Nursing (Learning Disabilities) with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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Nursing (Learning Disabilities) with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Overview

This accredited course paves the way for you to be a registered Learning Disabilities nurse, supporting people with learning disabilities and their families.

Why study Nursing (Learning Disabilities) at Derby?

• Our nursing programmes are approved against the NMC's Future nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses
• Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in your chosen field of practice
• You will gain essential practical experience on a range of placements in different healthcare and community settings
• You will have access to our excellent facilities, including our clinical skills suite and our state-of-the-art interactive simulation immersive suite
• You will learn from a highly experienced, enthusiastic and research-active team who provide full support to help you achieve your ambitions
• You could be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund which, if you are eligible, could provide a grant for training, childcare costs and travelling to placements
• This course prepares you for registration as a Learning Disabilities nurse, enabling you to make a difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families

Course Structure

• Foundation Year: Studying BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities) with a Foundation Year is for you if you have the ability to study for a degree, but don’t have the necessary formal qualifications to enter directly on to the honours degree programme.
• Year 1: Core modules include Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Preparation for Professional Practice, Skills for Interprofessional Practice, and Study Skills.
• Year 2: Core modules include Developing Professional Practice, and Promoting Health and Wellbeing.
• Year 3: Core modules include Enhancing Professional Practice, and Leading and Managing in Professional Practice.

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 80
• A Level: CDD
• T Level: Pass (C or above in the core)
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

Careers

• On completion of the programme, students are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in their field of practice.
• Graduates of the programme may wish to return to academic study, further developing their skills and knowledge to undertake a range of specialist or advanced roles.
• There is a wide offer of post-registration provision within the College of Health, Psychology, and Social Care, and many students choose to return to the University of Derby for postgraduate study at masters and doctoral level and for continuing professional development.

How to Apply

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University.
• International students: Apply through our online application portal or through one of our trusted local representatives.

Program Outline

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Nursing (Learning Disabilities) with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) - University of Derby

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Degree Overview:

This accredited course prepares students for registration as a Learning Disabilities nurse, enabling them to make a difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families. The program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to become competent and compassionate Learning Disabilities nurses.

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Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of Learning Disabilities nursing.
• To develop students' clinical skills and professional competencies in providing care to individuals with learning disabilities.
• To foster students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities in a nursing context.
• To promote students' understanding of the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of Learning Disabilities nursing.
• To prepare students for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Learning Disabilities nurse.

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Outline:

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Foundation Year:

• Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology: This module provides students with a theoretical understanding of the relevant body systems, exploring fundamental anatomical and physiological concepts.
It incorporates both theoretical and practical learning to enable students to apply their knowledge of the human body.

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Year 1:

• Preparation for Professional Practice: This module introduces students to the professional practice of nursing, covering topics such as ethical principles, communication skills, and legal frameworks.
• Skills for Interprofessional Practice: This module focuses on developing students' skills in working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
• Public Health Principles: This module examines the role of public health in promoting health and well-being.

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Year 3:

• Core Modules: The program includes core modules that cover advanced nursing concepts, clinical practice, and research.
• Optional Modules: Students can choose from a range of optional modules to tailor their learning to their interests and career aspirations.

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Assessment:

• Diverse range of authentic assessments: Assessments are aligned to module learning outcomes and support students to build academic skills and professional development.
• Feedback and feedforward mechanisms: Encourage dialogue, provide action plans, and utilize academic, student, and practice support staff where required.

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Teaching:

• Qualified health professionals: Students are taught by qualified health professionals with extensive experience of nursing and leadership roles.
• Continuing professional development: Staff keep up to date with the latest developments in the sector by undertaking continuing professional development.
• Enhanced personal tutoring: Provides support to students at every stage of the course.
• Research: Research is an integral part of the program, with opportunities for students to work alongside researchers.
• Experts by experience: Leading practitioners regularly share their knowledge in teaching sessions.

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Careers:

• Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council: Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for registration with the NMC in their field of practice.
• Variety of career pathways: Graduates can work in hospitals, community services, primary care services, mental health services, children’s services, learning disability services, general practice, and private, voluntary, and independent services across the NHS or other health and care organizations.

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Other:

• Extended teaching hours: The University of Derby operates extended teaching hours, so contact time with lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm.
• Additional costs: Students may incur some additional costs, such as uniforms, footwear, textbooks, printing costs, and professional NMC membership.
• Minimum numbers: This course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.

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Full-time

• UK fee: £9,250 per year (2024/25)
• International fee: £14,900 per year (2024/25)

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Additional Costs and Optional Extras:

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Optional Costs Not Included in your fees

• Suitable footwear for skills sessions and placements approx.
£40
• Professional NMC membership required to practice.
• Textbooks to supplement anything available through the library, various prices depending on content
• Printing costs of course materials if a hard copy is desired approx.
5p per sheet
• Students may opt to engage in international trips and activities that are not fully funded, though bursaries may be available
• Optional outings and trips will also require self-funding