BSc (Hons) Child Nursing with NMC registration

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

De Montfort University

Program Overview

The Child Nursing with NMC Registration BSc (Hons) at De Montfort University is perfect for caring individuals who want to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, ensuring you graduate ready to provide safe, compassionate, and professional care as a registered children’s nurse.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations of Child Nursing

In your first year, you’ll get to grips with the basics of nursing while focusing on the unique needs of children and families. Modules like Foundations of Nursing Practice and Introduction to Child Health introduce child development, communication, and essential nursing skills. You’ll also begin your first clinical placements, applying theory in real healthcare settings and gaining early hands-on experience.

Year 2: Developing Clinical Competence

Year two builds your confidence and skills in caring for children with a variety of health needs. Modules such as Acute and Long-Term Conditions in Children and Pharmacology for Child Health give you the knowledge to plan and deliver safe care. Extended hospital and community placements help you refine your clinical abilities while learning to work independently under supervision.

Year 3: Advanced Practice and Professional Identity

In the final year, you focus on more complex care scenarios and leadership skills. Advanced Child Health Nursing and Leadership in Nursing Practice challenge you to think critically, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and take on more responsibility in clinical placements. You’ll also complete a research project, preparing you fully for NMC registration and a confident start to your nursing career.

Focus Areas

Acute care, chronic conditions, pediatric pharmacology, family-centered care, interprofessional collaboration, leadership, child development, neonatal and intensive care, community health nursing

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to safely and effectively care for children and young people, make evidence-based decisions, lead in healthcare settings, and communicate confidently with children, families, and healthcare teams.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), meaning you’ll graduate eligible to register as a children’s nurse in the UK.

Reputation and Employability

DMU nursing graduates are highly sought after, with the vast majority finding employment within six months of finishing their degree. Close partnerships with local NHS trusts provide excellent placement opportunities and pave the way for future employment in hospitals, community health teams, and specialist care settings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At De Montfort University, the Child Nursing BSc (Hons) program is all about learning by doing. From the very start, you’ll get hands-on experience in real healthcare settings, helping you develop the skills, confidence, and professional mindset needed to care for children and young people. You’ll also have access to cutting-edge facilities and digital tools that let you practice safely and build expertise before stepping into live clinical environments.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience and refine your skills:

Clinical Placements – Work across hospitals, neonatal units, children’s intensive care, palliative care, and specialized areas like the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit, giving you exposure to a wide range of pediatric care settings.
Simulation Suites – Practice procedures and scenarios in realistic, purpose-built clinical spaces so you can learn safely and effectively.
Virtual Reality (VR) Technology – Use immersive VR tools to experience complex care situations and improve decision-making in a safe environment.
LearningSpace Software – Access interactive learning materials, track your progress, and collaborate with peers and instructors.
Interprofessional Learning – Collaborate with students from other healthcare courses, learning how to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.
Workshops and Seminars – Learn from experienced practitioners through expert-led sessions that explore real-world challenges and emerging trends in child nursing.

These opportunities make sure that by the time you graduate, you’re not just knowledgeable—you’re confident, competent, and ready to provide high-quality care to children and families.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from DMU’s Child Nursing BSc (Hons) opens the door to a range of rewarding careers in healthcare. You’ll be ready to work with children and young people in hospitals, community teams, or specialist units, making a real difference every day. Typical roles include:

Registered Children's Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse, Pediatric Palliative Care Nurse, Community Children's Nurse, Specialist Pediatric Nurse, Pediatric Nurse Educator

DMU supports your journey from student to professional in several ways:

DMU Works Career Services – Get help with CVs, interview prep, and career planning to smoothly transition into the workforce.
Strong NHS Partnerships – Work with University Hospitals Leicester and Leicester Partnership Trust, gaining placements that often lead to future employment.
High Graduate Employability – Around 95% of graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Competitive Starting Salary – Registered children’s nurses typically start around £28,000 per year in the UK.
Professional Accreditation – The program is fully NMC-accredited, giving your qualification national recognition and long-term career value.

Further Academic Progression:

After your BSc, there are plenty of ways to continue your studies and specialize:

Master’s degrees in Advanced Clinical Practice or Public Health
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for Nursing for those interested in teaching
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for advanced clinical roles or research opportunities

With DMU’s guidance, clinical experience, and strong industry links, you’ll graduate ready to make an impact in children’s healthcare while keeping plenty of options open for future growth.