Entrance requirements
Graduate
All applicants must normally have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject (i.e. Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Double Award Science or Single Award Science) or equivalent qualifications acceptable to the University. GCSE Applied Science is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science. (Qualified nurses and midwives may be considered to have met the GCSE entry requirements).

In addition to the GCSE requirements, or equivalent, all applicants must have an Honours degree in any subject with an award of 2.1 or above. Candidates with an Honours degree in any subject with an award of 2.2 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants with a 3rd Class Honours degree or Ordinary degree would be deemed to hold the equivalent academic standing of an Honours degree, provided they hold additional post graduate qualifications in a health and social care related field alongside relevant healthcare experience. These applicants will be assessed through the provision of certificates and within the GEMS Portfolio completed as part of the admissions criteria for admission to the programme. All applicants applying via this entry route must meet the GCSE (or acceptable equivalent) requirements above.

Nurses who have graduated with a BSc (Ordinary) in Nursing or equivalent, would be deemed to hold the equivalent academic standing of a BSc (Honours) with a minimum of one year's practice in nursing. N.B. This would not apply to students who took a BSc (Ord) as an exit degree due to part failure of their programme. All applicants applying via this entry route must meet the GCSE (or acceptable equivalent) requirements above.

Students who have a first degree in nursing and who are registered with the NMC will be eligible to apply for a field of practice in which they are currently not registered.

Applicants must submit a portfolio of evidence as part of their application, which should include evidence of 650 hrs of verified direct care by a manager where experience has taken place, and personal statements that reflect the skills, knowledge and attributes for nurses based on the NMC Code. The portfolio is considered alongside the academic entrance requirements. Applicants who satisfy the academic and portfolio requirements or will be able to do so by 27th May 2026, will be shortlisted for interview.

Applicants can apply and be considered for the program, with the expectation of completion and verification of the 650 direct caring hours by 24th August 2026 at the latest.

Qualified nurses and midwives will be considered to have met the portfolio condition and will not be required to submit a portfolio to be considered for interview. However, applicants with a BSc (Ordinary) in Nursing will be required to complete a portfolio for RPL purposes.

Interviews will normally take place in second week of June and will evaluate the candidate's experience of healthcare, or other relevant direct care employment, paid or voluntary, as well as the skills, knowledge and attitudes expected of graduates. Offers 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.

In 2026 we are unable to offer this programme to students who are not eligible for a funded place, which will include GB and overseas students. In addition, students who have already received Department of Health funding for pre-registration Nursing, Midwifery or AHP courses in Northern Ireland will not be eligible to join this programme.

Please note the delivery of this programme is dependent on adequate student numbers.

Closing date: 27th May 2026. Start Date: Monday 31st August 2026

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Career Prospects
Introduction
Career opportunities are diverse and varied, and this programme of studies enables learning disabilities nurses to work in a range of care and support services, including child health, primary and acute care, hospitals, day and respite services, residential services, nursing homes, forensic and prison services, care of older people and end-of-life and palliative care services.

The roles undertaken by learning disabilities nurses provides rewarding, exciting and challenging career opportunities both locally and internationally. Within your learning disabilities nursing role, you will work with a diverse range of professions including doctors, clinical psychologists, therapists, and social workers to ensure that people with learning disabilities and their families receive the supports they require.

Studying for an MSc 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 Queen’s are well regarded by employers both nationally and internationally.

The majority of our graduates pursue a career in nursing which is an interesting, rewarding and challenging career where work can be in a variety of health care settings from accident and emergency to working in patients' homes, with people of all ages and backgrounds. Nursing can also offer a diverse range of post registration opportunities to specialise in areas such as public health and health promotion; as well as education and research

Employment after the Course
Graduates of this programme will have the opportunity to quickly gain access to higher level and management roles, building an exceptional career from the very beginning.

Professional Opportunities
Further study is also an option open to Nursing graduates, and some may choose to follow a research pathway. There is a range of PhD Nursing opportunities available within the School; click here for more information.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/nursing-midwifery-phd.html