If you want a career as a qualified learning disabilities nurse, then we have a practical-centred course to ensure you get all the skills you need to become one.

With job prospects for qualified nurses rapidly expanding, we have ensured that our course contains provides you with the knowledge and hands-on experience you will need to confidently meet the complex mental and physical health needs of both adults and children.

So, whether you want to specialise in community learning disability nursing, forensic or secure settings, a hospice or in a residential setting, you'll be given the resources you need to follow your chosen path.

**Why Choose University of Cumbria**

Your academic knowledge will be boosted by a wide range of placement opportunities in Cumbria and Lancashire– which account for 50% of the course – providing you with the experience you need to make the transition from learning to employment.

And, you have the opportunity to experience both city and rural healthcare systems, while networking and bolstering your employment prospects due to our close links with NHS Trusts and care providers.

- Eligible to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council register

- 100% of students have secured a job after graduating and 96% of students say they are satisfied with the course

- Develop a broad understanding of other nursing fields, since we’re one of only a few UK universities offering child, adult, learning disability and mental health nursing

- Taught and supported closely by academic tutors who are nurses with a wealth of experience and are involved in research and national conferences in their nursing fields

- Opportunity to undertake your own research or take part in that being carried out by academic tutors

- Experience the clinical journey from a patient’s perspective – boosting your care quality skills

- Former students have been nominated for national awards

- Learn how to improve and maintain the physical and mental health of people with learning disabilities

- An enrichment placement – giving you the opportunity to go overseas

You’ll be living in a vibrant student city by the spectacular north west coastline, and, within an hour of the Lake District National Park and the big cities of Manchester and Liverpool. So, whether you want lively or leisurely, you’re within reach of both.

Whether you are a college-leaver or a mature student wanting a career change, this course is your step into a rewarding career supporting the well-being and inclusion of people with a learning disability whether in the NHS, private or voluntary settings.

That’s because we provide a real-world context for your studies to develop your independent thinking and problem-solving skills in preparation for a future as a learning disabilities nurse.

Our course places an emphasis on nursing in a range of NHS, private and voluntary settings, including specialist community nursing teams, forensic settings, residential and special school placements. You'll learn how to work as part of a team which includes psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, teachers, general practitioners, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and healthcare assistants.

**Year 1** - You'll get an introduction into the nursing profession, focusing on the skills you'll need as a learning disability nurse - such as, health and behaviours and developing therapeutic approaches.

**Year 2 & 3** - You'll build on these foundations and put the theory into practice with practical placements to ensure you get the very best, first-hand experience of working within a clinical setting - abroad should you choose it.