BSc (Honours) Nursing (Learning Disability) and Social Work

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Sheffield Hallam University

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities and want a career that truly makes a difference, this course gives you the skills to do just that. You’ll train in both nursing and social work, learning how to care for people across health and social care settings, and preparing for a rewarding dual-profession career straight after graduation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year is all about building a strong foundation in both nursing and social work. Through modules like Collaboration for Individual and Community Well‑being, Essentials of Nursing and Social Work Practice, and Sciences and Theory for Nursing and Social Work Practice, you’ll start to understand how people live, develop essential professional skills, and begin applying theory to real-life practice.

Year 2
In year two, you’ll take on more complex scenarios and deepen your skills. Modules such as Applying Sciences and Theory Across the Life Course, Assessing and Addressing Complexity in Practice, and Developing Nursing and Social Work Professional Practice will help you care for people with more complex needs and work confidently across diverse health and social care environments.

Year 3
The final year focuses on preparing you to step into professional practice with confidence. Modules like Becoming a Learning Disability Nurse and Social Worker, Consolidating the Sciences and Theory for Critical Nursing and Social Work Practice, and Complexity & Leadership in Professional Practice will equip you to lead care, make key decisions, and register as a qualified professional in both nursing and social work.

Focus areas:
“learning-disability nursing and social work, multi-professional collaboration, complex care, leadership and professional development”

Learning outcomes:
“graduate ready to plan, deliver and evaluate safe, evidence-informed care; collaborate effectively in multi-professional teams; lead practice in complex settings; and engage in continuous professional development”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) and Social Work England, allowing you to register and practice in both professions.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Part of Sheffield Hallam’s nursing portfolio, ranked 6th in the UK for graduate outcomes (Complete University Guide 2026).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very start of the course, you’ll be getting hands-on experience that goes beyond theory. You’ll practise real nursing and social work skills in simulation suites, mock wards, and community-style settings, and gradually move into placements where you’ll support people with learning disabilities in hospitals, care homes, and community services. Digital tools, multi-professional teamwork, and practical scenarios are all designed to help you feel confident and ready for professional practice.

Here’s how your practical learning is supported:

Clinical placements across health and social care settings, giving you real-world experience in working with people with learning disabilities.
Simulation suites and mock wards, where you can safely practise nursing and social work scenarios before stepping into professional environments.
Technology-enhanced learning, including virtual reality simulations and digital clinical skills labs to prepare you for modern practice.
Collaborative learning with students from other health and social care courses, helping you develop teamwork skills that reflect real professional settings.
Library and study support, with access to specialist resources, one-to-one guidance, and skills centres to complement your hands-on learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this programme means you’ll be ready to make a real difference in people’s lives, combining skills in both nursing and social work. Many of our graduates go on to roles such as Learning Disability Nurse, Registered Social Worker, Community Care Manager, or Senior Practitioner in Health & Social Care, giving you flexibility across health and social care settings. The course is designed to give you the confidence, practical experience, and professional knowledge to step straight into meaningful employment:

Careers support: Sheffield Hallam’s Careers & Employability team helps you with everything from CV writing and interview practice to linking your placements with real job opportunities.
Employment outcomes: Nursing graduates at SHU are ranked 6th in the UK for graduate outcomes (Complete University Guide 2026).
Industry partnerships & dual registration: This course allows you to register both with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) and Social Work England, giving you a dual qualification that opens doors across multiple sectors.
Graduation outcomes: With around 50% of your course in real-world placements and integrated multi-professional learning, you’ll be prepared to work in the NHS, local authorities, voluntary organisations, or private care services.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the course, you could continue your studies with a Master’s in Advanced Practice or Leadership in Health & Social Care, specialise in learning disabilities or social work, or even move into research and policy roles to shape the future of care.