Course Structure

Stage 1

You will be introduced to professional working alongside foundational knowledge and skills in Learning Disabilities Nursing to support you in implementing safe and effective person centred care. You will learn about the systems of the body, pharmacology and caring communication, as well as Public Health.

You will support people with learning disabilities to manage their health and wellbeing across the lifespan, and develop critical thinking skills to apply to decision making in clinical practice.

Stage 2

You will consider the needs of people with learning disabilities across the lifespan and develop knowledge of positive behaviour support. You will develop and apply skills in assessing and planning care to manage mental ill health in people with learning disabilities. You will also gain insight into the criminal justice system and the ethical issues for people with learning disabilities. You will deepen your knowledge of bioscience and pharmacology, and develop the skills required to analyse and critically appraise evidence with a focus on quality improvement.

Stage 3

Leadership will be a key focus in this final year whilst managing complexity in sustaining the health and wellbeing of adults and older adults with learning disabilities and complex health needs. This will include the coordination of care to improve quality of life for the person with learning disabilities. You will have the opportunity to consolidate your learning in practice preparing you to enter the register as a Learning Disabilities Nurse

Contact Teaching Hours

Large Group Teaching

4 (hours maximum)
Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this hybrid/blended course are: Lectures are used to introduce new concepts and theories to large groups. 100% attendance is mandatory for all timetabled classes.

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

9 (hours maximum)
Students will engage in workshops and tutorials to explore the concepts introduced in lectures in greater detail, and apply them to real life scenarios

Placement

38 (hours maximum)
Placements constitute 50% of this programme. When you are on placement you should expect to work a 37.5 hour week across a range of shift patterns determined by the placement provider.

Personal Study

60 (hours maximum)
Students are expected to spend a considerable amount of time reading around the concepts so that they can come prepared to workshops and tutorials, able to debate and roleplay issues.

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BSc (Hons) in Professional Nursing we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

E-Learning technologies

A range of e-learning experiences are embedded in the degree using the Learning Management system, Canvas. Other examples include: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space, podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities.

Lectures

Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

Personal Tutor

Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during each year to support their academic development.

Practical and Simulation Based Education

Where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. All nursing students have opportunities to engage in interprofessional education (IPE) activities. You will be expected to attend 100% of classes within your nursing modules.

Self-directed study

This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and research work for assignments is carried out.

Seminars/tutorials

Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 15-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.

Work Practice placements

Students will undertake clinical placements regularly throughout the programme. This enhances the link from theory to practice in nursing and provides students with a wide variety of opportunities and experiences across a range of health and social care contexts. It is an essential component of the programme ensuring that the student has sufficient opportunities to develop skills and competence in care provision and decision making, meeting the requirements for professional registration as a Learning Disability Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC 2020).

Placements in Learning Disability Nursing can be anywhere in Northern Ireland; students should expect to travel to placements. When on placements every student is assigned a supervisor, who is trained in teaching within the clinical setting, and will work alongside them regardless of that person’s shift pattern. Students should expect to work night shifts and/or long days on a regular basis while on placement.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

• The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Modules are assessed through a variety of assessments that may include assignments, project work, presentations or examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Module Handbook which is provided to all students at the start of each module.

Feedback

As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback and feedforward information about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module coordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.

As a university student, you will be expected to take a greater role in reflecting on this and taking the initiative in continuously improving the quality of your work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query
• Placement employer comments or references
• Online or emailed comment
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service
• Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Modules

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Entrance requirements

All applicants

This information is prepared in advance of the academic year to which it relates and the grades stated should be treated as a guide only and entrance requirements are reviewed annually.

In addition to the entrance requirements outlined below, it is essential that you read our guidance under Selection Criteria on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application. This document contains more detailed information on the admission process for Nursing and Midwifery.

Overall academic background will be taken into account when considering applications and additional academic criteria may have to be applied at shortlisting, depending on the volume of applications.

All applicants (except Access/Foundation applicants) must normally have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C / 4 to include English Language or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, Mathematics and a Science subject (ie Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Double Award Science or Single Award Science). GCSE/BTEC Applied Science is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science.

Applicants offering Access/Foundation courses must also have a grade C / 4 in GCSE Mathematics and a Science subject (see above) or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Within an Access programme, a pass in the Mathematics module(s) and a pass in one Level 3 Biology or Chemistry or Physics module would fulfil the GCSE Mathematics and Science requirements.

In addition to the GCSE requirements, or equivalent, applicants must offer one of the following qualifications:

A-level

BCC including a relevant Science (Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Life & Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics)
OR
BBC where a relevant Science subject is not offered.

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with Distinction* being equated to grade A at A-level, Distinction being equated to grade B at A-level, Merit being equated to grade C at A-level.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H3H3H3H4H4 at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is offered (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
OR
H3H3H3H3H4 at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is not offered.

All applicants - if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics and a Science subject.

All applicants must have a minimum of 5 grade Cs / Merits in the Junior Certificate.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF)
Successful completion of the BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with overall grades DDM.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF)
Successful completion of the BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 GLH at Level 3) with overall grades DDM.

Access Course

QUB / UU Access course
65% (Level 3 modules) with two modules of Biology or Chemistry or Physics
OR
70% (Level 3 modules) with one module of Biology or Chemistry or Physics
OR
70% (Level 3 modules) in an Access Course with no science modules

In addition, see GCSE or equivalent requirements above (in “All applicants”).

Access to Higher Education Diploma
Successful completion with a minimum of 60 credits, 45 of which should be a Level 3 with a minimum of 15 credits at Distinction grade plus 30 credits at Merit grade (Level 3). Applicants must have a minimum of a grade C / 4 in GCSE Mathematics and a GCSE Science subject.

BTEC Higher National Diploma

Successful completion with a minimum of 12 Merits and 4 Passes in individual units. Must satisfy the GCSE Mathematics and Science requirements as above.

BTEC Higher National Certificate

Successful completion with a minimum of a Merit grade in each unit. Must satisfy the GCSE Mathematics and Science requirements as above.

Scottish Highers

BBBCC where a relevant Science subject is offered (see list under A-level requirements)
OR
BBBBC where a relevant Science subject is not offered.

All applicants must have a minimum of 5 Standards at grade 3 or a minimum of 5 Intermediates/National 5 at grade C to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject.

Foundation Degree

Successful completion of full qualification with an overall average of 50% and passes in all modules. Applicants must also have a minimum of a grade C / 4 in both GCSE Mathematics and a GCSE Science subject.

Graduate

Honours Degree (minimum third class); Ordinary Degree (minimum pass). Graduates must satisfy the GCSE Mathematics and Science requirements as above.

Open University Credit

Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice: successful completion with a minimum of 65% overall. Must satisfy the GCSE Mathematics and Science requirements as above.

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Further information

1. Applicants who satisfy the academic requirements or will be able to do so by 31 August will be shortlisted for interview.

2. Interviews normally take place during March/April and shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview. More detail can be found on the School’s website.

3. Offers are made on the basis of ranked interview scores and are subject to satisfactory Occupational Health Assessment, Criminal Record check (Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check) and declaration and clearance of current or previous safeguarding proceeding, in addition to any academic requirements. More detail can be found on the School's website.

Entry to Year 2

Applicants may apply for entry to Year 2 of the programme from another Higher Education Institution (HEI) if specific criteria can be met. Applicants will be required to complete a Recognition of Prior Learning application form to determine if their current studies can be mapped to Year 1 of the BSc (Hons) Professional Nursing (Learning Disabillity) programme, at QUB.

The number of places available in Year 2 will be confirmed after the end of June, following the Board of Examiners meeting. Following interview, applicants will be ranked and offers made in Rank Interview order, and in accordance with the number of places available.

More detailed information is available on the School web site at: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofNursingandMidwifery/Study/HowToApply/Undergraduate/

How we choose our students

Download "How we choose our students" PDF

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

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English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in Listening, Speaking and Reading, and a minimum of 6.5 in Writing or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

Career Prospects

Introduction

Studying for a BSc (Hons) Professional Nursing degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by employers both nationally and internationally.

Employment after the Course

Around 99% of graduates from this programme go on to pursue a career in nursing which is an interesting, rewarding and challenging career where work can be in a variety of health care settings, with people of all ages and backgrounds. Nursing can also offer a diverse range of post registration opportunities to specialise in areas such as counselling; public health and health promotion; acute care, as well as education and research

Professional Opportunities

Students who join our Learning Disabilities Nursing course will graduate from the same programme; there is no opportunity to move between fields after you commence the course. Graduates, therefore, are specialists in their field and go on to excel in the area of Learning Disabilities Nursing.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	* £0 / £7,800
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	* £0 / £7,800
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,535
EU Other 3	£20,800
International	£20,800

* No fee for commissioned students / £7,800 for non-commissioned students

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

All students entering this programme are required to undergo an enhanced disclosure check with Access NI which costs £32.

In Year 1 students must buy a uniform from a QUB-selected uniform supplier (approximate cost £190), and a name badge (approximate cost £10). The total bursary paid to students is inclusive of these costs.

All students on this programme will undertake clinical placements, which can be anywhere in Northern Ireland. Students are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placements. Some reimbursement may be available for Department of Health NI funded students.

Students may wish to buy a Fob Watch (approximately £15), however, this is not a requirement.

Students who are not on a funded commissioned place from the Department of Health will pay a placement charge which is for facilitating the clinical placement. It is collected by the Student Finance Office and is passed on to our placement provider partners. The cost for 2025-26 is £4,500 per year, costs for 2026-27 are still to be confirmed.

Please note that students on a commissioned place from the Department of Health NI cannot apply for loan funding from Student Finance NI.

To be eligible for a Department of Health NI commissioned (funded) place, students must normally be resident in Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland for at least 3 years before the start of the programme. More information is available in the Bursaries Booklet 2023-24 (for guidance only) available here: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofNursingandMidwifery/FileStore/bursary-rate-information-booklet-24-25.pdf

Link to website with information: https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Feesandfinance/doh-funded-courses/

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

How to Apply

1. How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at:
www.ucas.com/apply

2. When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2026 from early September 2025.

Advisory closing date: 14 January 2026 (18:00).

Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code for Queen’s is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at:
www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

3. Terms and Conditions

After an offer is made this will be notified to applicants through UCAS. Confirmation will be emailed by the Admissions and Access Service and this communication will also include Terms and Conditions which applicants should read carefully in advance of replying to their offer(s) on UCAS Track.
www.qub.ac.uk/Study/TermsandConditions

4. International (Non- EU) Students

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) STUDENTS

Applying through UCAS
Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 28 January 2026 (18:00).

Applying through agents and partners
The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 28 January 2026 (18:00). Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.
www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/Agents-and-partner-information

Download Undergraduate Prospectus