Distance Learning
Adults with learning disabilities who have significant and complex needs
A Postgraduate / Post Qualification distance-learning course, to be studied part-time by people working in supervisory or professional positions in services for adults with learning disabilities.
For further information on the course please contact Dr Martin Campbell.
- PG brochure ALD Psychology (PDF, 865 KB)
- Application form
Leaflets
- Challenging behaviour (PDF, 109 KB)
- Mental health (PDF, 124 KB)
- Offenders with learning disabilities (PDF, 109 KB)
- Older people with learning difficulties (PDF, 109 KB)
- Profound and multiple disabilities (PDF, 109 KB)
- Vulnerability, victimisation and abuse (PDF, 110 KB)
Occupations
A list of occupations of students who have successfully completed this postgraduate programme:
- CLD Nurse
- Clinical Services Development Manager
- Community Care Officer
- Deputy Nurse Manager
- Lecturer (FE)
- Neighbourhood Support Worker
- Occupational Therapist
- Manager Day Services
- Podiatrist
- Psychological Therapist
- Senior DCO
- Senior Healthcare Co-ordinator
- Senior Social Worker
- Senior Support Worker
- Social Care Manager (NHS)
- Speech and Language Therapist
- Staff Nurse
- Team Leader (SW)
- Unit Manager (Voluntary sector)
Entry qualifications for the Postgraduate Certificate
Normally a first degree
or
An appropriate professional qualification (e.g. Social Work, Teaching, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy).
or
Substantial relevant work experience in a cognate discipline, together with at least 3 years' practical experience in the field, including staff supervisory or management experience.
↓
Postgraduate Certificate (1 Year) Students choose 4 from 6 Modules
Module 1: Challenging behaviour
Module 2: Mental health
Module 3: Offenders with LD / Forensic Needs
Module 4: Profound & Multiple Disabilities
Module 5: Victimisation Vulnerability
Module 6: Older People with LD
↓
Postgraduate Diploma (1 Year)6 Modules that draw on the content of the Postgraduate Certificate Course
Module 1: Intellectual disability research
Module 2: Data collection and sampling
Module 3: Quantitative data analysis: fixed designs
Module 4: Quantitative data analysis: flexible designs
Module 5: Writing a research report
Module 6: Undertaking a small scale study
↓
Postgraduate Masters (MSc) (1 Year)
Student Dissertation (15, 000 words) on a practice related topic of choice integrating one area of specialised study from Certificate level study with research methodology from Diploma level study. Entry to Masters is conditional on a satisfactory level of pass at Postgraduate Diploma level.
Testimonials
Student 1
“Just thought I would provide some feedback on how the PG Cert has impacted my own practice and hope has contributed to the development of services in G… Shortly after completing the course, I took up a position as Home Manager, in a community group home for 6 individuals with SLD/PLD/PMLD presenting a diverse range of significant and complex needs. I had previously worked (as a Deputy) in the home for 6 years, I had requested a transfer to work with a more able service user group, as I felt professionally I had dried up. I knew that significant changes needed to be made, however at that time it was difficult to see the way forward. The course has given me the confidence, commitment and motivation to start addressing fundamental issues within that setting. I am fortunate to have had the support of our service management team, with respect to time commitment to undertake the course, and more importantly to support improvement initiatives.
“I am very much involved with adolescence who have complex needs and it is only now that I can really understand what I have studied in Module 1 Challenging Behaviour. I have been going back to the module and lots of journals and I have been reading and reading with pride and satisfaction. Now that I am more involved with mental health issues I am able to understand so much better what I read. I am in a position where I can understand better the behaviour that is challenging to the residential home.”
Student 2
“I must admit that I used to think that we have come a long way with equal rights and disability issues (and mind you we have) but since I have been doing the course I realised how far behind we are from other countries. Presently the Adult Day Centres are undergoing reforms.
“This module, like all the rest, is very useful and provides good insight. It brings into focus topics like service user choice and the assessment assignment (9.4) really brings home some real truth to working with people like XXXX. These are real and important issues.”
Student 3
“I write to share my positive experience of the MSc course. I have successfully completed the PG Certificate and PG Diploma courses over the last two years and I recently submitted my dissertation on completion of my third year of study (MSc). Despite the demands of balancing work, family life and study I have found the course to be hugely enjoyable. There are a number of factors that have contributed to my experience including; the quality of course materials, the course being rooted in real world research and the support of my course tutors.
“The quality of course materials has been excellent. I have previously studied with the Open University and their course materials were excellent but St Andrews equally so. What has been most helpful is the way in which the course has been structured and organised. The modules have been clearly designed and assisted learning in a structured and meaningful way.
“I have also been impressed with the fact that the course is rooted in real world research. I work at a senior level in the NHS and further to completing the Diploma my manager requested that I undertake two reviews of specialist services. Her decision was largely based on what I have learnt from the course both in terms of knowledge and research methodology. Furthermore, a number of my colleagues have borrowed my course materials not just for references but for ideas in respect of research methodology also. The course has certainly connected and dovetailed with my experience of working in and managing learning disabilities services within the NHS.
“I can’t say enough about the support I have received from course tutors. They have been supportive throughout the course and have always made time to answer any queries that I have had. I have thoroughly enjoyed studying with St Andrews and I can honestly say that the experience has made a significant difference to the quality of my work both in terms of my knowledge and practice. I would absolutely recommend the course to anyone wishing to pursue academic study in the field of learning disabilities.”
