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Nursing (Learning Disabilities)

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 14/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Glenside Campus
Awarded by:
University of the West of England, Bristol
More about Bristol, UWE

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

Study our accredited BSc(Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities) to graduate as a registered nurse. You'll be immersed in hands-on clinical experiences, supported by strong employer partnerships that can open doors to real-world opportunities prepare you for a rewarding and transformative career.

Why study learning disabilities nursing?
Learning disabilities nursing is a powerful calling. You'll be the advocate and a trusted professional, supporting people who too often go unheard. You'll support individuals to make decisions about their health, break down barriers, undertake nursing interventions and work to reduce health inequities.

You'll develop meaningful relationships with the people you support, transforming their lives while shaping healthcare experiences that matter, stepping in a purposeful, impactful and empowering career.

A £5,000 per year training grant is available for home students along with an additional £1,000 per year grant because learning disabilities nurses are in demand in the UK and worldwide. Further information is available on the NHS Business Services website.

Why UWE Bristol?
BSc(Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities) is 50% theory and 50% practice. You'll develop your skills, knowledge and understanding on campus and in the workplace, and strong therapeutic relationships with service users, families and our established partners.

Learn from a passionate, team with a range of experience across the many different aspects of nursing. As many of our staff are active researchers, your learning will be enriched by the latest in best practice and clinical understanding.

The course offers opportunities for diverse placements aboard and throughout the UK, to enrich your experience even further. Throughout your Learning Disabilities Nursing degree, you'll have the exciting opportunity to apply for an international experience with a variety of options. In some instances the application process will be competitive.

International experiences can be between one to five weeks. You'll need to self-finance these experiences, but Home students can apply for means-tested bursary funds. Having an international experience provides opportunities to be internationally mobile and entrepreneurial, and make a difference to our local community.

Where can it take me?
Learning disabilities nurses work across a range of different healthcare environments within UK, such as the in the NHS, private and voluntary sectors.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Nursing and Midwifery Council

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Glenside Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 14/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
B723
Institution code:
B80
Campus name:
Glenside Campus
Campus Code:
G
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2

Bristol, UWE has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
B723
Institution code:
B80
Campus name:
Glenside Campus
Campus Code:
G

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Open days

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Nursing (Learning Disabilities) at Bristol, UWE: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Mabelle

    UWE Bristol
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    I am currently a 3rd year student in Psychology, particularly interested in Business Psychology and I plan on doing a Placement Year. Enjoys watching F1 and playing piano (especially to destress).

  • Feride

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    Hello, I hope we all stay safe. I study Architecture and Planning and I'm currently in my third year. I enjoyed this year a lot and my passion for the subject has become more intriguing.

  • Jess

    UWE Bristol
    Education and Teaching
    Hi! I’m Jess, I’m a 2nd year primary’s education student at UWE. I am always happy to answer any questions or worries you have about university life. Whether it’s about the course, student life or just advice for coming to uni!

  • Zainab

    UWE Bristol
    Software Engineering for Business
    I was born and raised in Nigeria and joined UWE early 2023. I will admit I waited till the last minute to decide to pursue software engineering as a degree, but I do believe I made the right decision. My passion for coding and software development is growing by the day and I cannot wait to apply my abilities in the real world. That’s not to say I don’t suffer from imposter syndrome occasionally, but I do think being in the right environment has really helped change my mindset and attitude.

  • Alicia

    UWE Bristol
    English Literature
    Hey everyone! I study English Literature and I am currently in my second year. I have an interest in children's literature, looking to go into publishing as a career. I am an open book and would love to help you answer any queries you may have, as I have been in your position and know how daunting it can all feel. Whether you have questions about English Literature BA(Hons), UWE life as a whole or things like student budgeting, don't hesitate to ask :)

  • Rose

    UWE Bristol
    Geography BSc
    Hi my name is Rose and i’m an undergraduate studying Bsc geography at UWE. My future plans are to become a secondary geography school teacher, also to go travelling with my partner. I love food and trying out new places to eat, i especially love pasta. I also own a horse named ollie who i have had for 7 years, together we have done many competitions and fun rides over the years.

  • Tinishia

    UWE Bristol
    Criminology
    Hi I’m Tinishia, final year student at UWE. I hope to either work within the education sector or with young people in general👮🏼‍♀️🚓 I have a wide knowledge of UWE, particularly regarding home undergraduate info, and support for neurodivergent learners.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 112 points

A level

No specific subjects required.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM

No specific subjects required.

Access to HE Diploma

No specific subjects required.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

No specific subjects required. We accept the IB Career-related Programme in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. This qualification cannot be used to satisfy any subject specific entry requirements.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

No specific subjects required.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as alternatives to GCSEs.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

No specific subjects required.

T Level

No specific subjects required.

Examples of subjects that meet the Science/Social Science requirement for this course: Biology, Chemistry, Design and Technology: Food Technology, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Health and Social Care, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Applied Science, Sociology, Sports Studies.

We recognise the individual nature of each application and our typical offer should be viewed as a guide. UWE Bristol welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. We will consider evidence of your relevant personal, professional or educational experience where it demonstrates an ability and potential to succeed on the course. Please include details of any relevant experience in your application.

Please note that due to early clinical contact on this course applicants must turn 18 before the start of placement. Applicants who do not turn 18 by the commencement of the placement will be advised to defer or reapply as appropriate. Please see our admissions policy for further information.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Before you start your course, you will be required to complete: An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Read more about professional checks: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/applying/professional-checks-for-health-and-education#section-4
Health checks
Before you start your course, you will be required to complete a Health Check. Read more about professional checks: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/applying/professional-checks-for-health-and-education#section-4
Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview. For more details on the process, please visit our https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/applying/undergraduate-applications/selection-processes selection page.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At UWE Bristol we are committed to ensuring all applicants can fulfil their potential.

We make contextual offers for this course that are lower than our standard entry criteria.

We use a range of information from your UCAS application to consider your background and experiences as an individual and the impact these may have had on you. You do not need to provide us with any additional information to be considered for a contextual offer.

Learn more on the Bristol, UWE website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Subject Spotlights

Subject Spotlights give you the chance to try a higher education course before you apply. Delivered by the lecturers themselves you will gain insight into what it's like to study the course and give your personal statement a boost.

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Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

80 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

80 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Fee information is to be confirmed. All fees are subject to final approval. Please visit our website for further information.

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