BN Nursing (Learning Disabilities) 36 months Undergraduate Programme By Edinburgh Napier University |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

36 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

17,520 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

30 Jun, 2026Application Deadline

Starting Month

SepStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Nursing

Degree

BN

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Learning disability nurses aim to improve the health and quality of life of people with learning disabilities through evidence-based nursing care and support.

This degree course will develop your professional knowledge and understanding in the field of learning disabilities nursing and its application, giving you an academic qualification and the vocational training to become a registered nurse.

Taught by experts in a friendly and supportive environment, you'll put theory into practice in our state-of-the art Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre and participate in work placements within Lothian and Borders and across the East of Scotland in a variety of health and social care settings, with both children and adults. Work placements make up 50% of the course content.

Over the three years you will develop your skills, knowledge and confidence and complete the degree programme with a registered nurse qualification. Learning disability nurses are the only professionals educated specifically to work across the lifespan with people with learning disabilities.

Consisting of equal parts of theory and practical elements, Nursing (Learning Disabilities) is delivered full-time over three years.

Classes range in size from large lectures to smaller tutorial groups, and you'll learn and practice your skills in a safe environment through our excellent Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre.

With the changing political and social landscape and the emphasis on health and social care integration, this course will prepare you for the future of healthcare delivery by offering a variety of practice learning opportunities within NHS Assessment and Treatment Units, Community Learning Disabilities Teams and private sector provision with voluntary sector provision.

This will help you develop a values and rights-based approach to nursing, which is the foundation for the delivery of person-centred, safe and effective care.

We aim to help you become competent, knowledgeable and skilled in nursing care, particularly in the area of profound learning and multiple disabilities, positive behavioural support and mental health.


 

Programme overview

Main Subject

Nursing

Degree

BN

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Learning disability nurses aim to improve the health and quality of life of people with learning disabilities through evidence-based nursing care and support.

This degree course will develop your professional knowledge and understanding in the field of learning disabilities nursing and its application, giving you an academic qualification and the vocational training to become a registered nurse.

Taught by experts in a friendly and supportive environment, you'll put theory into practice in our state-of-the art Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre and participate in work placements within Lothian and Borders and across the East of Scotland in a variety of health and social care settings, with both children and adults. Work placements make up 50% of the course content.

Over the three years you will develop your skills, knowledge and confidence and complete the degree programme with a registered nurse qualification. Learning disability nurses are the only professionals educated specifically to work across the lifespan with people with learning disabilities.

Consisting of equal parts of theory and practical elements, Nursing (Learning Disabilities) is delivered full-time over three years.

Classes range in size from large lectures to smaller tutorial groups, and you'll learn and practice your skills in a safe environment through our excellent Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre.

With the changing political and social landscape and the emphasis on health and social care integration, this course will prepare you for the future of healthcare delivery by offering a variety of practice learning opportunities within NHS Assessment and Treatment Units, Community Learning Disabilities Teams and private sector provision with voluntary sector provision.

This will help you develop a values and rights-based approach to nursing, which is the foundation for the delivery of person-centred, safe and effective care.

We aim to help you become competent, knowledgeable and skilled in nursing care, particularly in the area of profound learning and multiple disabilities, positive behavioural support and mental health.


 

Admission Requirements

72+
169+
4+
6+
56+
Minimum Year 1 SQA Higher
Standard Offer Entry Requirement: BBC preferably to include English or a Literary subject* and a Science subject**. National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths. For those who do not have Higher English and a Higher Science subject, National 5 English and a Science at grade C will be required.
Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BCC preferably to include English or a Literary subject* and a Science subject**. National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths. For those who do not have Higher English and a Higher Science subject, National 5 English and a Science at grade C will be required.
You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.
A Level
BC preferably to include English or a Literary subject* and a Science subject** GCSE grade C/4 in Maths GCSE grade C/4 in English and a Science (or Double Award Science) required for candidates who do not have these subjects at A Level. BTEC (QCF) National Extended Diploma Level 3
Minimum grades MMP (Merit, Merit, Pass) in any subject* GCSE English, Maths and a Science at grade C/4 *Recommended subjects: Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Sports Science, Health Science BTEC (QCF) National Diploma
Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) in any subject* GCSE English, Maths and a Science at grade C/4 *Recommended subjects: Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Sports Science, Health Science Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded in 2017)
H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level preferably to include English or Literary subject* and a Science subject** For those who do not have English, Maths and a Science subject at Higher level, grade O3 at Ordinary Level will be required. HNC
Pass in any subject with grade C in the graded unit for Year 1 entry. For the subjects below, the National 5 requirements differ. For all other HNC's, National 5 grade C in Maths, English and a Science is also required. Care and Administrative Practice/Healthcare Practice (No additional National 5 grades required) Social Care, Social Services, Social Sciences, Childhood Practice, Early Education and Childcare (National 5 grade C in Maths and a Science also required) Applied Science (National 5 grade C in English and Maths also required) QQI Level 5 Pre-Nursing Studies
Minimum of 6 Distinctions must be achieved overall. Distinctions must also be achieved in the Communication Unit and the Anatomy and Physiology Unit. O3 in Ordinary Level Maths in the Irish Leaving Certificate or Maths passed as part of QQI Level 5 also required. T level
Pass in any subject with grade C or above in the Core component. GCSE English, Maths and a Science subject also required at grade C/4.

30 Jun 2026
3 Years
Sep

Tuition fees

Domestic
1,820 GBP
International
17,520 GBP

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

More programmes from the university

Undergrad Programmes 14171