BSc (Hons) Child Nursing

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Canterbury Christ Church University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child) at Canterbury Christ Church University is designed for anyone passionate about caring for children and supporting families through health challenges. You’ll learn essential nursing skills while gaining hands-on experience in classrooms, simulation suites, and real healthcare settings, preparing you to become a confident and compassionate children’s nurse.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year lays the foundation for your nursing career, introducing you to core nursing principles and child health. You’ll study modules like Child Nursing Practice Learning 1, Child Clinical Supervision and Professional Development 1, and Principles of Children’s Nursing, helping you understand the role of a children’s nurse, develop basic clinical skills, and start delivering person-centered care. You’ll also explore Foundations of Public Health and Health Promotion in Children’s and Young People’s Nursing, giving you insight into supporting child wellbeing in communities.

Year 2

In the second year, your learning becomes more specialised and clinical. Modules such as Child Nursing Practice Learning 2, Child Clinical Supervision and Professional Development 2, Care of the Child/Young Person with Lifelong Healthcare Needs, and Nursing the Acutely Unwell Infant/Child/Young Person help you develop confidence in managing complex and acute cases. You’ll apply your knowledge during supervised clinical placements, integrating theory with real-world experience.

Year 3

Your final year is about professional readiness and consolidation. Modules like Child Nursing Practice Learning 3 and Critical Review of Practice help you reflect on your learning, consolidate skills, and demonstrate your readiness for autonomous practice. You’ll have opportunities to lead care planning and evaluate complex clinical situations, ensuring you graduate fully prepared for registration as a children’s nurse.

Focus areas: child health assessment and intervention, family-centered care, acute and complex child nursing, clinical supervision and professional development.

Learning outcomes: deliver safe, ethical, and evidence-based nursing care to children and young people; communicate effectively with healthcare teams and families; meet professional standards for safe practice.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), preparing you to register as a Registered Child Nurse in the UK.

Reputation (employability rankings): Canterbury Christ Church University nursing graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, with average starting salaries around £28,000–£35,000 and high rates of employment within 15 months of graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Canterbury Christ Church University, becoming a children’s nurse is all about learning by doing. About half of your time on this course is spent in real healthcare settings, where you’ll care for infants, children, young people, and their families under the guidance of experienced professionals. Back on campus, our specialist simulation suites give you the chance to practise skills safely and confidently, while digital tools and reflective activities help you link what you do in placements with theory and classroom learning.

Here’s what your hands-on learning looks like in practice:

Clinical placements: Gain real-world experience in hospitals, community services, and schools, putting your knowledge into practice while working as part of a professional healthcare team.
Simulation suites: Train in realistic wards and clinical spaces using advanced models and equipment, giving you confidence before caring for real patients.
Placement preparation: Receive your clinical uniform at the start of the course, so you feel professional and ready from day one.
Digital tools & e-portfolios: Track your progress, reflect on your experiences, and connect theory with practice using interactive online platforms.
Collaborative learning: Build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through group projects, seminars, and peer activities.
Campus resources: Take advantage of libraries, IT facilities, quiet study areas, and student support services to help you thrive academically and professionally.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Child Nursing degree opens the door to a meaningful career where you’ll make a real difference in the lives of children and their families every day. You’ll be ready to take on roles such as Registered Child Nurse, Paediatric Community Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, School Health Nurse, or Health Visitor, giving you both immediate opportunities and long-term flexibility in your career.

Here’s how Canterbury Christ Church University supports you in moving from study to professional life:

Career support services: The Student Futures team provides personalised guidance on CVs, interview preparation, job searching, and connecting with NHS and community healthcare employers.
Strong employment outcomes: Many graduates secure professional nursing roles within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Competitive early-career earnings: Median starting salaries are around £26,000, with growth potential as you gain experience.
Professional accreditation: The programme is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), allowing you to register as a Registered Child Nurse, a qualification respected across the UK.
Industry connections: Through extensive clinical placements in NHS trusts, community settings, and paediatric services, you begin building professional networks while studying, often leading directly to job opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:
After qualifying as a Registered Child Nurse, you can continue your professional development through postgraduate study, such as a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice, Paediatric Specialist Practice, or Nursing Leadership. You can also pursue Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses and specialist certifications, enabling you to work in areas like paediatric critical care, community health, research, or education.