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Learning Disability Contemporary Practice

Do you want to build your knowledge in caring for patients with learning disabilities? This short course is for registered and non-registered clinicians who have studied at Level 5 and above.

Nursing student laughing in her scrubs
LevelShort courses and CPD
Duration4 months
Course codeCID1585

Course summary

This short course is for nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. It covers a range of training so you can develop your skills. You'll learn how to deliver effective and fair patient care.

The 2026/27 start dates for this course are coming soon.

Why Sunderland for Short courses and CPD

What you'll study

Topics covered on this course include:

  • Current statistics, research, and evidence on caring for patients with learning disabilities
  • The impact of learning disabilities on patients and carers. This includes related health conditions, equality, and access to healthcare.
  • Managing risks. This includes capacity, consent, vulnerability, and safeguarding.
  • Health inequalities and protected characteristics. This includes the language we use and a trauma-informed approach.
  • Health action planning, including how to provide an annual health check.

How you'll learn

Teaching is through a combination of:

  • Face-to-face learning
  • Self-directed study through the Virtual Learning Environment
  • Some online sessions.

The sessions run every two weeks on Wednesdays from 9:30am-4pm on the following dates:

  • 4 June
  • 18 June
  • 2 July
  • 30 July
  • 13 August (assessment and tutorials)
  • 17 September (assessment day).

Entry requirements

Fees and finance support

Employers usually meets course costs. We advise that you speak to your workforce development lead before applying.

We also accept self-funded applicants. If you'd like to explore your options, contact us at cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Contact our team for further information about applying for this course. Call 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).