Gender and Sexuality in Learning Disabilities MSc
- Nursing, midwifery and healthcare
- Social work
- Postgraduate
- Online/distance learning
Kingston University's Gender and Sexuality in Learning Disabilities MSc is an interdisciplinary, part-time, online course and is the first of its kind. The course explores support for people with learning disabilities to develop appropriate sexual knowledge, behaviour and identity. These are aspects of life that are frequently overlooked or minimised by services.
Change lives for the better
Support people with learning disabilities in developing appropriate sexual knowledge, behaviour and expressing their own identity.
This innovative specialist course explores the relationship between learning disabilities, gender and sexuality, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to support people in developing healthy relationships, expressing their identity, and making informed choices.
You will examine sexual development, social and cultural perspectives, and the barriers that can affect autonomy and inclusion. Topics include intersectionality and identity, relationships and sexuality, forensic learning disabilities, assessment and intervention, safeguarding, and legal and ethical issues.
This unique course combines contemporary research with practice-based learning to provide knowledge and skills that are rarely covered in traditional postgraduate programmes.
By the end of the course, you will be able to critically evaluate professional practice and contribute to more inclusive, person-centred services.
Why choose this course
Sexuality and relationships remain underexplored areas of support for people with learning disabilities, despite their importance to wellbeing, rights, and inclusion. This course addresses a growing need for professionals with specialist knowledge in this field.
People with learning disabilities can face significant barriers to accessing relationships education, sexual health information and appropriate support. As a result, some may have limited understanding of consent, sexual health, healthy relationships, LGBTQ+ relationships, and the legal and emotional aspects of sexuality. These gaps can increase vulnerability to exploitation, negative sexual experiences and involvement with the criminal justice system.
Professionals working in this field are increasingly required to address complex issues relating to assessment, safeguarding, risk management and support. Developing effective services and interventions requires a specialist understanding of the unique needs, experiences and circumstances of people with learning disabilities.
Designed for health and social care professionals, educators, counsellors, criminal justice sector and other related practitioners, this course combines research-informed teaching with practical application. You will develop expertise in assessment, intervention, safeguarding, and service development, while building confidence to promote equality, inclusion and positive outcomes for the people you support.
This course will help you gain a unique and highly relevant skill set that can help drive meaningful change in practice and services.
Top University in London for General Nursing, The Guardian University Guide 2026.
Course content
You will study six compulsory modules (a total of 180 credits).
Key areas of study include intersectionality and identity, sexuality and relationships for people with learning disabilities, sexual politics and social inclusion, assessment approaches and intervention strategies, legal and ethical considerations, crime and forensics, and how to address harmful or inappropriate sexual behaviours.
Year 1 modules
During Year 1 you will explore contemporary issues relating to sexuality and develop an understanding of gender theories and the impact for people with learning disabilities. You will also look at the context of gender and sexuality in relation to forensic issues, including the criminal justice system. In the final part of Year 1, you will learn about the analysis and application of research and evidence base to help you prepare for your capstone project.
Modules
Year 2 modules
In Year 2, you will explore how to recognise, assess and develop methods of support for people with learning disabilities. You will conduct a work-based research project of your choice relating to gender and sexuality in learning disabilities and the complexities of supporting people with learning disabilities on an individual and organisational level.
Modules
Career opportunities
After you graduate
Recent Kingston postgraduates have gone on to a variety of careers in a range of acute and community settings within the NHS and independent sector. Options include roles in hospitals, schools, GPS, district nursing, prisons, private hospitals, charities and armed forces.
Links with the sector
We have a range of strong sector links, which helps us develop programmes to ensure they are kept up to date.
Our partners include
- Achieve Together
- Barts Health (CTPLD)
- The Children’s Trust
- Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability (Putney)
- Prison Placements (Oxleas / West London NHS Trusts)
- Priory Group
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Schools
- South West London St. George’s Mental Health Trust
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust
- West London NHS Trust
- Your Healthcare
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities such as lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
It may also include project work, practical sessions and workshops.
Fees and funding
Fees for future course years
If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.
If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. Find out more through the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Gender and Sexuality in Learning Disabilities MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop-down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Please note: If you’re from a country outside the EU or EEA that’s classified as overseas fee-paying, you won’t be eligible to apply for a part-time course because of visa regulations in the UK. For information about exceptions, please visit the UKCISA website or email our CAS and Visa Compliance team.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
After you apply
If the admissions tutor needs more information, or wants to invite you for an interview, we will be in touch directly.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
