Nursing

Learning disability nursing is a specialist field of nursing concerned with supporting people who have learning disabilities to lead fulfilling, healthy, and autonomous lives. It is a discipline that requires both clinical knowledge and a deep commitment to the rights and dignity of people who may face significant barriers to accessing healthcare and social services. Learning disability nurses work across the full lifespan, with children and adults, in community settings, residential care, NHS services, and specialist support organisations, advocating for the people they care for and working to address the health inequalities that people with learning disabilities continue to experience.

This three-year, full-time programme at Edge Hill prepares you to register as a qualified learning disability nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You will develop the clinical knowledge needed to assess and support the health needs of people with learning disabilities, including those with complex conditions, and the professional and ethical frameworks that govern practice in this field. Clinical placement is central to the programme, giving you supervised experience in real care settings that develop both your practical skills and your professional identity.

The programme reflects the social model of disability and a commitment to person-centred care.

Successful completion leads to eligibility for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a registered nurse in the field of learning disabilities. Most graduates work in NHS community and inpatient services, specialist schools and residential settings, and the voluntary sector. With experience, learning disability nurses move into advanced practice, case management, team leadership, and roles focused on improving health outcomes for people with learning disabilities.

Further study in advanced nursing practice, health promotion, or related clinical fields is an option for those who wish to develop specialist expertise.