MSc Professional Nursing Learning Disabilities Nursing at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The two-year MSc Professional Nursing programme leads to a Masters and eligibility to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Learning Disabilities nurse. It is designed for graduates from any subject with caring experience and meets the NMC Future nurse standards of proficiency. Students learn in a clinical skills and simulation suite and complete practice placements in a range of settings. The programme is not available part-time, and in 2027 it is open only to applicants eligible for a Department of Health funded place.

Department: School of Nursing and Midwifery | Duration: 2 years full-time | Intake: September 2027 (proposed start Monday 30 August 2027) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Clinical skills and nursing theory in the simulation centre alongside students of other disciplines such as Medicine and Pharmacy, with practice placements and interdisciplinary learning over two years.

Career pathways

A fast-track route to a nursing career with NMC registration as an Learning Disabilities nurse; a Masters can improve career progression opportunities with many employers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Honours degree in any subject at 2.2 or above. Normally five GCSEs at grade C/4 including English Language, Mathematics and a science subject (GCSE Applied Science not accepted; qualified nurses and midwives may be considered to meet this). Applicants with a third-class or ordinary degree may be considered with additional postgraduate qualifications in a health and social care field plus relevant healthcare experience. Applicants must submit a portfolio evidencing 650 hours of verified direct care, to be verified by 23 August 2027 at the latest (qualified nurses and midwives are exempt). Interviews normally take place in the second week of June. Offers are subject to Occupational Health Assessment and AccessNI Enhanced Disclosure check. Not open to GB, EU Other or overseas students in 2027, nor to those who previously received Department of Health funding for a pre-registration nursing, midwifery or AHP course in Northern Ireland. IELTS 7.0 with at least 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking and at least 6.5 in writing. Closing date 20 May 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,215 a year (2026/27). Non-commissioned NI and ROI students; commissioned (Department of Health funded) students pay no tuition fee; subject to change for 2027-28. Excludes a placement charge of GBP 5,000 per year for non-funded students. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 2 years full-time

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