Nursing

Learning disability nursing is a specialism within the nursing profession that is concerned with the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities across the life course. People with learning disabilities are more likely to experience complex health needs, mental health difficulties, sensory impairments and social challenges, and they are entitled to the same quality of healthcare as anyone else. Learning disability nurses work as advocates, coordinators and direct care providers, ensuring that people with learning disabilities receive care that is personalised, respectful and adapted to their communication and support needs.

At Hull, this three-year full-time programme prepares you for registration as a learning disability nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You will develop the clinical knowledge, communication skills and professional capabilities needed to work with people with learning disabilities in a wide range of settings, including community teams, residential care, specialist health services, schools and day services. Clinical placements run throughout the programme, giving you real-world experience of working with people with learning disabilities and their families and carers from early in your training.

You will study the theory and practice of learning disability nursing, including assessment, care planning, therapeutic approaches, safeguarding, legal and ethical frameworks and the principles of person-centred and rights-based care. Understanding how communication can be adapted for different individuals is a core skill of the specialism, and the programme develops this alongside your clinical knowledge.

On graduating with NMC registration, you will be qualified to work across a range of learning disability services in health and social care. Many learning disability nurses develop specialist roles in areas such as epilepsy, mental health, autism or forensic learning disability. Leadership, advanced practice and postgraduate study are longer-term career options.