EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY · UNITED KINGDOM
Nursing (Learning Disabilities) MSc
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2 years full-timeCourse Length
- Eligible for registration with the NMCProfessional Registration
- Shortlisted for 9 Student Nursing Times Awards 2026Awards
- Supervised practice placementsPractical Experience
- Access to advanced clinical skills facilitiesFacilities
This Master of Science (MSc) program prepares you to become a qualified nurse specializing in learning disabilities. Upon graduation, you will be eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK. The course focuses on providing compassionate care, promoting independence, and supporting individuals with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives. You will gain a broad understanding of health conditions and the challenges faced by those with learning disabilities, while also developing an awareness of the needs of other client groups. The curriculum emphasizes person-centred care, promoting physical and mental well-being, and advocating for service users.
Curriculum
The program is structured over two years and emphasizes independent learning, supported by classroom sessions and technology-enhanced learning. You will develop clinical skills through simulation and extensive practice placements. The curriculum adheres to the six core values of the NHS. You will gain proficiency as required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, focusing on resilience, emotional intelligence, communication, evidence-based care, research methodologies, leadership, quality improvement, pharmacology, and influencing interprofessional collaboration.
- Year 1
- Developing professional skills, resilience, emotional intelligence, and communication
- Understanding evidence-based care and research methodologies
- Principles of person-centred care through supervised practice placements
- Year 2
- Leadership, quality, and care evaluation
- Pharmacology and medication management
- Influencing and working with other professionals and services
- Principles of organisational change and public policy
- Developing political awareness
- Further practice placements to support nursing proficiencies
Careers
Upon graduation and registration with the NMC, you will be qualified to work as a learning disabilities nurse. Career opportunities exist in various settings, enabling you to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
- Learning Disabilities Nurse
- Community Specialist Learning Disabilities Nurse
Entry requirements
Degree2:2 or above (or equivalent), preferably in a health-related subject. Other subjects will be considered.
GCSEEnglish Language and Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
An interview is part of the selection process. Applicants must apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which includes three short written pieces (essays) and evidence of a minimum of 700 hours of appropriate health-related occupational or voluntary experience. Applicants must also satisfy the Nursing & Midwifery Council's requirements for physical and mental fitness and obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Fees
Tuition (international)Information not available
Tuition (home)£9,790 per year for the academic year 2026/27. Subject to Parliamentary approval and likely to increase in line with inflation.
LivingInformation not available
EU/EEA and Swiss students with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
How to apply
1. Apply OnlineSubmit your application for the January 2027 intake via the university's online application portal.
2. Attend an InterviewAn interview is a mandatory part of the selection process.
3. Complete RPL RequirementsIf successful at interview, you will be sent details to complete the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, which involves submitting three short essays and supporting evidence of at least 700 hours of relevant experience.
4. Meet Fitness to Practice RequirementsUpon accepting an offer, you must meet the Nursing & Midwifery Council's (NMC) physical and mental fitness requirements and obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Scholarships
NHS Learner Support FundVaries
Accreditation
NMC approved