This three-year degree programme integrates theory and practice, preparing our students to be world-class practitioners in the area of Learning Disability Nursing.

Students will spend 50 per cent of their time in class learning the latest nursing theory and clinical skills, and 50 per cent of their time with one of our internationally-recognised training partners in a wide variety of clinical and community settings throughout Northern Ireland.

Our highly-trained lecturing staff are actively engaged in areas of speciality practice, and our personal tutor system for student support is very well regarded. There are also opportunities for elective placements with one of our international partners in the final year of study.

On successful completion of this programme of study, you will become a Registered Nurse in Learning Disabilities (RNLD) possessing a distinct set of knowledge, skills and expertise of the health and wider education and social care needs of people with learning disabilities and their families and carers in the context of person-centred care and co-production that promotes and maintains health and well-being.

The Learning Disability Nurse adopts a life span approach to nursing assessment, treatments, interventions, education and care and support across a diverse range of settings, including, home, in-patient assessment and treatment units, nursing homes, secure settings, schools, day care, residential care homes and community-based teams to contribute to meeting the care needs of people with learning disabilities and their families and carers.

On successful completion of this programme of study, you will be able to
o Provide person centred care for people with Learning Disability and their families across the lifespan.
o Deliver effective care to people with learning disabilities who may have multiple health morbidities and additional interrelated physical, psychological, emotional, social, and educational needs.
o Be respectful, kind, caring, compassionate knowledgeable and skilled nurse practitioners.
o Be effective communicators
o Act as advocates for people with learning disabilities their families, health care professionals and other stakeholders within dynamic health and social care contexts

Around 99% of graduates from this programme go on to pursue a career in nursing which is an interesting, rewarding and challenging career where work can be in a variety of health care settings, with people of all ages and backgrounds. Nursing can also offer a diverse range of post registration opportunities to specialise in areas such as counselling; public health and health promotion; acute care, as well as education and research