Learning Disabilities Nursing with foundation year

You can choose to study this course in Coventry or Scarborough.

Foundation Year
The foundation year course helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. In addition, you will also explore fundamental knowledge in areas such as anatomy, physiology and pathology, professional practice and approaches to health and wellbeing.

Coventry location: The foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from the Coventry University campus.

Scarborough location: All years will be delivered from the CU Scarborough campus.

Degree
This degree combines theory with practice-based learning to lead you to professional registration and a rewarding career as a learning disabilities nurse.

Learning disabilities nurses provide specialist healthcare and support to people with a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information. They work across a range of settings including people’s homes, primary and community settings, schools and specialist services, in-patient hospitals and care homes.

This course aims to equip you to support, empower and safeguard people with learning disabilities. It emphasises the importance of involving individuals, their families and support networks in the holistic assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care.


• Successful completion of this course makes you eligible to apply for professional registration as a learning disabilities nurse with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) (please see Accreditation section for more information).



• Gain the skills to deliver professional, impactful, evidence-informed care across a range of dynamic and diverse healthcare environments.



• Learn to collaborate and thrive as a learning disabilities nurse across and within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate safe, evidenced-based care delivery.



• Study one academic module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.



• All eligible learners on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the government of £5,000 per year.



• You can apply for additional payments if you incur childcare costs.



- 50% of your learning will take place in diverse practice-based learning environments where you will apply your theoretical knowledge to the real world.


Why you should study this course
The course is aimed at committed and enthusiastic individuals who embody a compassionate attitude and are eager to acquire the skills to deliver professional, impactful and evidence-informed care.

If you are compassionate, enthusiastic and committed, we can support you in developing the skills to deliver professional, evidence-informed care that truly impacts people’s lives.

Foundation Year
• Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.



• Provides a grounding in key areas of anatomy, physiology, health and wellbeing.



Degree
• Our approach supports you to develop a strong sense of professional identity and accountability as a learning disabilities nurse from day one.



• Develop your confidence and skills in preparation to lead, influence and supervise others.



• Delivered by a team that includes highly skilled, knowledgeable, nursing and allied health professionals.



• Develop your digital fluency, curiosity, critical and reflective thinking.



• Access to success coaches, placement supervisors and specialist support for mathematics and academic writing.



Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Coventry University, part of Coventry University Group, is a modern, globally connected university with a mission to create better futures. Founded in 1843 through innovation and enterprise, they continue to work closely with industry to equip their graduates with the real-world skills and creative thinking they need to make a difference.

Coventry is also a Top 5 Student City in England (QS Best Student Cities Index 2026), and they guarantee accommodation if you apply through Clearing. With campuses across Coventry, London, Scarborough, Dagenham, and Greenwich, you can choose to study where it suits you best.

They're rated overall Gold in TEF 2023, recognising the quality of their teaching and student experience. From academic and wellbeing support to their Phoenix+ programme of employability activities and dedicated Success Coaches, they’re with you every step of the way.