Professional Nursing (Learning Disability) MSc

The MSc Professional Nursing programme will enable you to graduate with a Masters from Queen’s University Belfast and you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Nurse Learning Disabilities (RNLD).<br/><br/>Learning disabilities nurses work with children, adults and older adults with learning disabilities and their families. Learning disabilities nurses support people to improve their health and wellbeing and be as independent as possible. This is to enable and support them to live rich and fulfilling lives to be part of the communities in which they live.<br/><br/>Career opportunities are diverse and varied, and this programme of studies enables learning disabilities nurses to work in a range of care and support services, including child health, primary and acute care, hospitals, day and respite services, residential services, nursing homes, forensic and prison services, care of older people and end-of-life and palliative care services.<br/><br/>The roles undertaken by learning disabilities nurses provides rewarding, exciting and challenging career opportunities both locally and internationally. Within your learning disabilities nursing role, you will work with a diverse range of professions including doctors, clinical psychologists, therapists, and social workers to ensure that people with learning disabilities and their families receive the supports they require.<br/><br/>The learning disabilities nursing programme prepares students with the knowledge, skills, attributes necessary to provide person and family centred care and support which is safe and effective. As a learning disabilities nurse you will become skilled at supporting people with learning disabilities and their families in all aspects of their life. Leadership will be demonstrated through a commitment to professional values and evidence-based practice to improve health, outcomes for individuals, families, and wider communities.<br/><br/>Our highly experienced and motivated and committed academic lecturers are actively engaged in areas of speciality practice. Our personal tutor and link lecturer systems ensures that students are fully supported throughout their learning journey. The School of Nursing and Midwifery was awarded the Best Student Experience in 2021 Student Nursing Times Awards and the Learning Disabilities Nursing programme was rated 3rd highest by students across universities in the UK.<br/><br/>You will learn in our state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation suite and complete practice placements in a range of settings. The course is taught by experts in learning disability nursing, who will support you in becoming a caring, compassionate professional, working in partnership with people, families, and communities. Our focus on interdisciplinary learning throughout the two-year course will enrich your experience and help prepare you for the reality of professional practice.<br/><br/>This programme is fully funded by the Department of Health for Home students; eligible students may be able to access full fees and a bursary. Students on this programme are ineligible to apply for funding from the Student Loans Company. The programme is not available as a part time programme.<br/><br/>If you have previously commenced or completed a DoH paid place/bursary for a pre-registration nursing, midwifery or AHP course in Northern Ireland you may not be eligible for a funded place on this programme.<br/><br/>In 2026 we are unable to offer this programme to students who are not eligible for a funded place, which will include GB and overseas students.