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    Nursing (Learning Disability) - MSc

    Learning Disability Nurses are central to supporting people with learning disabilities achieve the best outcomes to maintain and improve health and promote wellbeing. This course will enable you to become a confident and competent learning disability nurse. You will gain practical placement experience to equip you with all of the skills required to support individuals with a learning disability to lead a healthy and valued life. 

    Month of entry

    • September

    Mode of study

    • Full time

    Location

    Subject area

    • Nursing

    Fees for 2023/24 academic year


    • UK Full Time - £9,250 per year
      International Full Time - £19,900 per year

    Duration of study

    • 2 years
    Apply now

    Please note: this course is no longer accepting applications from international students for September 2023 entry

    Why study Nursing (Learning Disability) at Keele University?

    Britain's best university, as ranked by students (Student Crowd University Awards, 2022)
    Join a close-knit postgraduate community
    Top 10 in the UK for research opportunities offered to postgraduate students (PRES, 2019)

    Course summary

    If you're a highly motivated graduate with care experience who wishes to become a registered learning disability nurse and gain an MSc in an accelerated two year timeframe, the MSc Nursing graduate entry programme is perfect for you. 

    People with learning disabilities are amongst one of the most socially excluded and vulnerable groups in the UK today. To overcome these barriers and challenges, the Learning Disability (LD) nurse has a vast range of skills to utilise in supporting individuals with learning disabilities to access services for which they are entitled.  LD nurses can comprehensively assess health and social care needs; provide interventions to maintain and improve health and promote wellbeing; provide advice, education and support to people and their carers throughout their care journey.  They also enable equality of access and outcomes within health and social care services; provide education and support to promote healthy lifestyle and choices; and act to safeguard and protect the rights of people with learning disabilities.

    The programme builds your academic skill sets, professional responsibility and technical complexity related to patient care throughout the two years. Successful completion of this innovative programme will ensure you will meet the registration requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

    The programme meets the NMC standards for pre-registration nursing education. The NMC (2018a) reviewed their standards with the publication of 'Future Nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses' and this programme reflects the comprehensive range of subject knowledge, clinical skills and leadership required of the registered Nurse from September 2020. This programme also meets the requirements of the Higher Degree Apprenticeship Nursing Standard approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE, 2018). Higher Education (HE) quality standards through Quality Academic Assurance Standards (QAA) are also met through the Higher Education Credit Framework for England bodies (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, 2018; 2021).  In addition, the programme philosophy addresses contemporary challenges faced by health care practitioners in providing effective clinical care, recognising the key issues developed out of Compassion in Practice (Commissioning Board Chief Nursing Officer and Department of Health Chief Nursing Adviser, 2016) and the NHS Long Term Plan (NHS, 2019).  

    The Keele ‘Future Nurse’ MSc Nursing programme has been designed to meet the seven NMC platforms, which underpin pre-registration nursing education (NMC, 2018a). These require you, regardless of your chosen field, to demonstrate core knowledge, skills, standards, behaviours to meet people’s needs, as well as field-specific knowledge and skills as required in either adult, children’s, learning disability or mental health nursing. 

    We aim to facilitate your development to become one of the best post-graduate nurses in the country. To achieve this you will develop a skill set which includes:

    • Deliver safe, competent, evidence-based nursing practice
    • Adopting professional values, attitudes and behaviours
    • Developing your interpersonal skills
    • Effective team-working
    • Improving management and leadership skills
    • Demonstrate competence in research and be able to successfully manage a project

    Next Steps

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    Learning Disability Nurse with service user

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    Course structure

    Year 1 (Level 7)

    Compulsory modules

    Abbreviation

    Module Code

    Credits

    Trimester

    Nursing Care in Context and Health Promotion

    NCCHP

    NUR-40095

    30

    One/Two

    Masters Clinical Nursing Practice 1

    MCNP1

    NUR-40107

    15

    One/Two

    Research Methods in Nursing

    RM

    NUR-40097

    15

    Two/Three

    Applied Pharmacology and Safety Msc

    P&S

    NUR-40099

    15

    Two/Three

    Masters Clinical Nursing Practice 2

    MCNP2

    NUR-40109

    15

    Two/Three

    Year 2 (Level 7) 

    Compulsory modules

    Abbreviation

    Module Code

    Credits

    Trimester

    Dissertation

    Dis

    NUR-40105

    30

    One/Three

    Masters Clinical Nursing Practice 3

    MCNP3

    NUR-40111

    15

    One/Two

    Leadership in Nursing Practice

    Lead

    NUR-40103

    15

    One/Two

    Clinical Judgement and Decision Making 

    CJ&DM

    NUR-40101

    15

    Two/Three

    Masters Clinical Nursing Practice 4

    MCNP4

    NUR-40113

    15

    Two/Three

    The list of modules are indicative and we expect to offer the same modules, however this may change due to staff availability. If the modules change we will inform you during the admissions process.

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    Entry requirements

    The MSc Learning Disability Nursing programme recognises that prior learning and experience is integral to the student’s learning.

    Academic entry requirements

    • A first honours degree (normally 2:2 or above) in any subject
    • English Language and Maths GCSE at grade A* - C (discuss with admissions team if you have equivalent qualifications)
    • Any overseas qualifications should be equivalent to UK qualifications which meet our entry requirements. If you have completed your degree outside the UK, we will require a clear copy of your degree documentation to ensure NARIC comparability.  Please note that all applicants who are invited to interview will be required to present their original degree documentation.  
    • If English is not your first language, IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 7.0, including least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking sections. The University may be able to accept alternative English Language qualifications from applicants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) on a case by case basis in line with the appropriate Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) guidelines.
    • Applicants must be able to demonstrate a minimum 675 hours practical experience (paid or unpaid) in a health care setting.
    • Please note that you will be required to have obtained the academic entry requirements before applying.

    If you do not have all the advertised entry requirements please contact us to discuss your graduate studies and care experience on an individual basis at enquiries@keele.ac.uk

    Additional entry requirements 

    • All applicants are required to make a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) claim to demonstrate how their previous care experience and graduate studies have equipped them to undertake an accelerated nursing programme. 

      Applicants are required to provide a portfolio of evidence and to confirm the relevance of your theoretical knowledge and practice experience, applicants are required to map their evidence to the programme learning outcomes, NMC Platform Proficiencies.

      A recorded presentation will be provided to assist you with the RPL requirements following successful interview.

    • All applicants must be of good health and good character.

    • A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or overseas police check, and health checks are required for all applicants whom are successful at interview.

    English Language Entry Requirement for International Students

    If English is not your first language, IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 7.0, including least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking sections. The University may be able to accept alternative English Language qualifications from applicants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) on a case by case basis in line with the appropriate Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) guidelines.

    During your degree programme, you can study additional English language courses. This means you can continue to improve your English language skills and gain a higher level of English. The University offers a range of English language preparation programmes.

    The University also accepts a range of internationally recognised English tests.

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    School of Nursing and Midwifery

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    Fees

    In addition to costs for text books, inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines we anticipate the following additional costs.

    Travel for placements

    A student’s geographical location, when possible, is taken into account when allocating to clinical placements and, whilst efforts are made to limit student travel, it is not possible to guarantee that placements will be in particular locations and students may be required to travel some distance for their placements. Clinical placements currently in use by the School of Nursing and Midwifery are within a 50 mile radius, most being 30 miles or less, from the university. Travel Expenses may be claimed in accordance with information from the NHS Learning Support Fund guidelines.

    Uniform

    Students may be required to purchase a set of tunics and trousers from our designated supplier to adhere to the School Uniform Policy. This may cost in the region of £60-80. You will need to provide your own appropriate footwear for placements as per the School Uniform Policy, and it is recommended that you purchase a fob watch. 

    Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Clearance

    Subscription to the Disclosure and Barring update service is a requirement and costs £13 per year which students pay online at the start of each academic year. The initial DBS application cost is financed by the school.

    Occupational Health Clearance

    Students registering on the MSc Learning Disability Nursing programme are required to have a health fitness report provided by the University’s Occupational Health Service. As part of this process you are required to complete a health questionnaire and arrange for your GP to verify this. You will be responsible for any fee that may be required by your GP. You will be required to have the following immunisations if you have not already had them - Hepatitis B (x3), MMR (x2) and BCG. MMR vaccines are available free of charge at your GP surgery and we strongly advise you have these if needed and can provide documented evidence of vaccination. Appointments will be arranged for any outstanding vaccines once you have commenced your course. You may be required to make a contribution towards the Occupational Health and vaccination requirements of the programme.

    Funding

    Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2023 start date falls in the 2022/23 academic year. Please see the 2022/23 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2023.

    Planning your funding

    It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.

    Scholarships

    The University is committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Each year we offer a range of prestigious scholarships;

    UK students - more information on scholarships and funding

    International students - more information on scholarships and funding

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    Your career

    Upon successful completion of this course you will be a qualified, capable postgraduate nurse ready to work in your chosen specialism. You will have developed competency in assessing, delivering and managing nursing care and be able to confidently support your nursing practice decisions with a robust evidence base. You will have the research and leadership skills to work as a leader and change agent.

    You will graduate with an MSc and key sets of clinical, interpersonal and research skills, ready to register as an adult nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You will have the opportunity to find employment in a range of settings in the UK or internationally. Nursing work can be diverse and in planning your future career you may wish to follow one of the following career pathways: Practitioner, Educator, Researcher or Manager.

    Preparation for nursing practice encompasses learning in the spheres of knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours. It is recognised that evidence based knowledge is required for safe and effective nursing practice and as such programme content is driven by the NMC Future Nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses, QAA Academic and Practitioner Standards for nursing alongside the QAA Master’s Degree Characteristics (NMC, 2018; QAA, 2010). The programme builds in terms of academic skill sets, professional responsibility and technical complexity throughout the two years.

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    Teaching, learning and assessment

    Teaching

    The programme is divided between theoretical learning and practice learning modules, underpinned by the NMC Standards (NMC, 2018a). You will be assessed in all theory and practice modules and this will contribute towards you overall degree classification. Your programme will be split 50% theory and 50% practice to allow you to achieve the 2,300 theory hours and 2,300 practice hours for the course  (inclusive of the RPL). You will undertake 90-credits of compulsory modules for each year for the duration of the two-year programme and all modules will be assessed at level 7. We have adopted the HEE Maximising Leadership Learning in the Pre-Registration Healthcare Curricula strategy (2018) and our curriculum threads- Focus on self, Working with others and Improving healthcare, into each year of the programme and is aligned to the Module.

    In your first year you build and expand on the fundamentals of nursing practice including essential care and learn how to work in a professional setting. You also explore the concepts of nursing care in context, health promotion, pharmacology and develop a research plan for your dissertation.

    In your second year you build on your experience and develop your skills in caring for patients with higher acuity requirements using clinical reasoning skills. You will develop leadership skills in practice, take on more responsibility and leadership in preparation for your professional transition from student nurse to registered professional.  You will be prepared to manage complex nursing care to enhance the safety and quality of the patient experience. You will complete your dissertation project demonstrating the detailed application and findings of your study.

    In your programme you will sometimes be expected to role play and engage in simulated clinical scenarios with other students, such as the practice and observation of practical skills in physical contact with other students. For some specific practices, this may necessitate modification of dress - e.g., to shorts and t-shirt.  These activities will be conducted in a professional, safe,  respectful and culturally sensitive way, under the supervision of academic staff, according to a defined protocol.

    Assessment

    The programme utilises an enquiry-based learning approach which builds on your existing skills for learning and is underpinned by a student centred philosophy. It also encompasses shared learning with other disciplines and professions, developing your clinical leadership skills and preparing you for practice.

    As with all our courses, you can expect to experience a stimulating blend of learning activities, from practice learning, simulation, problem based learning, tutorials, lectures and clinical skills workshops through to innovative web-based activities and inter-professional learning.

    Each module will encourage you to demonstrate deep learning that includes subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills. Service user involvement in the programme will ensure that the concept of person-centeredness is explicit.

    We have a wide variety of innovative assessments that will develop and enhance your graduate skill set. These may include report writing, simulated activities, an MCQ exam, case studies, presentations, reflective writing, developing a research proposal, and undertaking a Masters dissertation.

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    Keele Postgraduate Association

    Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

    KPA interior

    Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

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    Our expertise

    All current teaching staff hold active NMC registration as either a nurse or midwife; those from other Schools who contribute to the programme are registered with the appropriate professional body. The majority of staff have recordable teaching qualifications or are working towards achievement of this. Moreover, they have extensive experience of teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level and many are external examiners at other universities.Some staff have dual qualifications.

    Staff are actively encouraged to hold honorary contracts with health care provider organisations and to utilise this to ensure they remain updated with contemporary issues within their own field. A number of staff have additional roles or memberships with external organisations for example, NMC Reviewers, External Advisors to other HEI's, Member of RCN Education Forum, Members of HEE leadership in pre-registration nursing group, Journal reviewers, Member of NHS Ethics Committee, Supervisor of Midwives, Local Provider Committees and charitable organisations.The School has a significant number of staff that hold PhDs and Professional Doctorates with a number of staff currently studying at doctorate level. A number of staff have Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and many staff are working towards this.

    Staff are actively involved in research across the School and belong to one of the School's four research groups. Honorary lecturers, visiting lecturers and leading clinicians are integral to the delivery of modules within the programme and are utilised where appropriate. In addition, the School has a number of clinical staff on secondment to the School.

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    Facilities

    Learning in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Keele is enhanced by superb classroom facilities, an excellent Health Library, computer suite, and established relationships with local primary and secondary health care providers. The programme will utilise an enquiry based learning approach which will build on both your existing graduate skill set and your past experience of working in a care setting. The programme will focus on quality care delivery, clinical skills, leadership and will be designed to be both research intensive and research informed.

    To complement your University studies, we offer a diverse range of clinical placements across community and hospital settings to work with patients accessing health services.

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