Learning Disability Nursing
Learning disability nursing is a profession dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities to live healthy, fulfilling lives. People with learning disabilities face significant health inequalities, experiencing higher rates of physical and mental health conditions and often encountering barriers to accessing mainstream healthcare. Learning disability nurses use specialist knowledge, person-centred approaches, and collaborative practice to address these inequalities, working across health and social care settings to promote wellbeing and enable independence.
At London South Bank University this three-year full-time programme begins with a foundation year that provides additional preparation and support before you progress to the main nursing degree. You will study the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of learning disability, developing specialist nursing skills in health assessment, health promotion, communication, and therapeutic intervention for people with a wide range of learning disabilities and associated conditions. Person-centred care and partnership working are central values of the programme, and you will learn to work alongside individuals, families, carers, and multidisciplinary teams to support the best possible outcomes.
Clinical placements give you direct experience in a variety of settings, applying your learning in real care environments throughout the programme.
Graduates register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as learning disability nurses and go on to work in NHS community teams, acute hospitals, specialist learning disability services, social care, and the voluntary sector. The profession offers a deeply rewarding career with real scope to make a difference in the lives of individuals who face significant systemic disadvantage. Many graduates go on to develop specialisms, take on leadership roles, or pursue postgraduate study in areas such as advanced clinical practice, autism, or public health, building on the solid foundation the degree provides.