Masters Degrees (Learning Disabilities)

Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers to enter, and more importantly it is a privilege. Learning Disability Nurses work with children and adults. As a specialist nurse you will be able to assess, plan and develop individual packages of care designed to provide the appropriate levels of physical, emotional and psychological care to meet the needs of children, young people and their families, while meeting the challenges of a changing healthcare environment.

This Masters degree provides the exciting opportunity for graduates to enter the nursing profession. You will gain a comprehensive education in nursing and develop into a confident, autonomous, compassionate and research-aware practitioner, specialising in learning disabilities nursing. The programme includes an innovative exploration of leadership and management in healthcare and will enable you to critically evaluate evidence to inform decision making and apply analytical and creative problem solving approaches to complex situations. You will be fully equipped with the skills, knowledge and practical experience required to deliver excellent care as a modern-day nursing professional.

What will I study?

Year 1 provides the opportunity to achieve national generic and field specific competency outcomes. These include professional values, communication and interpersonal skills, nursing practice, decision making, leadership, management and team working. The programme will immerse you in health promotion, prevention strategies and best practice for service users and their families. A comprehensive introduction will also be provided to the research process.

Year 2 continues the development of field-specific competencies, with a particular focus on person-centred holistic care for individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs. In addition to this, you will develop the leadership and management skills required for the transition to professional practice.

This programme adheres closely to the NHS’ six core values. These values, enshrined within the NHS Constitution, have been developed by patients, the public and staff to inspire passion in the NHS, guide it in the 21st century, and provide common ground for cooperation in achieving shared aspirations. Further information about the core values can be found at http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england.

How will I study?

You will be taught using a combination of seminars, lectures, tutorials, work-based learning and technology enhanced learning. The theory part of the programme is delivered during the normal working week (Monday to Friday).

You will spend 50% of your time in practice which will be undertaken in hospitals and community settings within the NHS, local authority, independent and voluntary organisations. You will be supported by a practice placement mentor/supervisor and a practice education facilitator.

Placements include weekend, early morning, evening and night work to ensure access to a full range of practice experiences across 24 hour care. There may also be the opportunity to undertake a practice learning experience outside the region, either within the United Kingdom or internationally.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment in both theory and practice is continuous, assessed against national outcomes and generic and field competencies, with students required to demonstrate evidence of their achievement. A range of assessment of theory procedures is in place including assignments, seminar presentations, advanced notice examinations, online learning activities, case studies and portfolio work.

Who will be teaching me?

All lectures are delivered by professionals within the field of nursing as well as specialists in other areas. The pathway team represent a range of qualified, research-active professionals with extensive experience of working within the health and/or social care sector. Most importantly service users, carers and their families will be involved in facilitating learning so that an understanding is gained about the impact care has on individual groups.

What are my career prospects?

The complex and dynamic landscape of modern nursing requires nurses who can work creatively and innovatively, who can lead and inspire, who can make decisions in challenging situations and who can contribute to the advancement of nursing.

Career opportunities are excellent. NMC registration is recognised the world over and following registration as a Learning Disabilities Nurse, you can pursue a career in a variety of settings including residential homes, supported living and employment and assessment and treatment units, as well as specialist child and adult learning disabilities teams in the community. Increasingly, qualified learning disabilities nurses are acquiring posts within mainstream services, such as acute trusts, prisons and criminal liaison teams as health facilitators and specialist advisors to support people with learning disabilities.

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Learning disability nurses enable individuals to live their lives to their full potential within the social context they choose, through collaborative interventions across a variety of health and social care settings and by using specialist input, through person centred practice, underpinned by the concept of partnership working.

This course teaches you to promote social inclusion, good mental and physical health and self-determination through developing your skills, knowledge and attributes. All learning is grounded in a strong evidence base of integrative health and social care modelling. Our placements are varied, offering you the chance to create a future career that will be rewarding both for your personal and professional advancement.

Modules

You will be taught separately from the three-year undergraduate students and will study the following:

Year 1

Improving quality, change management and leadership
Building practice skills for learning disability nursing
Applied physiology, growth and development
Contemporary issues in learning disability nursing

Year 2

Research in health and social care
Enhancing practice skills in learning disability nursing
Complexity in learning disabilities
Advanced communication

MSc pathway

You'll follow the same modules as outlined above for the PgDip, with the addition of a dissertation:

Dissertation
Assessment methods vary within each module, mapped against the professional standards as outlined by the NMC (2010) and assessed either through course work, and/or clinical placement assessments. Written assessments include essays, case study's, and critical reviews of evidence for example. Clinical practice assessments include achievements of identified competencies, a learning assessment portfolio, and problem based scenarios.

Teaching and learning

You'll be expected to work as an independent adult learner, working alongside academic staff to expand and extend your knowledge, skills and attitudes as a critical scholar in the field of Intellectual Disabilities.

You'll be allocated a personal tutor, a cohort leader, and a course director, plus clinical mentors, and link lecturers whilst on placement.

The course makes use of the virtual learning environment MOODLE, an interactive based system for accurate and rapid information sharing, so course materials are available whenever you need them. A range of learning styles are employed, including visits from service users and their carers, to ensure the course remains contemporary and applied to real life situations.

Placements

Every student will spend 50% of the course on placement. You'll have the opportunity to work in partnership with individuals with learning disabilities and their families using a health mentoring model. Alternatively you can work in partnership with community based organisations on projects where all parties increase their awareness, understanding and valuing of their roles, using strength based approaches.

The placement aim is to provide a broad range of experiences working with children and adults with learning disabilities in a variety of settings. This will enhance your knowledge and experience of the range of challenges people with a learning disability may face on a daily basis and what can be done to assist not only the individual but also their families.

You'll also gain insight into what is available to support workers and organisations providing services in the areas of physical and mental health, complex care needs, communication, behaviours of concern, sexuality, personal care and a range of other areas.

Professional links

The learning disability nursing programmes at LSBU have a long history of partnership working with agencies in the NHS and independent and voluntary sector. The Professional Lead for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities at the Department of Health England is a frequent guest speaker who inspires Learning Disability nurses to influence and innovate.

Learning disability nursing as a career

The course will enable you to develop a wide range of employability skills through the emphasis on a vocational approach to teaching which leads to a professional qualification leading to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

There is an increasing body of research that shows the need for learning disability nurses as a specialist resource to address health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities. The course will give you the specialist knowledge and skills to work in a wide range of services, and the confidence to work collaboratively with people with learning disabilities, their families and carers, and other professionals and agencies.

Role and responsibilities

As a learning disabilities nurse you would work with people of all ages to give them the skills and confidence they need to live as independently as possible. You'd be working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and be responsible for co-ordinating care plans with other healthcare professionals, as well as monitoring progress. A learning disabilities nurse would be responsible for making an initial assessment of a patient's health and social care needs.

Day-to-day duties would be likely to include help and encouragement with tasks such as personal hygiene, dressing, using public transport, shopping, leisure interests, making and attending appointments, and finding a job. Learning disabilities nursing also involves campaigning on behalf of those with learning disabilities, supporting the agenda for equality and trying to improve healthcare services for those with learning difficulties.

Career progression

Successful graduates of the PgDip can top-up to MSc in one year and will be qualified to study a range of further specialist postgraduate pathways. With additional experience, advanced practice is available at Masters level with the potential to progress to doctorate studies. Once you are a registered nurse browse our online CPPD prospectus to find out what courses are on offer to help with your professional development.

LSBU Employability Services

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• Direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• Mentoring and work shadowing schemes.

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The PGDip/MSc in Adults with Learning Disabilities is a part-time distance learning course run by the School of Psychology and Neuroscience. The Postgraduate Diploma must be completed within one calendar year from October to September. The focus is on research, and students will learn the skills of a research practitioner.

For those progressing on to the MSc, you will spend an additional year researching and writing a 15,000-word dissertation. Students apply the knowledge and research skills gained in the PG Diploma to carry out research that will benefit the quality of service, care and life of adults with learning disabilities.

Highlights

• The online open learning materials are written in an interactive style and are designed to encourage students to use their own workplace experiences as a basis for new learning and development of research skills.
• Students have full electronic access to the University of St Andrews library resources, including full text journals and other online resources.

Teaching format

The course is delivered via online modules through the University of St Andrews Dynamic Learning Environment. Students will have access to research publications, electronic databases and the University's library resources.

Over the course of the year, students will take six compulsory modules. It is not possible to enrol for individual modules at the Postgraduate Diploma level. Typically, each module is completed within two months and requires 100 hours of total study time, including completion of assessments. Module teaching materials are delivered online where students will have access to additional reference materials.

Students complete assessments online. The taught modules are continuously assessed through coursework, which students submit online. Coursework assessment includes multiple choice questions, short answer assignments, reference searches, and analysis of published research as well as developing a full research proposal. There is no final exam for the course.

University tutors are available for support via email and telephone.

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

Each module typically comprises:

• guided online teaching and learning materials
• 100% coursework assessment.

For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2017–2018 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2018 entry.

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Child Psychology: Learning and Learning Disabilities

Learning and developmental disorders that result in under performance in school are a widespread problem. According to expert estimates, eight to ten percent of primary school children are affected by persistent learning difficulties that result in performance deficiencies at school. In many cases also the exceptionally gifted children fail to realize their full potential and are left behind in terms of scholastic achievement. In practice, state of the art research into causal factors and effective support and prevention measures are inadequately implemented. In light of the serious consequences of underperforming in school for future educational and professional opportunities and social participation for those affected and also because of the resulting social costs, there is a very great need for qualified specialists, who can contribute to bridging the gap between research and practice in the field of learning and developmental needs. Participants in this distance learning program acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to fill this need.

Objective

The program teaches practical management skills related to the diagnosis and intervention methods for learning and developmental disabilities in children and adolescents on the basis of comprehensive, science based knowledge of causes, risks, and protective factors on both individual and contextual levels. Graduates will have acquired the knowledge to independently design and implement conditions that benefit children and adolescents and promote learning and development. The course prepares students for careers in the following areas of activity: aacountable work in the fields of diagnostics and intervention, consultant services for institutions and affected people as well as management responsibilities and scientific research in the context of learning and development services. The course culminates in a "Master of Science" (M.Sc.) degree.
According to current guidelines, this program does not license you to bear the professional title “Psychologist”, or to start an advanced vocational training as “Psychological Psychotherapist”.

Target group

The main target group consists primarily of university graduates with a bachelor or higher degree) in psychology, educational science or related disciplines and at least one year relevant professional work experience in the field of educational assessment, diagnostics and intervention in children with learning and developmental disorders.
In exceptional cases, applicants may also be accepted who have relevant work experience but have not graduated for a university. They must have a completed vocational training with qualified results as an educator, a kindergarten teacher, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist or a related profession, followed by at least six years of work experience (four years of which need to be relevant), and the successful completion of an aptitude test.
The course is ideal for applicants with relevant work experience who are currently fulfilling family obligations and want to use this time for their own continuing education.

Program content

The course is divided into the basic modules, advanced modules as well as modules in the areas of practical application. The basic modules communicate contents, objectives and methods of psychological research and the relevant basic know-how in the areas of learning and development. The cognitive, emotional, and motivational determinants of learning and school performance are examined from the perspective of cognitive, developmental and educational psychology.
The subsequent advanced modules deal with comprehensive aspects of learning and developmental disorders, the foundations and methods of educational-psychological diagnostics as well as specific disorders (dyslexia dyscalculia, attention disorders) and giftedness. All advanced modules have the goal of communicating knowledge and skills in the area of evidence-based diagnostics and intervention.
Later the focus is on the practical application of the knowledge and skills acquired. The participants have to complete an internship in the area of learning and development disorders. Another emphasis is put on advanced methods of scientific work and empirical research. The final term is for the preparing and writing the master's thesis. Students are expected to participate in an online colloquium during this phase, at which time the students present their work in the form of presentations, videos, etc. and comment on the work of the other graduates.



This course is held entirely in German.

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The MA SEN/ALN (Additional Learning Needs) will appeal to those who are working in the field of SEN/ALN and Learning Disabilities, in particular those who are working in education (SENCos/ALNCOs, specialist teachers, one-to-one tutors within FE/HE together with learning support staff across a range of settings). This Special Educational Needs qualification is also of interest to professionals working in health, such as speech and language therapists and occupational therapists and other non-statutory organisations.

The SEN/ALN course has been designed to enable experienced practitioners in education and related professions to critically engage in the social, political and global debates relating to the living and learning experiences of children, young people and adults who have special educational needs and learning disabilities. It will encourage greater understanding and a critical appreciation of the trends and developments in SEN/ALN and disability provision across schools and relevant settings. Our SEN/ALN course also offers an in-depth focus on contemporary perspectives of SEN/ALN, learning disabilities and inclusive practice together with the opportunity to widen students’ theoretical understanding through research and evaluation within their respective professional roles. Awards are available at Postgraduate Certificate level; Postgraduate Diploma level and the full Masters degree.

What you will study

There is a wide range of modules to choose from, providing the opportunity to have a postgraduate course specifically tailored to meet your individual professional needs. You will study the specified module of the MA SEN/ALN (Additional Learning Needs) course – SEN/ALN: Contexts and Concepts – and in common with all of the professional learning programmes, you will study the Research Methodology module. 

You will also select two or three additional modules from the Professional Learning Programme. Examples of modules include:

Autistic Spectrum 

This explores theory, policy and practice in relation to all aspects of autism

Dyslexia Theory and Assessment and Working with Dyslexia: Linking Theory, Assessment and Practice

Both modules are externally accredited by the British Dyslexia Association at either an approved teacher/practitioner (ATS/APS) level or the associated membership (AMBDA) level. They are ideal for those who are working with children, young people or adults with specific learning difficulties and want a recognised qualification in this field.

Leading and Managing SEN/ALN 

Designed for educational practitioners who have or aspire to the role of SENCo./ALNCo. The module is designed to equip students with a better understanding of the theory and practice relating to the varied and challenging skills required of the SENCo/ALNCo. in order to respond to the changing landscape of SEN / ALN. 

A full list of modules is available from Amanda Kelland, award leader.

Awards are available at Postgraduate Certificate level (after completion of two taught modules); Postgraduate Diploma level (after completion of four taught modules) and the full MA (after completion of a dissertation).

Assessment

Modules are normally assessed by a written assignment of 5,000 words.

Placements

Those who undertake the SpLD modules, with a view to gaining accreditation from the British Dyslexia Association, will undertake a specialist teaching practice. For other students, there may be opportunities to link with specialist settings on a voluntary basis.

Careers

An Additional Learning Needs qualification demonstrates that you have developed advanced level skills in analysis, evaluation and research.

If you are interested in the possibility of gaining a higher degree by research, your tutors will be pleased to discuss the opportunities at the University of South Wales.

Our Careers and Employability Service

As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Servicethroughout your studies and after you graduate.

This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.

Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.

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Why take this course?

The term 'learning disabilities' is used interchangeably with 'intellectual disability' to describe those who have significant problems with learning and who need support with many aspects of life.

This distance learning course enhances knowledge and skills of graduates and experienced practitioners wishing to develop their understanding of people with learning disabilities.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Be taught by academics who are active researchers in learning disability
Participate in live web-based chat forums, e-conferencing, and individual tutorials, to discuss your work with lecturers and with other students
Tap into the Library’s vast selection of electronic resources or access library facilities and borrow books locally via the SCOLNUL scheme

What opportunities might it lead to?

This course provides an opportunity for those supporting children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families to enhance their knowledge and skills, and gain an academic qualification.

Module Details

Full-time students will study all 180 Level M credits (i.e. six units) in one full year. Part-time students will normally study three units each year, and will begin to explore potential research ideas and research methodologies in the first year. All units are Level 7, 30 credits, and are core units.

Here are the units you will study (part-time students will study these in the first year):

Critical Disability Studies and Intellectual Disability: The perspective of Critical Disability Studies (CDS) is about how society and its agents respond to the labelled person's circumstances rather than how intellectual disability inhabits the person. This unit will address the relationship between workers and disabled people that CDS might call for. Here disability and intellectual disability in particular will be a standpoint or position from which to view society, in contrast to disability as a categorisation of people.

Autistic Spectrum Conditions: A Critical Approach: this unit aims to provide knowledge about autistic spectrum conditions and promote understanding of the key issues in providing support to people with autistic spectrum conditions and their families.

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods: This unit provides an introduction to experimental and survey-based research methods, and quantitative data analysis techniques. It covers qualitative methods for data collection and analysis, as well as to how to write research reports in both traditions.

The following units will be studied in the first year by full-time students and in the second year by part-time students:

Families and Systemic Therapy: This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of families including an appreciation of experiences of families with an intellectually disabled member. It aims to enhance your abilities to support families via theoretically informed, partnership-based empowering practices.

Research Project: The research project requires you to initiate, conduct and report upon an original piece of research. The work is conducted to deadlines agreed with a project supervisor and project must include empirical quantitative or qualitative research – data collection and relevant analysis must be included. Any statistical analysis must be both descriptive (e.g. means, standard deviations and graphs etc.) and inferential (i.e. statistical tests).

Communication and Investigative Interviewing of People with Intellectual Disabilities: This unit aims to promote communication skills and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and outline the status of the law concerning vulnerable adults as witnesses/victims. It aims to provide you with the opportunity to examine issues that arise when people with intellectual disabilities are interviewed as witnesses/victims of crime.

Programme Assessment

Despite its distance learning mode, this course is still extremely student focused. You will be given resources, materials, help and guidance to complete your studies to your full ability. Using our virtual learning environment you can participate in group discussions with other students in a friendly yet challenging online class environment. Plus real-time text based 'chat sessions' with lecturers will ensure you receive all the support you need for the topics you study.

You are assessed in a variety of ways to reflect the individual topics, however there are no examinations and all assessment is coursework based. Here’s how we assess your work:

Practice files
Essays
Wikis
Statistical analysis and reports
Literature reviews
A research project

Student Destinations

When embarking on this course, you may benefit from having completed paid or voluntary work with children or adults with intellectual disabilities.

Previous graduates of the course frequently make significant progress in their careers. Some are just in the beginning stages while others move on to senior manager positions and upwards. Past students have also progressed to advanced academic qualifications such as PhDs or professional doctorates.

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This is an advanced professional development programme involving the following: coursework, modules, study workshops, dissertation and a placement in forensic ID services.

The programme aims to provide graduates with detailed knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and forensic issues. You will develop an evidence-based critical understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities and forensic issues. The programme encourages values-based, ethically stringent practice and/or research in the subject area.

Graduates will be able to take leading roles in public services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and issues.

About the Tizard Centre

The Tizard Centre is part of the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR) and has excellent links with health and social care organisations, and other relevant establishments.

The Centre is at the forefront of learning and research in autism, intellectual disability and community care, and in 2013 received a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in recognition of its outstanding work in these areas.

The Centre has excellent links with health and social care organisations, and other relevant establishments. Our primary aims, through research, teaching and consultancy, are:

• to find out more about how to effectively support and work with people with learning disabilities
• to help carers, managers and professionals develop the values, knowledge and skills that enable better services
• to aid policymakers, planners, managers and practitioners to organise and provide enhanced services.

The Tizard Centre is recognised as leading the field in deinstitutionalisation and community living, challenging behaviour, quality of staff support, sexuality and autism, and has had a significant impact on national policies in these areas. We are committed to addressing issues arising from social inequality.

Course structure

Teaching includes lectures, guided study using Moodle, with seminars and group exercises to enhance understanding of the underlying concepts. The MSc is awarded for the achievement of 180 credits from taught modules and the successful completion of the dissertation and practical placement.

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation:

• research methods
• social psychology of intellectual and developmental disabilities and forensic issues
• assessment and intervention
• research project in intellectual and developmental disabilities
• intellectual and development disabilities and forensic services issues

Careers

Over 98% of Kent's postgraduate students who graduated in 2016 were in work or further study within six months. Our postgraduate courses provide detailed knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Graduates will have gained a very good understanding of the matters arising within this population and will be able to analyse and conduct relevant research. 

Our postgraduate courses improve employability prospects for both those with established careers and new entrants to the field. Many of our students already work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in professional, management or supporting capacities. Our programmes support their continuing professional development and enhance their opportunities for career advancement.

How to apply: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

Why study at the University of Kent

We offer inspirational teaching and supervision alongside first-class library and IT facilities. You also benefit from our high-impact research in all subjects. Whatever you are looking to study, Kent provides a dynamic and challenging environment for your postgraduate studies.

• Kent was awarded gold, the highest rating, in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework
• Kent is ranked 21st in the Times Higher Education (THE) ‘Table of Tables’ 2017
• Kent is ranked 25th in the Complete University Guide 2018
• Kent is ranked 22nd in the Guardian University Guide 2018
• 42% of our academics are from overseas and we have students representing 158 nationalities
• In the most recent research rankings, 97% of research at Kent was found to be of international quality (REF 2014)
• Kent is ranked 17th in the UK* for research intensity and research output (REF 2014)
• Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/why-kent/

* of 122 universities, not including specialist institutions

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Choose Kingston's Learning Disability Nursing MSc

This course is for is for students that want to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities. It has a strong practical focus and will give you the knowledge and skills you need to become a registered learning disability nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

The course is taught in partnership with St George's, University of London, so you'll get combined expertise, facilities and interpersonal learning. You'll gain hands-on experience in our award-winning simulation suite and develop your skills and confidence in caring for people by working with the famous Baked Bean Theatre Company.

You will have access to a wide range of placements, including some internationally if you wish. You'll also have the opportunity to be a part of the wider Learning Disability Nursing UK and Eire network and can attend the Positive Choices Conference.

This course is designed for a small cohort of students, where you'll benefit from individual learning and support. You will be taught by our dynamic teaching team which includes leading researchers and experts in learning disability nursing from practice and the Department of Health. Our students are highly sought after and receive multiple job offers before their course is complete.

Graduates have gained employment in areas such as:

• specialist nursing (e.g. epilepsy)
• as nurse therapists
• senior managers and leaders of the profession
• community, clinical liaison and consultant nurses.

Assessment

Assessment methods include; essays, exams, presentations and reports and clinical skills assessed in our simulation suites and by mentors in practice placements.

What will you study?

This course will share learning with adult, child and mental health nursing students, where you can develop your skills in caring for people from these areas of nursing with a learning disability.

Topics covered are the factors that affect the health and well-being of individuals in our changing and diverse society, health inequalities and promoting improved health outcomes for people with a learning disability.

At the end of Year 1, you will be offered an opportunity to undertake a national or international placement.

 In year 2 you will explore the management of complex conditions across the life span (e.g. children, transition, adulthood, the older person and those with dementia) and the analysis and application of research and evidence base. You will also be prepared for the transition to registered nurse.

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This Behaviour Analysis course offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in behaviour analysis under the close supervision of a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). This course is approved by the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board (BACB), which is the international regulatory body for the practice of behaviour analysis.

The course is designed to provide you with experience in the ethical application of behaviour analytic assessment and intervention strategies across a range of settings and populations.

Students who successfully complete this course will meet the supervised practice requirements for certification as a BCBA. Certification also requires an MSc in behaviour analysis or a related field, and a passing score on the international certification exam. Visit http://www.bacb.com for more information on becoming certified and the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis for general information.

You will be taught and supervised by a team of Board Certified Behaviour Analysts who are internationally recognised for their research and clinical work in the field. They also have a wealth of experience in teaching and supervising students.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/842-pgc-behaviour-analysis-supervised-practice

What you will study

Our Behaviour Analysis course is practice-based, giving you an opportunity to apply your behaviour analytic skills in a range of settings. You will study 20-25 hours per week (full-time) or 10-15 hours per week (part-time) in a placement arranged by the supervision team, as well as attending weekly supervision meetings.

Learning and teaching methods

You will rotate placements approximately every six months, which will allow you to support people with a range of challenging behaviours with behaviour analytic assessment and intervention strategies.

Clients may include individuals with various disorders or difficulties, including autism, learning disabilities, social and emotional difficulties, ADHD, and antisocial behaviour. Placements with children, adolescents, or adults are available.

Settings may include, but are not limited to, schools, the NHS Learning Disability Service, and residential treatment centres. You also will have the opportunity to work in the University’s Psychology and Well-Being Clinic Wales (PAWB Wales), where you will assist in providing early intervention therapy to young children with autism. We are the only University in the UK to have an on-campus behaviour analysis clinic.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

Professionals trained in behaviour analysis are in increasing demand in the UK, particularly those who are BACB-certified.

Behaviour analysts are employed in a variety of contexts, including service providers for people with autism and/or learning disabilities, the NHS, schools, and residential treatment facilities for people with challenging behaviour. Some behaviour analysts also work as independent consultants in their areas of expertise.

Assessment methods

Assessments include coursework and examinations.

Facilities

As a student in the School of Psychology, you’ll have access to the latest learning technologies, facilities and equipment, including excellent designated facilities.

These include observation and interview rooms equipped with two-way mirror, CCTV and audio and allow research and interview practice sessions to be conducted and recorded onto DVD. We also have a custom-built air-conditioned PC laboratory which provides access to specialist software for running psychology experiments and conducting careers guidance interviews.

- Cognitive suite
The cognitive psychology suite houses specialist psychology equipment. This includes eye tracking equipment which is capable of studying the eye movements of individuals whilst they complete cognitive tasks. The suite includes EEG (electroencephalogram) and ECG (electrocardiogram) facilities for recording electrical activity in the heart and scalp. There is also a driving simulator which is currently being used by postgraduate students to complete a study which examines the effects of stressors on driving performance.

- Psychology clinic facility (PAWB Wales)
As well as our excellent dedicated teaching facilities, the School of Psychology offers a wide range of psychological services to the general public. These are offered through our new PAWB Wales clinic facility and include play therapy, behaviour analysis, health and sport psychology interventions. The clinic activities support our wide range of postgraduate opportunities and undergraduate students can also get involved in some of the clinic’s work.

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The PgDip Community Health course is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and offer you the opportunity to gain a Specialist Practitioner Qualification in Community Children’s Nursing, Community Learning Disability Nursing, District Nursing, or General Practice Nursing. The courses comprise 50% theory and 50% practice.

The programme builds on the core values of the NHS constitution and is approved by the NMC to offer students the opportunity to gain a specialist practitioner qualification in Community Learning Disabilities Nursing, District Nursing or General Practice Nursing.

Features and benefits of the course

The course incorporates specialist practice qualifications in community children’s nursing, district nursing, general practice nursing and community learning disabilities nursing.

About the Course

Mandatory core for award units are specific to the specialist pathway qualification and include:
-Principles of public health
-Contemporary issues in Community Practice
-Developing Leadership and Professional Practice
-Evidence-based Practice

If you are studying on a General Practice Nurse (GPN) or Community Learning Disability Nursing (CLDN) route you will choose an elective. To ensure that the unit is appropriate to your field of practice its selection will be determined following discussion with yourself and the seconding/sponsoring trust. Electives include:
-Community practitioner nurse prescribing;
-Collaboration and health information for service users;
-Applying Ethical and Critical Thinking to Practice Based Dilemmas
-Contraception, reproduction and sexual health.

On completion of the 40 week programme of study, you may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Health, incorporating the specialist pathway qualification.

Assessment details

Assessment strategies are devised to equip students with skills that can be used in their professional development and clinical practice (eg. written reports and journal articles, giving presentations, developing portfolios).

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The PGCert award offers the opportunity of postgraduate study for practitioners in social work and social care in settings beyond specialist child care, adult and mental health teams, for example: YOT, homeless services, domestic violence, learning disabilities and substance misuse specialisms. For social workers this will provide evidence of their learning in order to meet HCPC requirements for renewing their registration. However, we would expect this course to be attractive to non-social work qualified staff as part of their continuing professional development (CPD) and career development. The core module aims to support practitioners to extend their knowledge and analytical skills in relation to their own CPD and to reflect on their capability in relation to their evolving scope of practice.

Candidates can enhance their academic qualification by progressing from one of the Centre for CPD PGCerts to complete a PGDiploma and then further with the MA. This is a generic route and provides a flexible and wide choice of modules. For the PGDiploma the candidate will complete a research module and choose 2 other modules from a broad range. The MA will involve a dissertation in an area of their specialist practice.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

The University has been endorsed by the College of Social Work as a provider of CPD training.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

Keynote lectures, seminars, tutorials, material for self-directed learning, e-learning, workshops will form part of university based learning provision.

Students will be required to link formal learning to their practice and will be encouraged to build on existing skills/develop new skills to consolidate their learning across the academic and practice fields.

Skills, values and knowledge will be developed through group discussions, group tutorials, presentations and practice learning opportunities.

The overarching teaching and learning strategy will enable students to develop cognitive skills which are appropriate to independent learning and postgraduate study.

A range of assessment methods will include essays, presentations, case studies, practice observation, reflective writing, practice portfolios, and personal development files.

OPPORTUNITIES

Students who are enrolled with the School of Social Work, Care and Community may be eligible for international travel opportunities relevant to their study.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Aims of the course include:

-Enable students to critically reflect on and review their professional development to facilitate enhanced performance and service delivery

-Provide learning opportunities for students to critical reflect on complex challenges, current issues and new evidence-based practice research

-Develop and enhance students’ capacity for critically evaluating key theoretical knowledge, law and policy in relation social work and social care practice

-Provide learning opportunities for students to develop and to enhance decision-making skills in complex situations in social work and social care practice

-Enable students to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level

-Enable students to recognise the contribution, and begin to make use, of research to inform practice

-Provide an opportunity for students to undertake a research project in their specialist area of practice

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A Master of Science in Developmental Disabilities is designed to prepare researchers, advocates, administrators and policy makers to be leaders in community-based or governmental agencies that address the confluence of issues associated with developmental disabilities throughout the life span. This degree program's body of knowledge will allow graduates of the M.S. program to pursue doctoral-level training in human services, counseling, and public policy, among others. In addition, this degree will provide professionals from disciplines such as nursing and education with the necessary skills to be effective leaders and advance in the field.

The successful graduate of the M.S. in Developmental Disabilities program is expected to:

• Apply knowledge of effective administrative and other leadership skills in the field of developmental disabilities through the use of case study analyses, research papers, and in-class assignments.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the different developmental disabilities and the challenges faced by these individuals across the lifespan.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of the family, the educational system, and community services on the successful integration of individuals with developmental disabilities into the community.
• Apply ethical and legal principles related to working with individuals who have developmental disabilities to real-world cases and settings.
• Apply knowledge of developmental disabilities, organizational behavior, and strategic planning to the design and/or administration of human services organizations which provide services to individuals and families with developmental disabilities. 
• Demonstrate research, analytic thinking, and writing skills when creating a program design or evaluation project on a relevant topic in the field.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of health disparities experienced by individuals with developmental disabilities and the implications for healthcare and human services organizations.

This program is designed for individuals seeking a career in or as:

• Program Director (non-profit)
• Program Coordination
• Early Childhood Interventionist
• Transition Specialist
• Job Coach
• Child Life Specialist (with Child Life Specialist concentration)
• Developmental Specialist
• Case Manager
• Vocational Counselor
• Advocate
• Behavior Analyst or Assistant Behavior Analyst (with ABA concentration)

Program Format

The master's program is offered entirely online. The online format allows for students to participate in courses from anywhere in the world where Internet access is available. In addition, it allows for the flexibility of completing your master's degree without interrupting your career.

Master's students are provided NSU computer accounts including email and Blackboard, but must obtain their own Internet service providers, use their own computer systems and have a usable web camera. Online students use the web to access course materials, announcements, email, distance library services, subscription library databases, and other information, and for interaction with faculty and fellow students. Online, interactive learning methods are based on the use of Blackboard as a course management system. Online activities facilitate frequent student-to-faculty and student-to-student interaction. They are supported by threaded discussion boards, white boards, chat rooms, email, and multimedia presentations. In addition, Blackboard enables students to submit assignments online in multimedia formats and to receive their professors' reviews of assignments online in the same formats.

Curriculum

Students enrolled in the Masters of Science in Developmental Disabilities are required to complete 18 credit hours of foundational coursework, 9 credit hours in one of the Concentrations, and 3 credit hours of a Developmental Disabilities Master's Research Project.

Foundational coursework:

• HSDD 5000: Survey of Developmental Disabilities (3 credits)
• HSDD 5100: Program Design and Evaluation (3 credits)
• HSDD 5200: Disability and the Family Life Cycle (3 credits)
• HSDD 5300: Legal and Ethical Issues in Disability (3 credits)
• HSDD 5400: Healthcare Issues in Developmental Disabilities (3 credits)
• HSDD 5500: Disability Services Administration (3 credits)
• HSDD 6000: Developmental Disabilities Masters Project (3 credits)

Concentrations

• Concentration 1: Leadership/Advocacy
• Concentration 2: Adult Services/Transition
• Concentration 3: Early Childhood
• Concentration 4: Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration Courses (18 Credits)
• Concentration 5: Child Life Specialist (18 Credits)

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-A work based practical programme of study which builds on and allows application of knowledge gleaned during the Certificate in Psychiatric Therapeutics
-The qualification is often a requirement for specialist mental health pharmacist posts in the NHS
-Written, taught and assessed by specialist mental health pharmacists

Course outline

Practice-based clinical modules:
-Introduction to Clinical Practice
-Clinical Interventions
-Formulary Development, Clinical Audit and Communication

Compulsory knowledge based components:
-Psychological Therapies
-Substance Misuse
-Evidence Based Medicine and Information Technology
-Pharmacoeconomics

Plus a choice of two from the following four:
-Research Methods
-Learning Disabilities
-Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
-Epilepsy

Learning, teaching & assessment

The range of learning methods will be used, including distance learning materials, directed reading, self assessed exercises, additional reading and participation in a multi disciplinary forum (MDT).

Assessment is by assignments, clinical proformas, oral case presentations and a final examination.

Career prospects

This qualification is often a requirement for specialist clinical mental health posts in the NHS.

“Specialist status” as deemed by Membership of the College of Mental Health Pharmacy is also increasingly expected for higher level clinical posts in the NHS. The Diploma forms part of the pathway for this accreditation.

Personal development

The following skills will be developed:
-Independent study
-Good time management
-Effective written communication
-Effective oral communication
-Effective information retrieval, organisation and presentation

Professional accreditation

The programme is supported by the College of Mental Health Pharmacists (CMHP).

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This is an advanced professional development programme delivered by distance learning for flexibility and convenience. The programme aims to provide you with detailed knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through the programme you will gain knowledge and understanding of:

• definitions and epidemiology of intellectual disability
• cognitive, communicative and social characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities
• biological, social and environmental causes of intellectual disability
• behaviour analysis
• challenging behaviour and other special needs
• ideology, policy and service development
• definition and measurement of service quality
• relationships between service organisation and quality
• research methodology.

Course structure

Coursework is taught through a mixture of web-based resources, directed reading, videos, lectures, seminars and practical sessions, supported by a number of workshops, where you work with skilled professionals and have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with fellow students.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme:

• Social psychology of autism
• Behaviour analysis and intervention
• Service issues in intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Research methods
• Case study assessment

Transferable skills

You will gain the following transferable skills:

• communication: organising information clearly; responding to written sources; presenting information orally
• numeracy: (if statistical element of research methods module taken) making sense of statistical materials; integrating quantitative and qualitative information
• information technology: producing written documents; undertaking online research
• working with others: working co-operatively on group tasks; understanding how groups function
• improving own learning: exploring personal strengths and weaknesses; time management; reviewing working environment
• problem solving: identifying and defining problems: exploring alternative solutions and discriminating between them.

Dynamic centre of expertise

This programme is taught by the University's renowned Tizard Centre. An annual seminar series runs at which staff or guest lecturers present the results of research or highlight recent developments in the field of social care. The Jim Mansell Memorial Lecture invites public figures or distinguished academics to discuss topics that could interest a wider audience. The Centre also publishes the Tizard Learning Disability Review (in conjunction with Emerald Publishing) to provide a source of up-to-date information for professionals and carers.

The Tizard Centre provides consultancy to organisations in the statutory and independent sectors, both nationally and internationally, in diversified areas such as service assessment, person-centred approaches, active support and adult protection.

Careers

This programme supports continuing professional development and enhances your opportunity for career advancement. Previous successful students have moved on to a range of professional roles in health and social care including working as psychologists in learning disability or behavioural specialists in community learning disability teams; service management of development roles; clinical psychology training or a PhD.

Why study at the University of Kent

We offer inspirational teaching and supervision alongside first-class library and IT facilities. You also benefit from our high-impact research in all subjects. Whatever you are looking to study, Kent provides a dynamic and challenging environment for your postgraduate studies.

• Kent was awarded gold, the highest rating, in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework
• Kent is ranked 21st in the Times Higher Education (THE) ‘Table of Tables’ 2017
• Kent is ranked 25th in the Complete University Guide 2018
• Kent is ranked 22nd in the Guardian University Guide 2018
• 42% of our academics are from overseas and we have students representing 158 nationalities
• In the most recent research rankings, 97% of research at Kent was found to be of international quality (REF 2014)
• Kent is ranked 17th in the UK* for research intensity and research output (REF 2014)

Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/why-kent/

* of 122 universities, not including specialist institutions

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Occupational therapy practice is concerned with enhancing the daily lives of individuals with a very broad range of physical, mental health or social needs. As an occupational therapist you will work with clients to improve function and enable them to fulfil the demands of their daily lives with greater satisfaction. You will work with people of all ages from all walks of life, in hospital, in the community, in their place of employment or in their home, and have the opportunity to work in a very wide variety of professional practice areas.

The fundamental aim of the MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) programme is to enable you to graduate with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK. The Degree does not provide eligibility to practice in any other country although the degree is WFOT recognised.

HCPC approved and COT/WFOT accredited

See the website http://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/occupational-therapy-pre-registration/

Why choose this course?

- Graduates from this programme will be fit for purpose, practice, and award in the UK. We enable you to develop a profound understanding of the potential for occupational therapy to promote the health and wellbeing of the population. Skills acquired will be evidenced based, innovative and give you the capacity to make a significant contribution to the profession, specifically contribute to excellence in client care and the professional knowledge base. On successful completion of the degree and 1000 hours of clinical practice education you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a registered Occupational Therapist in the UK.

- Many of our graduates go on to further educational development at PhD/DPhil and professional doctorate level. We are mindful of the anticipated transformation of practice over the next 20 years as well as the changes to demographics and the political innovation resulting in the widening participation agenda. We therefore aim to attract graduate students, who are academically able, demonstrate appropriate values of self-determination, motivation and critical awareness of learning needs and show potential for leading leadership, innovation and research.

- Based in Oxford, the environment for learning is rich with diversity, culture, specialist health and social care resources, academic resources as well as close commuting links to London.

- Our programme is staffed by occupational therapists expert in diverse clinical specialities, and supported by occupational therapy practice educators from all areas of mainstream and specialist practice. Our lecturers are experienced in their specialist practice areas and have reputations for excellence with established links with colleagues, organisations and institutions at national and international level.

- This course benefits from shared and inter-professional education opportunities, in addition to profession specific ones, to develop the professional qualities and attributes for current and future health and social care practice.

- Our ongoing investment in a new technology infrastructure is enabling the teaching team to exploit successful technology-enriched learning throughout the programme. We have a large and dedicated building in Oxford (Marston Road) equipped with state-of-the-art classroom and clinical skills and communication suites and resources. We run a weekly Hand Therapy clinic and a monthly Community Occupational Therapy Assessment Clinic for the public. Students are invited to observe other qualified OT's working in these clinics.

- We have a strong research profile, with experienced researchers working in established areas of cancer care, children and families, drug and alcohol, physical rehabilitation and enablement, inter-professional education and collaborative practice.

- Established in 1938, we are the oldest School of Occupational Therapy in England, and have one of the best occupational therapy library collections in the country.

- We have an excellent track record of high levels of student satisfaction, low student attrition rates and high employability.

Teaching and learning

MSc in Occupational Therapy is taught alongside the well-established and highly-regarded BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy.

Pre-registration Masters students will be taught alongside the undergraduate students in all occupational therapy specific modules. These will be identified with different module numbers and names to those of the undergraduate programme. This dual level teaching in classroom will provide you with the opportunity to learn the core skills and specific attributes of occupational therapy alongside the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy students.

However, the pre-registration Masters students are provided with an enhanced level 7 learning experience with module specific tutorials to explore a more critical and evidence based approach to the subject matter and thus develop professional competence in academic, research and digital literacy, critical thinking and personal self-awareness.

Our approach will require you to actively engage in these Masters level tutorials and become self-directed, innovative, creative and critical learners. Teaching will assist you to construct knowledge through the analysis, synthesis and conceptualisation of your learning experiences, thus developing a lifelong approach to learning. This supports employability in a marketplace that demands adaptability, continuous development and leadership.

You will have the opportunity for face-to-face and virtual learning activities. Our inter-professional module is taken alongside other health and social care pre-registration master's level students, enabling you to prepare for the interdisciplinary work you will encounter in the health and social care environment.

Working at master’s level, you will focus on developing your knowledge in occupational therapy, which is evidence-based and strongly underpinned by research.

This master's degree will:
- Enable you to be a reflective, proactive, innovative and adaptable occupational therapy practitioner, with the ability to critique research and evaluate the effectiveness of evidence in a wide variety of practice settings.

- Develop a critical understanding of the theory of occupation and teach you to challenge existing models and approaches used in occupational therapy from an informed perspective.

- Provide opportunities to develop your ability to work both independently and as part of a team in the context of social, technological, administrative and policy changes.

How this course helps you develop

This course is mapped against the University's postgraduate attributes so that all occupational therapy graduates are equipped with the skills of academic literacy, digital and information literacy, global citizenship, research literacy, critical self awareness and personal literacy. These attributes are in addition to the NHS core values of respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, and aspiring to improve the lives of others where everyone counts and we work together for patients.

Careers

The majority of graduates from the occupational therapy degrees work as qualified and registered occupational therapists, but there are increasing opportunities to work in non-specified professional roles in mental health and community settings. There are also increasing numbers of employment roles that are not explicitly described or advertised as an ‘occupational therapist’ but match the skills specification of an occupational therapist. This is due to the changing nature of health and social care practice and the new and emerging roles and opportunities for occupational therapy.

Free language courses for students - the Open Module

Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

Please note that the free language courses are not available if you are:
- studying at a Brookes partner college
- studying on any of our teacher education courses or postgraduate education courses.

Research highlights

The Centre for Rehabilitation within the Department of Sport and Health Sciences has strong leadership in the director, Professor Helen Dawes. The Centre brings together research, education and care. It is underpinned by a strong, well-published research group, the Movement Science Group, along with clinical expertise, rehabilitation, knowledge and care of adults and children with neurological conditions. Within the Centre, staff, students and alumni across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences are engaged in a number of research projects.

Examples of ongoing research projects within the faculty:
- Driving rehabilitation - cognitive mechanisms of driving and performance implications for clinical populations

- Fatigue management – Central and peripheral fatigue and mechanisms in clinical populations

- Dual task control in Stroke - influence on community mobility

- Efficacy of Intensive motor learning programmes – Themed (Magic) camps for children with hemiplegia

- Arts in Health Research – collaboration with Breathe Arts Health Research with research opportunities across many arts related activities

- Virtual Reality (VR) technologies – development and implementation of VR technologies in rehabilitation

- Early identification of motor and sensory processing impairments in children

- Sensory processing disorders and impact on function and behaviour in children with autism

- Measurement and monitoring of rehabilitation participation- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Systematic Review of Vocational Rehabilitation for people with TBI

- Therapy for hand writing in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD)

- Monitoring movement in people with neurological conditions – mechanisms and impact e.g. head drop in Parkinson Disorder

- Physical activity impact on sleep, behaviour cognition, health and wellbeing in children with neurodisability

- Falls in people with learning disabilities – an understanding of the impact of anxiety

- A Functional Electrical Stimulation Plantar flexion System for Bone Health Maintenance in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

- Professional development Perspectives of Occupational Therapists working in the NHS and concepts of Occupational Balance, Cultural perspectives and attitude change in professional identity acquisition.

Research areas and clusters

Our staff are involved in research both independently and collaboratively.

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