Nursing (Learning Disabilities)

With alternating blocks of theory and practical placements caring for adults with learning disabilities, you will graduate ready to become a registered nurse. You’ll have the option to undertake a BTEC Positive Behaviour Support qual alongside your degree. Dedicated tutorials with fellow learning disabilities students will help you apply what you’ve learned in lectures to your specialism. Your learning will also be supported by guest lectures and simulations involving people with learning disabilities.

This course is assessed through both classroom work and hands-on clinical placements. During your placements, you will work with children and adults who have learning disabilities in different settings such as hospitals, schools, and community teams.  

Assessments include essays, multiple-choice exams, presentations, and poster work. Teaching is delivered through a mix of general lectures and specialist sessions with other learning disability nursing students. You will also practise clinical skills in a modern simulation suite, allowing you to learn safely in realistic situations.  

In addition, you may have the chance to complete a BTEC qualification in Positive Behaviour Support, which is highly valued in learning disability care. 

Practical experience is critical to building your nursing skills so you will do three placements in each year of your degree. You’ll be carefully supported with a practice assessor and practice supervisor during your placements, to help you make the most of your time and answer any queries.  

We work closely with local health boards – Swansea Bay, Powys and Aneurin Bevan – to provide a range of clinical placements to make sure you feel confident working with children and adults with learning disabilities and as part of multi-disciplinary teams.   

You will have access to a clinical simulation suite where you can practise and improve your clinical skills in a safe environment. The facilities include a simulated emergency department with an ambulance, operating theatres, a two-bed flat, midwifery and neonatal units, and clinic rooms. Students use real medical equipment and patient simulators to build confidence and gain hands-on experience before working in real clinical settings. 

The course also works closely with the Teaching and Research Advisory Group (TRAC), made up of adults with learning disabilities. They help shape the teaching programme to ensure it reflects the needs and experiences of people with learning disabilities, supporting a more person-centred approach to education and care.