BSc (Hons) Children's and Young People's Nursing

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Bournemouth University

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people, the BSc (Hons) Children's and Young People's Nursing at Bournemouth University is the perfect choice. This program blends hands-on practice with academic learning, preparing you to become a confident, compassionate nurse ready to care for children in a variety of healthcare settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations of Nursing Practice

In your first year, you’ll explore the fundamentals of nursing, from professional practice to health promotion. Through modules like Foundations for Professional Practice & Research, Nursing Theory & Application 1, and Applied Health Care Sciences (1), you’ll gain a solid understanding of core nursing concepts. You’ll also start developing essential communication skills and begin practical placements in hospital wards and special schools, giving you early exposure to real-world nursing.

Year 2: Advanced Nursing Concepts

The second year focuses on more complex healthcare challenges. Modules such as Acute & Long-term Health Challenges, Clinical Pharmacology & Medicines Management, and Improving Safety & Quality of Care deepen your knowledge. Practical placements expand to acute hospital wards, health visiting, school nursing, and children’s hospices, helping you apply your learning in varied, hands-on environments.

Year 3: Leadership and Specialization

In your final year, you’ll focus on leadership, advanced care, and research skills. Applied Health Care Sciences (3), Caring for People with Complex Health Care Needs, and Clinical Leadership & Management prepare you for advanced roles in children’s nursing. You’ll also undertake placements in high dependency units, emergency care, NICU, SCBU, and acute hospital settings, ensuring you graduate fully prepared to take on professional responsibilities.

Focus Areas

Child-centred care, family involvement, pediatric pharmacology, health promotion, evidence-based practice, leadership in nursing, inter-professional collaboration, safeguarding, and resilience in nursing.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to provide compassionate care, advocate for children’s health, manage complex nursing needs, lead healthcare teams, conduct research, and promote health and wellbeing across the lifespan.

Professional Alignment

This program is accredited by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), so successful graduates can register and practice as children’s and young people’s nurses in the UK.

Reputation

Bournemouth University’s nursing programs are highly regarded, with 100% of students satisfied with staff support and 91% of graduates employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Bournemouth University, the BSc (Hons) Children's and Young People's Nursing program is all about learning by doing. From the very first year, you’ll get hands-on experience in realistic clinical environments, helping you build the confidence and skills needed to care for children and young people. You’ll work in simulated hospital wards, community clinics, and specialized pediatric units, giving you a taste of the variety and challenges you’ll face in real nursing practice:

Simulated Practice Environments – Practice clinical skills in high-tech simulation labs that replicate hospital and community settings.
Diverse Clinical Placements – Gain real-world experience in hospitals, community clinics, and pediatric units.
International Placement Opportunities – Take part in elective placements abroad through partnerships with organizations like Work the World, broadening your global healthcare perspective.
Peer-Assisted Learning – Collaborate with and learn from fellow students, enhancing teamwork and practical skills.
24-Hour Library Access – Use library facilities anytime to support research, study, and assignments.
Student Support Services – Access guidance and resources to help you succeed throughout your studies.

These experiences make sure you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the practical skills, confidence, and real-world understanding that employers value in children’s and young people’s nursing.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Children's and Young People's Nursing program leave Bournemouth University ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. With a solid mix of theory and hands-on experience, you’ll be prepared to register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) and step confidently into roles such as: Registered Children's Nurse, Health Visitor, School Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Bournemouth University provides plenty of support to help you succeed in your career:

Dedicated Employability Team – Career advice, CV workshops, and interview preparation tailored to nursing students.
Practice Learning Advisors – Help secure clinical placements and guide you through practical experiences.
Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme – Collaborate with fellow students to build skills and confidence in a supportive environment.
Graduate Outcomes – Most graduates secure employment or further study within 15 months, with starting salaries for registered nurses ranging from £24,900 to £30,600.
University–Industry Partnerships – Work closely with NHS Trusts and organizations like Work the World for both local and international placement experiences.
Professional Recognition – NMC accreditation ensures you can practice as a registered children’s nurse in the UK.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, there are plenty of ways to advance your career or specialize further:

Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice – Deepen your clinical knowledge and leadership skills.
Postgraduate Certificates in Specialist Nursing – Focus on a specific area of pediatric care.
Doctorate in Nursing or Healthcare Research – Engage in research, policy, or leadership roles in healthcare.

These pathways allow you to grow professionally, take on leadership or specialist roles, and shape a career that matches your interests and ambitions.