BSc Nursing - Learning Disability

The BSc Nursing - Learning Disability at Birmingham City University is designed to prepare students who seek to provide care for individuals with learning disabilities in health, community and social care settings. It equips them with skills and knowledge to become empathetic nurses capable of leading compassionate, evidence-based, person- and family-centred care within interdisciplinary teams. 

Learning areas covered include theoretical and practical knowledge for person- and family-centred care, professional values, and self-leadership. The curriculum also focuses on evidence-based complex care, research, team leadership, and coordinating care for individuals with learning disabilities.

The teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, group work, workshops and skills labs; assessment is by coursework, exams, reflective portfolios and in-practice evaluations. Practical elements include placements across hospitals, communities and supported-living settings. The students are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as learning disability nurses upon successful completion.

Birmingham City University is an established, public institution located in Birmingham, a major city in central England. It has a long history of providing higher education with a practical approach to learning, and has strong links with industries and professions. The university operates two main campuses: City South (health programmes) and City Centre (business, arts).

The university's modern campus features state-of-the-art libraries with extensive resources, specialist laboratories, bespoke law courtrooms for student use, and dedicated spaces for collaborative work and student support services, all to provide a positive learning experience.

The university offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, business, and the arts. Its research approach to education promotes quality, applied studies with regular opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Applicants must submit a personal statement to outline their interest in the course and any academic or professional background. A reference from an academic or employer is required. Students can also upload a CV to show their work experience.

Grade Requirements:

• Applicants typically require a BBB at A-Levels (120 UCAS Tariff points) or equivalent qualifications.

English Proficiency:

• Applicants who do not speak English as their first language need an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each category.
• Alternatively, a Secure English Language Test (SELT) may be required for those wishing to undertake pre-sessional English courses before starting the PhD programme.

The tuition fee for the full-time BSc Nursing - Learning Disability programme starting in September 2025 is £17,690 per year for international students for the 2025/26 academic year. Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may change.

Birmingham City University offers scholarships to international students to support them financially. Scholarships such as the prestigious Vice-Chancellor Scholarships, worth a £5,000 discount on tuition fees, and the Postgraduate Loyalty Scholarships are awarded to students who meet the standard criteria.

Graduates of the BSc Nursing - Learning Disability programme can work as:

• Learning Disability Nurse (NHS)
• Community Learning Disability Nurse
• Forensic Learning Disability Nurse
• Health and Social Care Coordinator
• Care Home Nurse
• Nurse Educator

Interested applicants can apply for the course directly on the university's website or through UCAS. For guidance, contact AHZ's trained counsellors.