Registered Nurse (Learning Disability) (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc(Hons)

About the course

This apprenticeship course has been designed to provide the opportunity to study whilst being employed in learning disability healthcare services. During this apprenticeship you’ll get the opportunity to develop the vital skills, values and confidence you need to work with people who have a range of learning disabilities, providing hands on care in relation to their complex physical, social and psychological needs. You'll also have the chance to develop a high level of personal and technical skills to help improve the quality of life of people with a learning disability and their ability to live as independently as possible.

In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you’ll remain employed by your host organisation. You'll spend one day a week working for your employer in your current role. The other 30 hours a week will be either on placement in clinical practice or in university. The course is designed to be progressively demanding and once qualified you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work as a Registered Nurse for Learning Disabilities.

If you’re thinking of studying an apprenticeship course or are an employer looking for an apprenticeship for your employees, you’ll also find useful information on our Degree Apprenticeship webpages.

Why study Registered Nurse (Learning Disability) (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc(Hons)

Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by a team who are learning disability nurses first and foremost, with extensive and varied practice experience and diverse interests in the field of learning disabilities. You’ll learn through lectures, workshops, seminars, group work, simulation and role play. This will also involve a combination of face to face on campus learning, as well as online teaching and resources.

Individuals with learning disabilities are involved in the development of teaching materials, too, and will work with you in the classroom. You’ll have the opportunity to hear the experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.

Your time on the course will be divided between learning theory and applying your knowledge in a clinical environment, with clinical practice providing opportunities for you to put what you’ve learned into practice in a variety of settings. These may include working in a range of statutory, private and voluntary services, providing care and support for both children and adults.

In 2024, the University’s new Daphne Steele Building will open on the site of the National Health Innovation campus, too. Learning Disability Nursing students can, therefore, benefit from specialist clinical teaching facilities and world-leading research facilities.

Entry requirements

You must:

• Be employed in healthcare and supported to undertake the course by your employer.
• Have BBB at A Level (120 UCAS points). If you are studying a Science A Level, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course, DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, Merit at T Level, NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade B or a Pass in Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits 15 at Distinction, 30 at Merit.
• In addition, you must have GCSE English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Complete a Rehabilitation of Offenders form and have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check.

You may be eligible to gain accreditation for your prior learning towards this course. Please note that the course you are applying for is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which allows a maximum of 50% of credits for the award to be conferred through accreditation of prior learning.

If you have alternative qualifications, including the nursing associate foundation degree, you may wish to contact us for advice before applying. Please note places are limited and attainment of the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview or offer. You must include details of any previous study. A Nursing Associate qualification will usually mean you can be granted Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) onto the second year of the 3-year BSc course but please check prior to applying. Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered via a portfolio of evidence mapped against the NMC standards of proficiency and the apprenticeship framework for Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA). As sector leaders in apprenticeships we hope this attracts more people to train as nurses and help towards recruiting more apprentices. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

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