BN Nursing (Learning Disabilities)
About this course
BN Nursing (Learning Disabilities), a nursing degree focused on evidence-based care and support for people with learning disabilities across the lifespan. Work placements make up half of the course content, taking place across health and social care settings in the East of Scotland. The first year introduces foundational practice through Caring for Self and Others, Assessing Community Health and Patient Wellness, and Practice Learning Experience 1 and 2. The second year advances into specialised study with Assessing Need and Delivering Care in Learning Disability Nursing, Recognising and Responding to Altered Health in Learning Disability Nursing, and Practice Learning Experience 3 and 4. The final year focuses on advanced practice and leadership through Managing Complex Care in Learning Disability Nursing, Leading in Health and Social Care Teams, and Practice Learning Experience 5 and 6.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
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. 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) 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.
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What students say
Based on about 18 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 15 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Working and studying: 5%
Most common jobs
- Nursing Professionals: 80%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- Scotland: 86%
- Northern Ireland: 7%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 15%
- Access course: 35%
- Other HE qualification: 45%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the purpose of registration as a qualified nurse (learning disabilities)
Modules
- Caring for Self and Others
- Assessing Community Health and Patient Wellness
- Practice Learning Experience 1 and 2
- Assessing Need and Delivering Care in Learning Disability Nursing
- Recognising and Responding to Altered Health in Learning Disability Nursing
- Practice Learning Experience 3 and 4
- Managing Complex Care in Learning Disability Nursing
- Leading in Health and Social Care Teams
- Practice Learning Experience 5 and 6
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BN Nursing (Learning Disabilities) at Edinburgh Napier University earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £28,000 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £37,000. The £31,500 median after five years is £3,000 less than the UK median for Learning disabilities nursing.
What do graduates of BN Nursing (Learning Disabilities) at Edinburgh Napier University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BN Nursing (Learning Disabilities) at Edinburgh Napier University?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BN Nursing (Learning Disabilities) at Edinburgh Napier University?
The typical offer is BC at A level. The average entrant had 131 UCAS points.
Is BN Nursing (Learning Disabilities) at Edinburgh Napier University accredited?
Yes. Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the purpose of registration as a qualified nurse (learning disabilities)
How many students continue on BN Nursing (Learning Disabilities) at Edinburgh Napier University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.