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Nursing (Learning Disabilities) MSc

About this course

If you already hold an undergraduate degree and wish to become a Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse, this two-year accelerated course allows graduates with a level 6 qualification in any subject area to gain the qualifications needed to pursue a career in nursing.

Through a mix of theory and practice, you'll gain the skills, knowledge and experience required to provide high-quality, culturally competent, person-centered care.

Our flexible curriculum and blended learning approach will allow you to build up knowledge and then put it into practice on placements in healthcare settings, giving you the tools to develop holistic, clinical and decision-making skills in line with the demands of modern nursing.

Taught by a team of experienced healthcare practitioners and with the additional input of service users and carer groups, you’ll learn from the very best on your journey towards becoming a Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse.

  • Putting your knowledge into practice

    Our flexible curriculum and blended learning approach will allow you to build theoretical knowledge and put it into practice on placements in healthcare settings.

  • Study in our state-of-the-art facilities

    You’ll study in our brand-new purpose-built Health and Allied Professions Centre on our Clifton Campus, featuring mock hospital wards, consultation and counselling rooms, creative teaching spaces, and specialist equipment.

  • Learn from the experts

    at a university rated TEF ‘Gold’ for teaching and learning.

All of our Nursing courses at NTU are taught in our brand-new Health and Allied Professions Centre.

In addition to MSc Nursing (Learning Disabilities), we also offer:

MSc Nursing (Mental Health)
MSc Nursing (Adult)

What you’ll study

Our course gives you a robust knowledge of Learning Disabilities nursing practice – as well as the wider sector – both in and outside of the classroom. It’s the perfect combination of theory and practice, allied to great facilities, modules built around the latest research, and teachers who’ve worked for years in professional healthcare. You’ll develop your nursing knowledge based around:

  • A holistic view of patients’ physical and psychological needs
  • The chance to refine and apply your clinical and therapeutic skills
  • A practice-learning environment, with simulated exercises and activities
  • Placements in a variety of health and social care settings
  • Some fantastic opportunities for career development in practice, leadership, education and research both in the UK and internationally.

The five strands of nursing at NTU

Our course combines foundational healthcare knowledge with teaching that’s specific to the field of Learning Disabilities nursing. With this approach, we’ll help you to develop a critical understanding of the sector, as well as the specialist skills you’ll need as a registered Learning Disabilities nurse. Our course is built around five “strands”, namely:

  • Applied bio-, psycho- and social sciences
  • Clinical practice and nursing skills
  • Professional concept, philosophies and theories
  • Preparation for practice
  • Personal and professional development

Across these strands, you’ll develop and critique the core knowledge, skills and attributes you’ll need for a successful career in Learning Disabilities nursing – both in the UK and internationally.

Fundamentals in Nursing

The module introduces students to contemporary nursing values, philosophies and skills that underpin professional practice in nursing. The aim of this module is to support nurses to develop clinical and communication skills when providing care for people from diverse settings, as well as to promote self-awareness and development of professional identity.

Nursing Theory and Practice I

The module aims to critically consider biological, social and psychological factors that impact on health. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge to assess and plan care with people from diverse backgrounds and focus on care activity in relation to health promotion.

Global Health

On this module, you’ll critically consider how global health is addressed through policy and practice development initiatives. You will be introduced to the field of global health through examining key determinants of health such as poverty, inequality, health systems, economic globalisation, conflict, migration, climate change and stigma.

Nursing Theory and Practice 2

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge, skills, values and behaviour towards becoming a registered Learning Disabilities nurse. This includes providing an understanding of supporting people with Learning Disabilities and Autism to improve their biopsychosocial social health experiences and outcomes and reducing barriers to empowered, independent and fulfilled lives.

Leadership and Transition in Nursing

The aim of this module is to support students with their transition to becoming an innovative registered nurse. This module facilitates the development of effective clinical leadership through critical reflection, self-awareness and knowledge development which includes critical appraisal of leadership theory, policy and research. You’ll learn to critically consider the role of change management in ensuring safe and effective practice.

Research and Practice

This module will provide students with an opportunity to undertake an independent study on an area which is relevant to their nursing practice. The nature of independent study will be either an empirical or literature-based dissertation.

We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.

How you're taught

Your learning is based on two things we’re very proud of – a “blended” approach of classroom theory and hands-on practice, and our incredible new facilities. We know what’s needed for the toolkit of the “future nurse”, and we’re committed to giving you the skills, knowledge and experience you require. Our teaching delivery is flexible and diverse, and includes:

  • Working with personal tutors – individually, and in larger groups
  • Collaboration with “expert patients” – those who’ve access health services directly, and can guide your skills in person-centred care through their own experience
  • Large and inclusive lectures, and smaller, more intimate seminars
  • “Interprofessional” learning, with industry experts from across the healthcare sector
  • Clinical skills practice / simulated scenarios, in our Clinical Skills Suites
  • Virtual reality, and a wealth of online learning communities and resources
  • Enquiry-based learning (PBL) and team-based learning (PrBL)
  • Experiential practice and work-based learning (WBL)

Programme structure and activities

The MSc Nursing is divided into three parts, with each part accounting for eight months of the course

  • Part One: Lectures/enquiry-based learning/Clinical Skills/Practice Learning/Clinical exam/Written work
  • Part Two: Lectures/enquiry-based learning/Clinical Skills/Practice Learning/Presentation/written work
  • Part Three: Lectures/enquiry-based learning/Clinical Skills/Practice Learning/Presentation/Dissertation/Presentation

Contact hours

Your time is split roughly in half between classroom-based learning and practice learning placements. Whilst the hours are always subject to change, here’s some examples (in weeks):

MSc Nursing

  • Part One: 15 weeks classroom based, 10 weeks on placement, 3 weeks clinical simulation
  • Part Two: 15 weeks classroom based, 14 weeks on placement, 1 week clinical simulation
  • Part Three: 15 weeks classroom based, 17 weeks on placement, 1 week clinical simulation

Hands-on nursing: your work experience opportunities

The importance of diagnostic, assessment and hands-on practice skills in modern nursing continues to grow, and that’s why placements are such a key part of our nursing courses. You’ll work across a variety of health and social care settings, in a wide range of public and private sector environments – all the time developing your understanding of the patient journey and the services they access.

You’ll benefit from our reputation in the healthcare sector, and our fantastic professional links throughout learning disabilities nursing.

Learn from the experts

As tomorrow’s professionals, you’ll be taught by today’s experts – people who’ve worked (and are still working) across the healthcare sector. Tutorials and personal contact time are an important part of our nursing courses, and we ensure you’re supported in both one-to-one and group-learning environments. You’ll have your own personal tutor, and range of informed module leaders.

Throughout the programme, we’ll give you all the support you need: from advice and feedback, to securing practice learning placements, to helping you deal with any unforeseen personal circumstances or difficulties.

Clinical and nursing skills

Your registration by the Nursing and Midwifery Council hinges on proving you’ve got the required clinical and nursing skills – all developed throughout the practical components of this course. You’ll acquire these skills in our state of the art labs and suites, through a range of simulated exercises that bridge the gap between the classroom and your practice placements. You’ll then keep a record of the skills you’ve built and contact hours you’ve completed in your ePortfolio.

How you’re assessed

You’ll be assessed through a range of methods and activities. These include:

  • OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations) – practical demonstrations of your hands-on nursing skills in a simulated environment
  • Observations by Practice Educators of your competency in practice
  • An ePortfolio (PebblePad)
  • Case studies
  • Reflective accounts
  • Presentations
  • Essays
  • Dissertation

Careers and employability

With the House of Commons Health Committee announcing the need for new nurses– and NHS England raising funding to £20.5 billion – the opportunities for professionals in the healthcare sector are huge. As an MSc Nursing graduate, you could pursue a career as a:

  • Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse
  • Community Nurse
  • Team Nurse Manager
  • Matron
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Advanced Nurse Practitioner
  • Consultant Nurse
  • Lead Nurse
  • From here, you’ll be able to practice as a Learning Disabilities nurse – and with the networking opportunities you’ll get on your placements, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to build a professional reputation with healthcare providers across the region.

Our Employability team

If you’d like to know more about NTU’s groundbreaking Employability Promise, and the support you’ll receive both during and after your course, visit our Careers and Employability page.

Alongside your studies, they’ll give you advice and guidance on everything you need to stand out from the crowd – from voluntary and work experience opportunities to bespoke, specialised support for student nurses. They also help to coordinate our Acceler8 Award, which sits outside of your studies, and helps you to develop a broader range of transferable skills, knowledge and experience.

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the purpose-built Health & Allied Professions (HAP) Centre.  The 34,000 square foot building features mock hospital wards, consultation and counselling rooms, creative teaching spaces and specialist equipment.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.

Entry requirements

UK students

  • An undergraduate degree at lower second-class honours or above plus
  • GCSEs – English, Maths and a Health or Science related subject grade C / 4 or Level 2 (or above).

We will consider equivalent qualifications and combinations, please see UCAS course search for details.

If you are working towards your GCSE English Literature or English Language, Maths and / or Health/Science subject or equivalent qualification, please ensure you mention this in your application.

International students

Academic entry requirements: An undergraduate degree at 2.2 or above or equivalent. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international qualifications on our international entry requirements page.

Other requirements: GCSE English, Mathematics and a Health or Science related subject at minimum grade C /4 or Level 2 (or above)

If you are working towards your GCSE English Literature or English Language, Maths and / or Health/Science subject or equivalent qualification, please ensure you mention this in your application.

English language requirements: For applicants where English is a second language, an IELTS score of at least 6.5 with minimum of 6.0 in Speaking & Writing, and 5.5 in Listening and Reading is required.  This will be in lieu of the GCSE in English. See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£9,535 per year

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • £17,900 for January 2026 entry

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships for international students up to 50% off your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment of £6,000 when you've accepted your offer to study at NTU. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, before the start date of your course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about advance payments, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Most modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) - meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, you can email our Student Money Team or phone us on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

How to apply

All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.

Applications are now open for courses starting in January 2026.

If you want to be a registered nurse in Adult, Mental Health or Learning Disability, apply today by clicking the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Because of the need to meet the Recognition of Prior Learning requirements that are outlined above prior to starting the course, the application process for the MSc Nursing has three stages:

  1. Submission of the application form (click on the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying – make sure you check that you meet the entry requirements before you do).
  2. Submission of a practice portfolio document (this can be accessed here but this is for information only – please do not submit this unless invited to do so following review of your application by the course team)
  3. Attendance at a face to face interview

Candidates who navigate the three stages successfully will receive an offer of a place on the course, subject to DBS and occupational health clearance.

Applicants who require a visa to study on this course need to have a firm offer of a place by November 2025.

You will receive an update as to whether your application has been progressed to the next stage so please check your emails regularly during these times.

Writing your application and personal statement

This is your opportunity to sell yourself by telling us who you are today and who you want to be in the future. Write about why you want to be a nurse and why your knowledge, skills and previous experiences are important to this profession. What subjects have you studied that are important to you and to nursing; what work experience have you had that has made an impact on you and may help you in nursing; what hobbies and interest do you have. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

If you want to be a registered nurse in Adult, Mental Health or Learning Disability, apply today by clicking the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Due to visa requirements and the need to assess Recognition of Prior Learning requirements, applications received after 10 October 2025 are likely to be too late to process for a start January 2026 start, and will therefore be considered for January 2027.

Because of the need to meet the Recognition of Prior Learning requirements that are outlined above prior to starting the course, the application process for the MSc Nursing has three stages:

  1. Submission of the application form (click on the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying – make sure you check that you meet the entry requirements before you do).
  2. Submission of a practice portfolio document (this can be accessed here but this is for information only – please do not submit this unless invited to do so following review of your application by the course team)
  3. Attendance at a face to face interview

Candidates who navigate the three stages successfully will receive an offer of a place on the course, subject to DBS and occupational health clearance.

Applicants who require a visa to study on this course need to have a firm offer of a place by November 2025.

You will receive an update as to whether your application has been progressed to the next stage so please check your emails regularly during these times.

If you require a Tier 4 Visa, you need to have your application considered in July for consideration for entry in the following January. Applications received after this date from people requiring a Tier 4 Visa will be considered for entry in January the year after.

Writing your application and personal statement

This is your opportunity to sell yourself by telling us who you are today and who you want to be in the future. Write about why you want to be a nurse and why your knowledge, skills and previous experiences are important to this profession. What subjects have you studied that are important to you and to nursing; what work experience have you had that has made an impact on you and may help you in nursing; what hobbies and interest do you have. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.