BSc Hons Nursing Child

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Birmingham City University

Program Overview

This three-year degree equips you to care for children and young people with confidence, combining hands-on clinical experience with academic learning. It’s ideal for anyone passionate about supporting young lives, working closely with families, and making a real difference in healthcare.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1:
Your first year lays the foundation of child nursing. Modules such as What is Nursing?, Assessing Needs and Planning Care, and Providing and Evaluating Care introduce you to essential skills, including patient assessment, planning care, and working as part of a team. Early placements give you real-world experience in paediatric settings, helping you build confidence and professional values.

Year 2:
In year two, you’ll tackle more complex care scenarios. Modules like Complex Care 1: Assessing and Planning, Complex Care 2: Providing and Evaluating Care, and Improving Quality and Safety in a Global Context, along with Professional Practice 2, deepen your skills and knowledge. Placements across hospitals and community settings allow you to experience diverse challenges in child and young-person nursing.

Year 3:
The final year focuses on refining your expertise and preparing for registration. Modules such as Nursing Care: Children and Young People, Medicines Management and Applied Physiology in Children and Young People’s Nursing, and Leadership and Decision Making in Children and Young People’s Nursing, combined with Professional Practice 3, equip you to lead care, make advanced clinical decisions, and deliver safe, high-quality nursing.

Focus areas:
“child and young‑people nursing practice, assessing & planning care, medicines management in children, leadership & decision‑making in paediatric settings, safe high‑quality nursing care for young people and families”

Learning outcomes:
“You will graduate ready to practise as a registered child nurse delivering safe, compassionate, evidence-based care; communicate and collaborate effectively with children, families, and healthcare teams; manage medicines and physiological change in children and young people; lead and evaluate care in paediatric settings; and engage in lifelong professional development.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), meeting national standards for pre-registration nursing in the child field.

Reputation (employability rankings):
91 % of students rated the learning resources as “good or very good” in the 2025 National Student Survey, reflecting high-quality teaching and facilities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At BCU, learning isn’t just about textbooks — it’s about doing, practising, and gaining real-life skills from day one. You’ll get hands-on experience in simulation suites, digital labs, and clinical placements, which helps you build confidence in caring for children and young people. The university’s modern facilities and strong partnerships with hospitals and community services make sure you’re ready for the challenges of professional child nursing.

Here’s how your practical learning comes to life:

Simulation manikins & paediatric practice suites: Work with realistic child and neonatal manikins in purpose-built simulation suites to practise essential nursing skills safely.
Virtual case software & digital anatomy tables: Explore physiology, decision-making, and care planning through interactive digital tools.
Mock wards & home-environment flats: Gain experience in settings that mimic real hospital wards and community homes, preparing you for diverse placements.
Clinical placements across hospital, community & home settings: Apply your skills in real-world environments under the guidance of experienced mentors, caring for children and families.
Digital learning tools & blended practice sessions: Use the virtual learning environment, online modules, and group projects to reinforce knowledge and develop teamwork and reflective practice skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this programme means you’ll be fully prepared to care for children and young people with confidence and professionalism. Many graduates move into roles such as Registered Child Nurse, Neonatal Care Specialist, Community Children’s Nurse, or Paediatric Service Lead, benefiting from hands-on placements and real-world experience gained during the course. BCU’s strong links with local hospitals and healthcare providers mean you’re supported every step of the way into your career:

Dedicated careers support: One-to-one guidance, networking opportunities, job alerts, and post-graduation support from BCU’s Careers & Employability team.
Employment outcomes: Graduates leave with both a degree and extensive placement experience, ready to deliver safe, compassionate, high-quality care.
University–industry partnerships: Placements with major NHS trusts, including University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, give you real professional exposure.
Long-term accreditation: Approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), ensuring your qualification is recognised nationally.
Graduation outcomes: Students graduate confident, competent, and employable across a variety of child nursing roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, you can specialise in areas such as neonatal intensive care, community paediatrics, or paediatric education. There are also opportunities for postgraduate study, professional development, and leadership roles to advance your nursing career.