Overview

The BSc (Hons) Children’s Nursing is an undergraduate programme designed for those passionate about caring for infants, children, and young people, supporting them through illness, recovery, and long-term conditions. This course blends theory and hands-on practice, equipping students with the knowledge, clinical skills, and compassion required to provide high-quality, child-centred care.

Students will gain practical experience in hospitals, community clinics, and paediatric care units, developing expertise in child development, acute care, safeguarding, and therapeutic interventions. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to register as Children’s Nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), opening doors to a fulfilling and impactful career in paediatric healthcare.

Course Modules and Structure

The BSc (Hons) Children’s Nursing programme is typically completed in three years and consists of core modules covering essential areas of paediatric nursing.

Year 1 (Foundation in Children’s Nursing)

✔ Introduction to Children’s Nursing – Learn the fundamentals of paediatric care, family-centred nursing, and the role of a children’s nurse.
✔ Human Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology for Paediatrics – Understand the body systems, medication safety, and pharmacological considerations in children.
✔ Child Growth, Development & Common Illnesses – Study physical, cognitive, and emotional development, alongside childhood diseases and conditions.
✔ Communication & Therapeutic Interventions – Develop effective communication skills for working with children, families, and healthcare teams.
✔ Clinical Placement 1 – Gain real-world experience in paediatric hospital wards, general children’s healthcare, and community settings.

Year 2 (Developing Clinical & Critical Care Skills)

✔ Acute & Critical Care in Paediatrics – Learn to manage emergencies, respiratory distress, infections, and trauma cases in children.
✔ Mental Health & Wellbeing in Children – Explore approaches to child mental health support, safeguarding, and emotional resilience.
✔ Public Health & Health Promotion in Paediatrics – Focus on preventative healthcare, vaccination, and promoting healthy lifestyles for children.
✔ Safeguarding & Child Protection – Learn to identify, respond to, and report concerns of abuse or neglect, ensuring child safety.
✔ Clinical Placement 2 – Work in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), neonatal units, and emergency paediatric services.

Year 3 (Advanced Practice & Professional Development)

✔ Complex & Long-Term Paediatric Conditions – Study chronic illnesses, palliative care, and managing lifelong conditions in children.
✔ Paediatric Leadership & Professional Practice – Develop decision-making, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration skills.
✔ Clinical Research & Evidence-Based Practice – Learn how scientific research informs paediatric healthcare improvements.
✔ Undergraduate Dissertation Project – Conduct an independent study on a specialised area of paediatric nursing.
✔ Clinical Placement 3 – Gain advanced hands-on experience in paediatric hospitals, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), or paediatric community care.

Entry Requirements
Standard Entry Requirements

✔ A Levels or Equivalent: A typical offer would be BBB at A-Level or DMM at BTEC (128 UCAS Points), preferably in health, social sciences, or science subjects.
✔ GCSEs: Minimum of five GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above), including English, Mathematics, and Science.
✔ Health & DBS Checks: Due to working with children, all students must pass a health screening and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Alternative Entry Routes

✔ Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing, Healthcare, or related fields.
✔ Relevant work experience in childcare, healthcare, or social work may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
✔ International Students: IELTS 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 in all components) or equivalent.

Career Prospects and Employability

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Children’s Nursing programme are highly employable and can pursue careers in:

✔ Children’s Hospitals & Paediatric Units – Work with acutely and chronically ill children in hospital settings.
✔ Community & School Nursing – Provide preventative care, immunisations, and health education in schools and communities.
✔ Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) – Specialise in caring for premature and critically ill newborns.
✔ Paediatric Palliative & Hospice Care – Support children with life-limiting conditions and provide end-of-life care.
✔ Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Services – Help young people with mental health challenges, anxiety, or developmental disorders.

Further Study & Specialisation

Graduates can pursue postgraduate studies in Paediatric Intensive Care, Child & Adolescent Mental Health, Paediatric Oncology, or Advanced Clinical Practice.

Why Choose This Course?

✔ NMC Accreditation – Become a registered children’s nurse upon graduation.
✔ Hands-On Clinical Experience – Over 2,300 hours of clinical placements in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
✔ State-of-the-Art Training Facilities – Gain skills using simulated hospital environments, child mannequins, and real-world case studies.
✔ Growing Demand for Children’s Nurses – Paediatric nursing is a high-demand field, offering excellent career stability and opportunities.
✔ Holistic, Family-Centred Approach – Learn to support young patients and their families during difficult times.

Start Your Journey in Children’s Nursing!

This rewarding and impactful degree prepares students for diverse careers in paediatric nursing, making a real difference in children’s lives.

Apply Now and Take the First Step Towards Your Nursing Career!