University of Hull

What you'll study

This honours degree combines theory, clinical skills training and practice placements to build the knowledge and competencies required for registration as a learning disability nurse. Core themes include person‑centred care, communication and therapeutic relationships, safeguarding, assessment and care planning, physical and mental health needs, behaviour that challenges, and skills for supporting independence and community participation.

• Foundations of nursing practice – anatomy, physiology, pharmacology basics and clinical skills for safe nursing care.
• Communication and relationship building – augmentative and alternative communication, working with families and carers, advocacy and supporting decision‑making.
• Learning disability across the lifespan – developmental perspectives, transition between services, ageing and associated health conditions.
• Mental health and behaviour that challenges – understanding causes, positive behaviour support, de‑escalation and therapeutic interventions.
• Safeguarding, law and ethics – legal frameworks, consent, capacity and professional responsibilities.
• Public health and health promotion – preventing health inequalities, promoting healthy lifestyles and community inclusion.
• Research and evidence‑based practice – applied research methods, critical appraisal and using evidence to improve care.
• Practice placements and simulation – multiple placements across NHS, social care and third‑sector settings supported by simulated practice and skills labs.

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, practical skills sessions, simulation and assessed clinical practice. Students gain substantial supervised practice experience in a range of settings to meet professional standards for safe and effective practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a combination of qualifications that demonstrate academic readiness and suitability for nursing practice. Typical acceptable qualifications include A‑levels, vocational qualifications (such as BTEC), an Access to Higher Education diploma or equivalent prior learning. GCSEs or equivalent in English and maths are required at the standard pass level recognised by professional registration requirements.

• Applicants must demonstrate values and attitudes appropriate to nursing and the ability to work with people with learning disabilities.
• Selection normally includes an application, references, and a values‑based interview or selection day; some applicants may be invited to additional assessment activities.
• Offers are conditional on satisfactory enhanced DBS (criminal record) check, occupational health screening, and confirmation of fitness to practise.
• Mature applicants and those with relevant healthcare experience are welcome; recognition of prior learning may be considered.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to register with the professional regulator as learning disability nurses and to work across health and social care settings. Typical early career roles include staff nurse posts in community learning disability teams, specialist teams (such as forensic or mental health services), supported living and residential services, and roles within charities and advocacy organisations.

• Clinical practice in NHS community teams, hospitals and specialist services.
• Social care and independent sector roles supporting people in supported living, day services and employment support.
• Specialist pathways, for example positive behaviour support, forensic services, or autism services.
• Progression to senior clinical, education, management or commissioning roles, or to further study such as postgraduate certificates, master’s degrees or specialist practitioner training.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull's nursing provision is embedded within a health and social care faculty with strong local and regional partnerships. Students benefit from extensive practice placement links across NHS trusts, local authorities and third‑sector organisations, giving diverse real‑world experience. The School provides modern simulation facilities and dedicated skills labs to develop clinical confidence before and during placements.

Teaching emphasises interprofessional learning, reflective practice and research‑informed teaching, with academic staff who are active in clinical practice and scholarship. Support services include practice learning coordinators, academic tutors and career guidance to help graduates transition into professional roles. Hull's supportive cohort environment and city location make it a practical choice for students seeking hands‑on training in learning disability nursing.