BSc in Learning Disabilities Nursing
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
BSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 9,535 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* UK students: £9,535 per year | international: £19,900 for the first year
Key Summary
Ready to make a positive difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities?
You’ll be part of a small, enthusiastic cohort, learning from a dynamic teaching team. You’ll learn from researchers and experts, from practice and the Department of Health.
Studying Learning Disabilities Nursing at Kingston will give you a strong foundation for a career with real, life-enhancing impact. Graduates from this course are highly sought after, with previous students working as specialist nurses, nurse therapists, community nurses and in senior management.
During the course, you’ll learn about the factors affecting people's health and wellbeing. You’ll explore the health inequalities in society. And, importantly, you’ll consider how we can improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities.
Your course will combine placements, simulated learning and classroom teaching. In doing so, you’ll develop the skills, values and knowledge you need to manage complex conditions effectively.
Why choose this course?
While you study, you’ll benefit from top quality teaching at Kingston University. Not only are we ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, we’re also top in London for Nursing (The Times Good University Guide 2025) and Nursing and Midwifery (The Complete University Guide 2026).
A portion of your learning will take place at our award-winning simulation suite. These facilities create realistic environments to help you develop skills in clinical, community and practice health settings.
Innovative simulations, with role players and full-body manikins, will offer unique opportunities to learn how to manage conditions across the lifespan. Our training will prepare you to care for everyone, from children to older people, including those with dementia.
Outside of the University, you’ll spend time on placement with one of our partner providers.
You’ll also have opportunities to work with renowned organisations beyond the medical setting. Our students work with the famous Baked Bean Theatre Company. You’ll also have the chance to join the Learning Disability Nursing UK and Ireland network, and attend the Positive Choices Learning Disability Conference.
Accreditation
This degree confers both an academic award and a professional qualification in nursing. On completion of the programme, students are recommended to the Nursing and Midwifery Council for professional registration.
NHS Training Grant
Nursing students on pre-registration courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back, subject to eligibility criteria.
Salutem Learning Disability Nursing/Social Work Scholarship
Healthcare organisation Salutem is offering a scholarship for one Learning Disability Nursing or Social Work student which will cover the full value of the undergraduate tuition fees, together with a maintenance grant for the full three years.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.
Year 1
You will develop your skills in caring for people with a learning disability, learning alongside students of adult, child and mental health nursing.
Core modules
- Practice Assessment Module 1
- Introduction to Learning Disabilities Nursing
- Applied Life Sciences for Nursing Practice
- Public Health
Year 2
Year 2 examines evidence-based person-centred care for people with learning disabilities, and how to support their health and wellbeing. At the end of Year 2, you will have the opportunity to undertake an optional national or international placement.
Core modules
- Health and Wellbeing of People with Learning Disabilities
- Evidence-Based Healthcare for Nursing Practice
- Providing and Evaluating Evidence Based Care with People with Learning Disabilities
- Pharmacology for Nursing Practice
Optional module
Year 3
In Year 3 you will explore the management of complex conditions across the lifespan (e.g. children, transition, adulthood, the older person and those with dementia or other mental or physical health needs). You will be prepared for the transition to professional practice and employability. You will develop skills in management, leadership, team working and teaching and supporting learners. You will learn how to critically appraise evidence to support future practice and explore complexities of nursing and service provision across health and social care organisations.
Core modules
- Collaborative learning and teaching in practice
- Becoming a Registrant
- Leading care in Learning Disabilities Nursing
- Complex Care for Learning Disabilities Nursing
- Practice Assessment Module 3
Boost your employability
Every course at Kingston University teaches a range of Future Skills. From problem-solving and adaptability to digital competency, these are the attributes you’ll need to get the edge in the job market. Future Skills is designed to give you a head start on your career.
After you graduate
Recent Kingston graduates have gone on to work as staff nurses, community nurses and in clinical health teams for people with learning disabilities. Potential organisations include everywhere from the Children’s Trust and Your Healthcare, to the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in Putney and more.
Links with the health sector
We have a range of practice partners for learning disability nursing from the NHS, private, independent and voluntary sector including:
- The Children's Trust
- Great Ormond Street
- London Boroughs:
Croydon
Haringey
Hounslow
Merton
Sutton
Wandsworth - Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
- South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Your Healthcare