Nursing (Learning Disabilities) with Foundation

This 4-year Learning Disabilities Nursing with Foundation course offers an alternative route into nursing. It has been designed for applicants who do not meet the entry criteria for our 3-year course but are able to demonstrate they hold the values and attributes required to be a nurse.

The integrated foundation year will provide you with an understanding of the key healthcare concepts below:

• the biological and psycho-social sciences
• public health and wellbeing
• academic skills
• essentials of patient care
• the types of evidence used in nursing practice + how to find and use it
• team working and the roles, responsibilities and contributions of the nurse and the wider healthcare team.

Whilst there are no practice placements in the foundation year, you will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice within our state-of-the-art simulation centres, which include virtual reality and immersive rooms.

Successful completion of the integrated foundation year is required to progress to year 1 of the course. While successful completion of the four-year course results in eligibility to apply to register as an Adult Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

From Year 1, this course is eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund. Further information is available on the NHS Learning Support Fund Website. You may be eligible to receive a non-repayable Government grant of at least £5,000 each year.

What you'll study

Designed with input from students, service users and our partners in the NHS, this course will prepare you to think critically and apply your knowledge and skills to pursue a rewarding career in nursing.

This professional degree is recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. In accordance with their high standards, you will learn to:

• provide, lead and coordinate care that is compassionate and evidence-based
• care for people in their own home, in the community and in the hospital
• help to promote health, protect health and prevent ill health
• empower people, communities and populations to take control of their own health decisions and behaviours
• care for people of different ages, backgrounds, cultures and beliefs
• care for people with complex mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural care needs
• provide nursing care for people at the end of their lives
• work across health and social care services, playing a proactive role.

Support

We will provide a supportive learning environment to help you gain confidence as you develop your knowledge and skills. You will benefit from:

• teaching staff who are highly committed, passionate subject specialists
• a personal tutor to guide you through your course
• regular personalised feedback on your progress in theory and practice components
• access to a variety of practice placements (from year 1 onwards), thanks to our many partners
• high-tech, innovative resources that make your classes fun and engaging.

It's not too late to study at London’s 2nd highest-rated university for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2026).

UWL's world-class facilities and outstanding teaching will give you all the tools you need to succeed. Musicians can rehearse in performance rooms, audio recording spaces and a 200 seat black box studio. Pilots can brave the storm in the Boeing 737 flight simulator. Lawyers can perfect their argument in the mock courtrooms, and chefs can whip up delicious creations in industry-standard kitchens and serve real customers at Pillars, the student-run fine-dining restaurant located on campus.

You'll also be learning in one of the world's best student cities (2026 QS Best Student Cities) - think Saturday afternoons in Covent Garden, study sessions in the British Library and live concerts in the O2 arena. With scholarships and bursaries reserved for Clearing applicants, no ambition is out of reach!