Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Nursing (Dual Award) - MSci *
Currently viewing course to start in 2027/28 Entry.
Your journey to becoming a confident, compassionate, and future focused nurse starts here. The MSci Nursing Course- Dual Award in all combination of fields has been designed to enable you to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses in two fields of nursing....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Award MSci
- Start date September 2027
- Subject
- Location City South
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
Your journey to becoming a confident, compassionate, and future focused nurse starts here. The MSci Nursing Course- Dual Award in all combination of fields has been designed to enable you to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses in two fields of nursing. The course is approved by the NMC, and on completion you will be able to apply for Registered Nurse status in two fields of nursing. Holding a dual award offers more employment options. Choosing either to specialise in one field of practice or work towards specialising in clinical roles where being qualified in two fields of practice is required for specialist roles in emergency care, primary care and clinical liaison roles in large hospitals.
This MSci is an integrated degree, meaning that you complete both undergraduate and postgraduate-level study, and it runs alongside our BSc (Hons) Nursing Course. You will learn together with students from different fields of nursing (Adult, Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Child) and have tailored support to help you achieve the Level 7 elements of the course in year four.
The course integrates evidence-informed education and high-quality practice learning environments to shape nurses who will lead, advocate, and innovate within diverse health and social care environments whilst meeting the complex needs of people, families, and communities across the lifespan.
The course will equip you with the practical skills, knowledge and experience you need to become a confident professional nurse. Your time is evenly balanced between campus based learning and practice learning experiences, ensuring strong confident integration of theory to practice.
Integrated, multi-professional and field learning
Through examining the holistic nature of health and illness, you will understand how the four fields of nursing are integrated within core modules, as well as having opportunities to learn from and about other health and social care professionals. You will study field specific modules from year one, ensuring you develop a strong foundation for your own field and have the specialist knowledge required at the point of registration.
What's covered in this course?
Mental Health Nursing
On the mental health nursing course, you will develop the knowledge, skills and values you will need to meet the mental health and physical needs of a diverse population. Once registered as a nurse with the NMC, you could choose to work with people in hospital and community settings as well as in their own homes across a variety of specialisms, including child and adolescent services, mental health services for adults or older people, forensic settings for offenders with mental health problems, or perinatal services.
Learning Disabilities Nursing
As a learning disability nursing student, you will make a real difference to people with learning disabilities and their families. People with learning disabilities are unique and you will develop knowledge, skills and experience to provide a holistic care approach to enable them to live fulfilling lives by improving their health, promoting inclusion, and advocating for their needs. You will be working across community, hospital, and social care settings with multi-disciplinary teams to address health inequalities and complex needs. This will involve helping with daily living, access to services, mental/physical health, and empowering individuals to gain independence across the life span and a range of healthcare environments. After studying this route, you could go on to a variety of different roles, including working in specialist residential support units, forensic settings or as a hospital liaison.
Practice learning experiences
Your practice learning experiences will be based in a variety of settings such as in the community; primary care; social care settings; hospital or in home environments. Practice learning environments will be in the main in the Midlands and at locations where you can be exposed to the learning required.
Your professional practice modules will run across each year of your course and in parallel to your theoretical modules to support strong integration and application of theory to practice. You will be prepared for practice learning to ensure you feel confident when entering each stage of the course.
Teaching and learning
You will experience excellent, innovative, learning, teaching and assessment experiences using technology to enhance your learning, through lectures, seminars and group work. Practical skills sessions and simulation will underpin your learning, supporting you to regularly apply theoretical concepts in a variety of different ways. Engaging with practice partners and people who use services throughout the course is also integral to our approach. Virtual learning is critical to being able to perform in today’s increasingly digitally supported healthcare systems, therefore your digital literacy and development are explored within online and virtual learning environments. Online learning will be independent, guided and directed, allowing for flexibility of learning.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
- Funding - Nursing students who are eligible for a student loan will receive at least £5,000 a year in additional funding for maintenance and associated study costs. Download the funding FAQs.
- You will study at our City South Campus where we’ve recently invested nearly £5 million to update our skills and simulations facilities, complete with real-life hospital environments (wards, operating theatre), basic and advanced life support training facilities and simulation equipment to practice your practical skills.
- Birmingham is one of the UK’s most diverse cities outside of London, which will provide you with a wide variety of experience that will be valuable to take forward into your future career.
- Opportunities to Go Abroad if this is something you would like to explore during your time studying with us.
- Student finance - have you already had a student loan to study an undergraduate degree but would like to do a second degree in nursing? You may still be eligible for funding.
Open Days
Join us for our next Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Days: Friday 26 June and Saturday 27 June
Course in Depth
Year One
You will select your initial field of study and complete three full years of combined integrated and field-specific modules within that field.
If your initial field is Mental Health, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Developing Your Nursing Identity: Skills for Academic and Professional Growth 20 credits
Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Nursing Assessment 20 credits
Principles of Mental Health Nursing 20 credits
The Nurses Role in Health Promotion and Reducing Health Inequalities 20 credits
Professional Practice 1 in Mental Health Nursing 40 credits
If your initial field is Learning Disabilities, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Developing Your Nursing Identity: Skills for Academic and Professional Growth 20 credits
Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Nursing Assessment 20 credits
Principles of Learning Disabilities Nursing 20 credits
The Nurses Role in Health Promotion and Reducing Health Inequalities 20 credits
Professional Practice 1 in Learning Disabilities Nursing 40 credits
Year Two
You will continue into Year 2 with your initial field of study.
If your initial field is Mental Health, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Advancing Academic Skills and Professional Development in Nursing 20 credits
Acute and Crisis Care in Mental Health Nursing 20 credits
Assessing and Providing Care for People with Long-Term Conditions in Mental Health Nursing 20 credits
Nursing Leadership and Advocacy 20 credits
Professional Practice 2 in Mental Health Nursing 40 credits
If your initial field is Learning Disabilities, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Advancing Academic Skills and Professional Development in Nursing 20 credits
Acute and Crisis Care in Learning Disabilities Nursing 20 credits
Assessing and Providing Care for People with Long-Term Conditions in Learning Disabilities Nursing 20 credits
Nursing Leadership and Advocacy 20 credits
Professional Practice 2 in Learning Disabilities Nursing 40 credits
Year Three
You will complete your initial field of study in Year 3.
If your initial field is Mental Health, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Research and Quality Improvement in Nursing 40 credits
Mental Health Nursing Care for People with Complex Needs 20 credits
Professional Practice 3 in Mental Health Nursing 40 credits
- Early Childhood Nursing Practice: A Community Perspective
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Emergency Care in Adult Nursing
- Introduction to Project Management and Innovation in Healthcare
- Postural Care
- Understanding Needs and Supporting Autistic People Across the Lifespan
- Positive Behavioural Support
- Foundations of Adult Critical Care Nursing
- Introduction to Tissue Viability and Wound Care
If your initial field is Learning Disabilities, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Research and Quality Improvement in Nursing 40 credits
Interprofessional Collaboration in Complex Cases for People With a Learning Disability 20 credits
Professional Practice 3 in Learning Disabilities Nursing 40 credits
- Early Childhood Nursing Practice: A Community Perspective
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Emergency Care in Adult Nursing
- Introduction to Project Management and Innovation in Healthcare
- Postural Care
- Understanding Needs and Supporting Autistic People Across the Lifespan
- Positive Behavioural Support
- Foundations of Adult Critical Care Nursing
- Introduction to Tissue Viability and Wound Care
Year Four
At Level 7, you will undertake study that enables you to complete your second field of nursing, including all required modules and practice learning experiences.
If your second field of nursing is Mental Health, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Influencing Nursing Practice - An Introduction to Writing for Publication (integrated) 20 credits
Dual Field: Mental Health Nursing Care for People with Complex Needs 20 credits
Dual Field: Acute and Crisis Care in Mental Health Nursing 20 credits
Dual Field: Assessing and Providing Care for People with Long-Term Conditions in Mental Health Nursing 20 credits
Dual Field: Professional Practice 4 in Mental Health Nursing 40 credits
If your second field of nursing is Learning Disabilities, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Influencing Nursing Practice - An Introduction to Writing for Publication (integrated) 20 credits
Dual Field: Interprofessional collaboration in complex cases for people with a learning disability 20 credits
Dual Field: Acute and Crisis Care in Learning Disabilities Nursing 20 credits
Dual Field: Assessing and Providing Care for People with Long-Term Conditions in Learning Disabilities Nursing 20 credits
Dual Field: Professional Practice 4 in Learning Disabilities Nursing 40 credits
Download course specification
Download nowAdditional support
If you have a specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia or ADHD), a disability, a long-term health condition or mental health difficulties, our support teams provide advice, information and practical support (such as reasonable adjustments). Engaging with our support teams early on in the application process means that the University is more likely to be able to implement support before your arrival at University. If you require reasonable adjustments in your placement setting, early disclosure will assist the University in securing suitable placements wherever it reasonably can.
Integrated, multi-professional and field learning
Through examining the holistic nature of health and illness, you will understand how the four fields of nursing are integrated within core modules, as well as having opportunities to learn from and about other health and social care professionals. You will study field specific modules from year one, ensuring you develop a strong foundation for your own field and have the specialist knowledge required at the point of registration.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) works with partner organisations to set and maintain high standards of nursing and midwifery education across the UK.
This course has been approved and monitored by the NMC to make sure that the education and training on offer meets their standards.
To work as a nurse or midwife, you must pass an NMC approved course at a higher education institution (HEI) in pre-registration nursing and midwifery, leading to registration with the NMC.
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2027/28.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
120 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
Applicants will also need to complete an interview for this course; see interview arrangements below.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Successful candidates will be required to obtain a satisfactory occupational health check, an enhanced DBS check and registration with the Independent Safeguarding Authority prior to enrolling on this course. If you have any queries please refer to DBS Frequently Asked Questions or contact admissions@bcu.ac.uk.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Please note that applications are processed in the order in which they are submitted, so please apply early to ensure you have the best chance of securing your preferred start date if your application is successful.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the three areas you’ll need to address:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Here’s where you explain what makes this course exciting to you. Think about your motivations for studying the course and your future plans. If you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons.
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
This is your chance to show what you’ve learned at school or college. You should include the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from education or training and how this will help you succeed in your chosen course.
- What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Not everything you’ve learned comes from the classroom. Life experience counts too! You might want to talk about work experience, employment, or volunteering and how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed for your chosen course or future career.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
Employability
Employability
We have collaborated with clinical practice colleagues, service users and carers in the West Midlands region to design our dual awards to meet the changing health care needs and services of the region, and beyond, nationally. This is a highly relevant, exciting, varied and timely course, positioning you at the centre of the changing scope of patient care and services care in the 21st century.
Holding a dual award offers more employment options. Choosing either to specialise in one field of practice or work towards specialising in clinical roles where being qualified in two fields of practice is required for specialist roles in emergency care, primary care and clinical liaison roles in large hospitals.
Once qualified and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council you can practice in the UK and many countries overseas. As a qualified nurse you could find yourself working within the NHS, the private sector, in the community, at GP surgeries, at schools, plus many more - the options are endless.
Facilities & Staff
Nursing and Midwifery facilities
Take a look around the facilities available to you as a Nursing and Midwifery student at BCU.
Our staff
Helen Davis-Miles
Course Lead for MSci Nursing and Senior Lecturer
Helen is part of the Future Nurse Programme team as MSci Nursing course which runs alongside the BSc Nursing and Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice courses. Helen qualified as a nurse from the University of Birmingham in 2011 with a 1:1 and began her career at Great Ormond Street Hospital in the Haematology/Oncology unit.
More about HelenSusie Guthrie
Senior Lecturer Placement Development and Support (Child Nursing)
Susie is dual qualified as both an adult and child nurse. She has extensive experience within the field of Children’s intensive care nursing and joined the university in 2003 from a London university where she delivered specialist Children’s intensive care nursing modules.
More about SusieDr Jaye Ryan
Associate Professor in the Department of Midwifery and Children's Health (MCH)
Jaye joined BCU in 2003, having worked in Paediatric Intensive Care for over 10 years. Jaye is currently convening a MSc Nursing module in Professional Practice and is a dissertation supervisor for several MSc students.
More about JayeRobin Wilkinson
Assistant Lecturer in Learning Disabilities
Robin’s initial involvement with people with Learning Disabilities was through working with voluntary therapy services as a level 3 technician, after being on a Fine Art Degree program in Exeter Devon. Where Robin worked alongside Art and Drama Therapist. Running art and craft activities, one of his favorite memories was creating a Whale for a...
More about Robin