BSc (Hons) - Learning Disabilities Nursing

How you will learn

A variety of teaching and learning methods are designed to match learning outcomes and to provide you with some experience of the method best suited to your own learning style, we support your move to becoming an independent and mature learner.

They are designed to:

• Be student-centred, flexible and modern whilst being challenging and stimulating;
• Be fully supported by and integrated with, technological approaches such as the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE) and electronic portfolio
• Ensure the linkage of theory with practice
• Consider, value and incorporate service user and carer perspectives, involving service users and carers directly, as per the Institute strategy
• Develop you to be independent and self-directed, communicating the ethos of lifelong and reflective learning
• Develop your abilities to learn effectively and progress academically including an in-depth evidence-based literature review (dissertation) as well as leadership and change management.

How you will be assessed

Modules use formative and summative assessment so that students progress through a module and build knowledge for practice coherently and logically. Formative assessments are designed so that feedback on the individual student’s performance is provided prior to the submission of the final, summative assessment – though this does not contribute to the final module mark or the credit awarded.

The wordage – or equivalent – for both formative and summative assessments is counted towards the whole module assessment wordage.

Types and methods of assessment will include:

• Group seminars and presentations
• Essays
• Interpersonal skills analysis
• Portfolio of evidence (achievement of clinical competencies and written evidence)
• Examination (context-based scenarios)
• Map of patient/client experience
• Reflective essays
• Community health profile, learning statement and reflective incident recording
• Resource package
• Poster presentation
• Dissertation

NMC Standards for Proficiency in Clinical Practice

Our learning and teaching strategies are based on the philosophy that nurses occupy a privileged position within society.

There are two allocated placements each year, both of which are summatively assessed.

You can attempt to recoup failed placements, however, a second failure will result in disqualification for the programme. Your acquisitions of skills and achievements in NMC proficiencies in clinical practice will determine your registration as a NMC Registered nurse. Professionalism, attitude, values, and character will also determine success.

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

• £9,535 - UK
• £16,900 - International

2024-2025:

• £9,250 - UK
• £16,400 - International

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

You may also be eligible for additional funding through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

If you're eligible, you can get access to:

• A Training Grant of £5,000 per academic year
• Parental Support of £2,000, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs
• Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses
• Exceptional Support Fund (Students experiencing financial hardship)

Learning disabilities nursing is currently on the list of courses that will receive additional specialist funding of £1000 per year.*

For more information on the Learning Support Fund please visit the Learning Support Fund Page.

For further funding information, please visit our undergraduate funding page.

*This page was last updated October 2021

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

The course team do not specifically recommend any particular core textbooks as you will cover a wide subject base during the programme. The University of Cumbria library catalogue is extensive and there are textbooks that can be accessed online. We suggest that you wait until you have commenced the programme and have a discussion with the module leaders about accessing key textbooks. There are a number of nursing journals eg. Nursing Times and the Nursing Standard and Learning Disability Practice RCN which you may wish to subscribe to, although you will need to personally fund the monthly/annual subscription. Generic texts you may find useful are: Gates, B. & Mafuba, K. (2015) Learning Disability Nursing: Modern Day Practice Moulster, G. Lorizzor, J. Ames, S. & Kernohan, J. (2019) The Moulster & Griffiths Learning Disability Nursing: A framework for practice.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

Clothing and Equipment

A good pair of black sensible shoes – you will be doing a lot of standing and walking on placement so make sure your feet are comfortable – uniforms will be provided if required but mostly Learning Disability Nursing students will not be required to wear a uniform. You will need to dress casual/smart for office environments when you are undertaking community placement (Cost variable) A fob watch might be required depending on placements (nurses’ watch) please make sure it is one with an easy to keep clean silicone cover. Cost approx. £10

Other

For half of the programme, you will be engaged in practice-based placements. Our placement circuit is across a wide geographical area and you may be required to travel for up to 90 minutes by public transport or car. Costs will vary depending on whether you use public transport with or without a discount, or your own transport. You will have to fund any costs incurred by travelling to and from placement and any car parking charges. You are also expected to fund travel costs to and from the University of Cumbria. In Year 2 of the programme you have an opportunity to arrange a 2 week ‘Enrichment Experience’ either within the UK or abroad. Costs will vary depending on the location but you will be required to fund this experience. Membership of a union is strongly recommended (UNISON & Royal College of Nursing).