BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disability) at Swansea University

Programme overview

NMC-approved and HEIW-commissioned three-year BSc (Hons) in Learning Disability Nursing taught at Singleton Park Campus, with around half of the programme spent on placements in NHS and independent sector hospital and community settings across south west Wales. It prepares students to meet the diverse and complex needs of people with learning disabilities of any age through person-centred, evidence-based care.

Faculty: School of Health and Social Care | Department: School of Health and Social Care | Duration: 3 years full-time (4,725 hours of learning, half theory and half practice) | Intake: September 2026; September 2027 | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Nine sequential 40-credit modules, three per year, including Introduction to Nursing and Health Care, Understanding Health and Illness, Contexts of Care, Acute Care, Palliative Care for People Living with Long-Term Conditions, Ensuring Quality Care, Care of the Service User with Complex Needs, Advancing Nursing Practice and Preparation for Professional Practice (all Learning Disability), with a compulsory practice and theory hours requirement.

Career pathways

Graduates can apply for Registered Nurse (Learning Disability) status with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and to register as a nurse for work in the EU and EEA; careers include direct patient care, advanced clinical roles, leadership, education and research. Welsh-funded students commit to working in Wales for up to two years after registration and can apply for vacancies through the NHS Wales Student Streamlining Scheme.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer: BBB-BCC at A level (health or science-related subjects desirable; Welsh Baccalaureate accepted as an A-level); Access to HE 21 Distinctions, 18 Merits, 6 Passes; BTEC DDM-DMM; Irish Leaving Certificate 360. The grade range covers standard and contextual offers; applicants meeting contextual criteria receive a lower offer within the range. Applicants need five GCSE passes at grade A-C (9-4) including Welsh/English language, Maths and a Physical Science or Double Award Science (Key Skills Level 2 in Application of Number or Communication may be accepted in lieu of GCSE Maths or English/Welsh if taken since September 2015). A strong educational profile in the previous three to five years, a satisfactory educational reference and a satisfactory interview (in person or by telephone/video, including group discussion, teamwork and individual tasks) are required. Offers are conditional on a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (or equivalent from the home country), an occupational health check and adherence to the NHS Wales Values and Standards of Behaviour.

Intake: September 2026; September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time (4,725 hours of learning, half theory and half practice)

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences