Professional Nursing (Learning Disabilities)
Prepare for a rewarding career as a learning disabilities nurse with this accredited Master’s programme.
Best for:Best for healthcare professionals with a passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities, including qualified nurses or those with equivalent healthcare experience.
Overview
This Master’s programme at Queen’s University Belfast trains students to become specialist learning disabilities nurses, focusing on supporting individuals with learning disabilities across all life stages. The curriculum blends clinical practice with academic study to equip graduates with the skills to enhance health, independence, and community integration for patients and their families. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to healthcare through prior education, experience, or portfolio evidence. The programme is designed for both qualified nurses seeking a new field of practice and those with relevant healthcare backgrounds seeking formal accreditation.
What you'll do
- Develop advanced clinical skills to assess, plan, and deliver care for individuals with learning disabilities.
- Promote health, wellbeing, and independence for patients across all age groups.
- Collaborate with families, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams to support community integration.
- Engage in evidence-based practice to improve healthcare outcomes for people with learning disabilities.
- Contribute to research and policy discussions related to inclusive healthcare practices.
Requirements
Degree required: Honours degree in any subject with a minimum classification of 2:1 (or equivalent). Candidates with a 2:2 may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Alternative qualifications (e.g., 3rd Class Honours or Ordinary degree) may be accepted with additional postgraduate qualifications in health/social care and relevant experience.
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic study and clinical practice (no specific test mentioned).
Instruction: English
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English Language, Mathematics, and a Science subject (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
- 650 hours of verified direct care experience (or equivalent healthcare experience for qualified nurses).
- Ability to meet Occupational Health Assessment and Criminal Record checks (Access NI Enhanced Disclosure).
- Proficiency in English for academic study and clinical practice.
- Eligible for a funded place (restricted to Irish/EU students in 2026).
- Not eligible if previously funded by the Department of Health for pre-registration Nursing/Midwifery/AHP courses in Northern Ireland.
- No age restrictions, but prior experience and academic qualifications are mandatory.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-05-27
Applicants must submit a portfolio of evidence including 650 hours of verified direct care experience (or equivalent) and personal statements reflecting skills, knowledge, and attributes aligned with the NMC Code. Qualified nurses and midwives may be exempt from the portfolio requirement. Interviews are held in June, and offers are conditional on Occupational Health Assessment, Criminal Record checks, and safeguarding clearance. Apply via the university’s postgraduate application portal.
- CV or curriculum vitae
- Portfolio of evidence (650 hours of verified direct care experience + personal statements)
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree and any postgraduate qualifications)
- Proof of GCSEs or equivalent qualifications
- Reference letters (if required)
- Occupational Health Assessment (if applicable)
- Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check (Criminal Record check)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.