating Contemporary Learning Disabilities Nursing Care and Managing Complex Care Needs in Learning Disabilities Nursing develop your leadership and advanced clinical skills. Alongside Preparation for Professional Registration, your final placements (Practice 5 and Practice 6) allow you to demonstrate everything you’ve learned and prepare to start your career as a registered nurse.

Focus areas:
Learning disabilities nursing practice, person-centred care, communication, clinical skills, psychosocial wellbeing, evidence-based care, professional leadership.

Learning outcomes:
Provide safe, compassionate, and culturally informed care, work confidently with individuals and teams, apply evidence and theory to practice, and meet the professional standards required for registration.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), giving you eligibility to register as a learning disabilities nurse in the UK.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Leeds Trinity is recognised for strong student satisfaction and high employability, with practical placements and close connections to healthcare providers helping you move confidently into your nursing career.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you study Nursing (Learning Disabilities) at Leeds Trinity, you won’t just be reading about care — you’ll be doing it. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience in real clinical settings, learning directly from experienced professionals while building the confidence to support people with learning disabilities. On campus, you’ll practise in fully equipped simulation suites and realistic care environments, using the latest digital tools to refine your skills before you even step into a real placement. You’ll also benefit from insights from service users and carers, so your learning is grounded in real-life perspectives.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience:

Hands-on training & tools:

Practise nursing skills in clinical skills rooms, a six-bed simulated ward, HDU/ICU bay, and a community living flat, all designed to mirror real healthcare environments.
Use digital tools and cameras to review and improve your clinical techniques.
Collaborate with students from other health professions in shared learning sessions, building teamwork skills you’ll need in the real world.

Placements & professional experience:

Take part in two structured placements per year, spending around 11 weeks in NHS trusts, community services, or learning disability support environments.
Receive guidance from experienced practice supervisors who provide feedback and help you grow.
Keep an online portfolio to track your progress, reflect on experiences, and showcase your professional development.
Participate in group tutorials and reflective sessions with peers and service users, learning from shared experiences.

Professional readiness:

Graduate ready to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and begin your career as a qualified nurse.

Progression & Future Opportunities

When you graduate with a BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities) from Leeds Trinity, you’ll be ready to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and step straight into a rewarding career helping people with learning disabilities lead fulfilling lives. Many of our graduates move into specialist nursing roles, work in community services, or take on leadership positions — the skills you gain here open doors across health and social care:

Typical roles you could pursue:

Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse (in NHS hospitals, community health teams, or specialist services)
Community Learning Disabilities Nurse supporting adults and families
Specialist nurse roles such as autism or epilepsy support
Manager or coordinator in residential, supported-living, or voluntary care services

Here’s how Leeds Trinity helps you turn your degree into a career:

Career guidance from day one: Our Careers+Placements team works with you throughout your studies — helping you explore options, refine your CV, practice interviews, and connect with employers.
Hands-on employability: Your degree includes structured placements and practical skills training so you graduate confident and ready for the workplace.
Strong industry connections: We partner with NHS Trusts like Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, giving you exposure to real work settings and potential employers.
Accreditation that matters: With NMC approval, your degree allows you to register as a qualified nurse in the UK — a key step for your professional journey.
Flexible career paths: Learning disability nurses can work in hospitals, community services, supported living, charities, or private care — giving you lots of choices for your future.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you’ve completed your degree, there’s plenty of room to grow. Many graduates continue their studies with postgraduate certificates, Master’s degrees in advanced clinical practice or nursing leadership, or even research-based MPhil/PhD programs. Your NMC-approved degree gives you a strong foundation for these next steps and makes you a competitive candidate for specialist or leadership roles in health and social care.