Victoria Cole

Victoria graduated from the University of Dundee with a BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing. During her studies Victoria was published in Mental Health Nursing journal with her reflective piece about autistic nursing students.

After graduating, Victoria started her nursing career in learning disabilities community nursing and then moved to enhanced support where she supported those with a learning disability through crisis. This has developed her interest in supporting learners with additional needs in practice settings and the importance of learning disabilities and autism understanding in all fields of health care professionals.

As an autistic person, Victoria is passionate about neurodiversity who founded and leads the HeMS Neurodiverse Group, whichoffers neurodiverse healthcare students a safe space to discuss issues they face on their course. The group fosters a sense of community while affirming and boosting their confidence in their chosen course.

Victoria has a previous degree in Classical & Archaeological Studies where she grew a keen interest in Classical Greek Mythology and Philosophy. Victoria is passionate about incorporating Ancient Greek philosophical thought into modern nursing practice.

This passion has motivated her to pursue a PhD in English Literature, focusing on speculative fiction as a lens to explore the experiences of autistic women at the intersection of gender, sexuality, and mental health. Through feminist and queer narratology, her research analyses texts to challenge misdiagnosis and to promote nuanced narratives of resilience and empowerment.

• Learning disabilities
• Neurodiverse student experiences
• Autism spectrum condition
• Speculative fiction as a lens for neurodiverse identity and empowerment
• Intersectionality of gender, sexuality, and neurodiversity in literary narratives
• Ethical and political implications of narrative voice and representation in mental health discourse
• Magical metaphors and mythological archetypes as counter-narratives to psychiatric misdiagnosis

• Currently undertaking a PhD with progression from MPhil School of Humanities and Social Sciences, ARU
• BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing, University of Dundee
• PG Cert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (with Fellowship to Advanced HE)
• BA (Hons) Classical and Archaeological Studies, University of Kent

• Nursing and Midwifery Council
• Mental Health Nurse Academics UK
• Learning Disabilities Nurse Academics UK

Grant-Cole, V. (2021) 'Students with autism spectrum disorder can be an asset to mental health nursing', Mental Health Nursing Student Special, pp. 10-11.

Presented at ARU Engage 2026: More than trains: neuroqueer challenges to autism stereotypes in education.

Presented at Canterbury Christ Church University (2026): Normality as Harm: Neuroqueer Pedagogy, Epistemic Injustice, and Autism Education.

Presented at ARU Engage 2025: The Magic Circle and Utilising Role Playing Games for Neurodiverse Students in HeMS.