BSc (Hons)Nursing with Registered Nurse (Learning Disabilities)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Central Lancashire

Program Overview

This three-year degree prepares you to become a registered nurse specialising in learning disabilities, helping you deliver compassionate, person-centred care to children and adults in a variety of health and social care settings. It’s perfect if you’re passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities, including autism and acquired brain injuries, and want to combine hands-on clinical practice with strong communication, advocacy, and leadership skills.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll get a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and the basics of learning disability nursing through modules like How the Body and Mind Work, So You Want to Be a Learning Disability Nurse?, and Introducing Nursing Practice. You’ll start learning how to safely support individuals with learning disabilities while developing your professional identity as a nurse.

Year 2:
Year two focuses on more advanced topics, including healthcare policy and practice, through modules such as Learning Disability Nursing Matters and Actively Participating in Learning Disability Nursing Practice. You’ll gain more hands-on experience, manage more complex care situations, and strengthen your skills in advocacy and collaboration across healthcare teams.

Year 3:
In your final year, you’ll take modules like Becoming a Newly Qualified Nurse, Making Decisions in Learning Disability Nursing, and Leading Nursing Practice. These will prepare you to take on responsibility, lead care initiatives, make evidence-based decisions, and graduate ready to register as a learning disability nurse.

Focus areas:
Person-centred care, professional leadership in nursing, inclusive health promotion, multi-disciplinary practice.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to provide safe, compassionate specialist nursing care, work effectively in healthcare teams, make evidence-based decisions, and lead improvements in health and social care services.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This programme meets the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards, enabling you to register as a learning disability nurse in the UK.

Reputation (employability rankings):
UCLan ranks highly in the North West for nursing career prospects, placing 1st in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and 2nd in the Times Good University Guide 2024 for graduate outcomes in nursing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UCLan, you’ll learn by doing. This programme isn’t just about lectures — it’s about getting hands-on experience and building real confidence in caring for people with learning disabilities. From day one, you’ll practise in state-of-the-art clinical skills labs and simulated hospital environments, where you can try out procedures safely, use real equipment, and develop the practical skills you’ll need on placements. You’ll also spend significant time in real healthcare settings, working alongside experienced nurses, applying your learning in authentic situations, and seeing the difference you can make every day.

Here’s what makes your learning so practical and engaging:

Clinical Skills Suite and Simulated Hospital Environment with patient simulators and realistic equipment for safe, hands-on practice.
NHS clinical placements across Central Lancashire and Cumbria, giving you real-world experience in learning disability nursing.
Group-based projects and case studies to develop teamwork, problem-solving, and patient-care planning skills.
Digital and virtual learning tools to enhance decision-making, communication, and reflective practice.
Library and learning resources for research, academic support, and collaborative study.
Opportunities for international placements through UCLan’s partnerships abroad, expanding your experience beyond the UK.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Once you complete this degree, you’ll be ready to take on rewarding roles such as Learning Disability Nurse, Community Nurse Specialist, Clinical Team Lead, Health Promotion Coordinator, Nurse Researcher, or Specialist Care Advisor. The programme is fully aligned with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration requirements, so you’ll graduate with the credentials and confidence to start your professional career and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Here’s how UCLan helps you succeed in your future career:

Career Services: One-to-one guidance, CV and interview support, and tailored advice for nursing and healthcare sectors.
Employment & Salary: UCLan nursing graduates typically earn around £26,500 three years after graduation, with strong employment prospects in the UK and internationally.
Industry Partnerships: Close links with NHS trusts in Central Lancashire and Cumbria give you placement experience and networking opportunities.
Professional Recognition: The programme is approved by the NMC for registration as a Learning Disability Nurse, giving your qualification long-term value.
Graduation Outcomes: High student satisfaction and top regional rankings mean you graduate ready to step confidently into clinical, specialist, or leadership roles.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you could pursue a Master’s in Nursing (Learning Disabilities), Advanced Practice, Healthcare Leadership, or a specialist MSc in Neuro-development or Autism Studies. These paths allow you to deepen your expertise, move into senior roles, or even explore teaching and research opportunities.