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.
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Our flexible curriculum and blended learning approach will allow you to build theoretical knowledge and put it into practice on placements in healthcare settings. -
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.
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:
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
- 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.
Personal statement
Once your application has been received, it will be referred to the course team for a shortlisting decision, which will be made mid-late May. When reviewing your personal statement, in addition to the quality of writing, the course team will be looking for the following:
- Details of the classification achieved for your first degree
- How you reached the decision to become a nursing student following your decision to apply for a non-nursing degree
- How your study experience so far will prepare you for study at Master’s level
- Your reason for selecting the field of nursing for which you are applying
- A discussion of 2-3 skills that you have acquired in a paid and/or voluntary capacity that could be applied to nursing
- A discussion of your personal values and how they are relevant for nursing in the UK
For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Other requirements
You will also need to:
- Undertake an interview with a lecturer, clinical practitioner and service user
- Provide a satisfactory health declaration
- Complete an enhanced-level Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Undergo the MSc Nursing Recognition of Prior Learning process
Vaccinations
As a healthcare student, you have a duty of care towards patients and other staff, including taking reasonable precautions to protect yourself and others from communicable diseases. We therefore require you to be vaccinated for some infectious diseases if you do not already have immunity to them. Whilst we cannot force you to have a vaccination, the University and our practice partners strongly recommend you do.
Failure to undertake the required immunisations and blood screening may lead to you not being able to be placed in certain clinical areas which may adversely impact your ability to complete the required practice hours and clinical competencies.
Recognition of Prior Learning
For the MSc Nursing, 600 hours of theory and 600 hours of practice will be accredited using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This means that students will be required to attend for two years instead of the traditional three-year nursing course.
RPL will take the form of a reference, reflection on practice document, RPL interview and written assignment. You can access the reference and reflection on practice document via the link below. Prior to invitation to interview, you will be invited to complete and submit this document to the department. The reference will confirm that 600 hours of work/voluntary experience where you will have used skills that are transferable to nursing*. This will need to be signed by your supervisor or line manager.
The reflection on practice document will identify twelve ‘indicators’ that are adapted from twelve Nursing and Midwifery Council proficiencies. You will need to identify eight ‘indicators’ (including a mandatory indicator on digital skills) that you believe will have been achieved through their work/voluntary experience together with details of the activities that you have engaged in to achieve them. At interview, you will be invited to discuss and reflect on how your experience has enabled you to achieve a selection of these indicators. This process will support RPL of achievement of the practice hours for a nursing programme.
Transferable skills
While we warmly welcome people who have worked in a health or social care setting, we do not restrict our definition of transferable skills to these settings. It is likely that you will have used transferable skills if you have worked in any public facing sort of role. You need to think about what skills you have used and how they are relevant to nursing. You have to have used these skills in a paid or formal voluntary role, rather than with family and friends on an informal basis.
Interview dates
Interview dates may be subject to change and will be confirmed to successful applicants when they are invited to interview.
Important information
Nursing courses at NTU have a limited number of places available to ensure that you receive a good quality placement experience. In exceptional circumstances this may result in the course becoming full before you have completed the admissions process. In this situation we will offer you the opportunity to be considered for the following year’s entry.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- An undergraduate degree at 2.2 or above, and
- GCSEs – English, Maths and a Health or Science related subject grade C / 4 or Level 2 (or above)
- 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.
- We will consider equivalent qualifications and combinations, please contact our Admissions team 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.
Personal statement
Once your application has been received, it will be referred to the course team for a shortlisting decision, which will be made mid-late May. When reviewing your personal statement, in addition to the quality of writing, the course team will be looking for the following:
- Details of the classification achieved for your first degree
- How you reached the decision to become a nursing student following your decision to apply for a non-nursing degree
- How your study experience so far will prepare you for study at Master’s level
- Your reason for selecting the field of nursing for which you are applying
- A discussion of 2-3 skills that you have acquired in a paid and/or voluntary capacity that could be applied to nursing
- A discussion of your personal values and how they are relevant for nursing in the UK
For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Other requirements
You will also need to:
- Undertake an interview with a lecturer, clinical practitioner and service user
- Provide a satisfactory health declaration
- Complete an enhanced-level Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Undergo the MSc Nursing Recognition of Prior Learning process
Vaccinations
As a healthcare student, you have a duty of care towards patients and other staff, including taking reasonable precautions to protect yourself and others from communicable diseases. We therefore require you to be vaccinated for some infectious diseases if you do not already have immunity to them. Whilst we cannot force you to have a vaccination, the University and our practice partners strongly recommend you do.
Failure to undertake the required immunisations and blood screening may lead to you not being able to be placed in certain clinical areas which may adversely impact your ability to complete the required practice hours and clinical competencies.
Recognition of Prior Learning
For the MSc Nursing, 600 hours of theory and 600 hours of practice will be accredited using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This means that students will be required to attend for two years instead of the traditional three-year nursing course.
RPL will take the form of a reference, reflection on practice document, RPL interview and written assignment. You can access the reference and reflection on practice document via the link below. Prior to invitation to interview, you will be invited to complete and submit this document to the department. The reference will confirm that 600 hours of work/voluntary experience where you will have used skills that are transferable to nursing*. This will need to be signed by your supervisor or line manager.
The reflection on practice document will identify twelve ‘indicators’ that are adapted from twelve Nursing and Midwifery Council proficiencies. You will need to identify eight ‘indicators’ (including a mandatory indicator on digital skills) that you believe will have been achieved through their work/voluntary experience together with details of the activities that you have engaged in to achieve them. At interview, you will be invited to discuss and reflect on how your experience has enabled you to achieve a selection of these indicators. This process will support RPL of achievement of the practice hours for a nursing programme.
Transferable skills
While we warmly welcome people who have worked in a health or social care setting, we do not restrict our definition of transferable skills to these settings. It is likely that you will have used transferable skills if you have worked in any public facing sort of role. You need to think about what skills you have used and how they are relevant to nursing. You have to have used these skills in a paid or formal voluntary role, rather than with family and friends on an informal basis.
Interview dates
Interview dates may be subject to change and will be confirmed to successful applicants when they are invited to interview.
Important information
Nursing courses at NTU have a limited number of places available to ensure that you receive a good quality placement experience. In exceptional circumstances this may result in the course becoming full before you have completed the admissions process. In this situation we will offer you the opportunity to be considered for the following year’s entry.
Fees and funding
Fees for January 2026
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,535 |
*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.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.
There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, we award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduate fees and funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Additional costs and funding
Students will be funded for and provided with NTU’s practice learning placement uniforms although: additional items may incur a cost; and some placement providers may not require uniform but professional clothing that will not be funded.
Assistance with funding, scholarship and financial awards may be available via independent sponsors, please visit:
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Fees for January 2026
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,900 |
*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.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Additional costs and funding
Students will be funded for and provided with NTU’s practice learning placement uniforms although: additional items may incur a cost; and some placement providers may not require uniform but professional clothing that will not be funded.
Assistance with funding, scholarship and financial awards may be available via independent sponsors, please visit:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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:
- 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).
- 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)
- 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:
- 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).
- 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)
- 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.
