4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BSc (Hons) Nursing Science (Child) Extended Degree at Northumbria University is ideal for students who want to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. Over four years, including a foundation year, you’ll gain the knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence to become a compassionate and highly competent registered children’s nurse.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundation in Nursing
The first year lays the groundwork for your nursing journey. Modules like Practice Module 1: Becoming a Safe, Caring Professional teach essential skills such as patient safety, emotional intelligence, and teamwork, while Perspectives of Complex Care in Children and Young People's Nursing explores caring for children with additional needs, helping you think critically about the role of a children’s nurse in different settings.
Year 2: Advancing Nursing Skills
In your second year, you’ll deepen your clinical knowledge and practical abilities. Nursing Skills 6: Advancing Nursing Skills develops competencies in medicines management, assessment, and communication, while Theory 5: Transition to Accountable Practitioner in Children's Nursing encourages independent thinking, preparing you to take responsibility for your practice.
Year 3: Leadership and Professional Development
The final year focuses on leadership, quality improvement, and professional growth. Practice Module 3: Leadership, Quality and Team Work combines online learning and face-to-face seminars, giving you the chance to apply leadership skills in real clinical settings and preparing you to confidently step into professional roles as a registered children’s nurse.
Focus Areas
Child nursing, complex care, leadership, professional development, autonomous practice, patient safety, emotional intelligence, teamwork, quality improvement
Learning Outcomes
Promote health and prevent illness, assess and plan care, coordinate and evaluate nursing interventions, lead and manage care, and work effectively in teams to improve safety and quality
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), ensuring your qualification meets national standards for nursing practice
Reputation
Ranked 1st in the UK for Children’s Nursing by the Guardian University Guide 2026, with 100% of graduates in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation. Northumbria is also ranked 8th in the UK for research power in Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy (REF, 2021)
At Northumbria University, this Child Nursing program goes beyond theory to give you real-world, hands-on experience. You’ll develop your practical skills through simulated clinical scenarios, placements in hospitals and community settings, and the use of modern, purpose-built facilities—so you’re ready to step confidently into professional practice.
Here’s how your learning comes to life:
Clinical Skills Centre – Practice nursing techniques safely using high-fidelity mannequins and advanced simulation suites.
Virtual Reality (VR) Training – Immerse yourself in pediatric care scenarios to build decision-making and clinical skills.
Bede Trinity Health Centre – A modern training facility that supports both healthcare learning and community engagement.
Interprofessional Learning – Work on collaborative projects with students from other healthcare disciplines, building teamwork and holistic care skills.
Research Opportunities – Participate in healthcare research projects to deepen your understanding and contribute to evidence-based practice.
Professional Placements – Uniforms and structured placements help you develop professionalism while gaining real-life experience.
These facilities and experiences ensure you graduate confident, skilled, and fully prepared for a rewarding career in children’s nursing.
Graduates from Northumbria’s Child Nursing program leave ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. With a strong mix of practical experience and academic knowledge, typical career paths include: Registered Children's Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Nurse, Nurse Educator, Health Advocate, Care Coordinator.
The university also provides excellent support and opportunities to help you launch your career:
Graduate Employability Services – Personalized career guidance, CV workshops, and interview preparation through Northumbria’s Careers and Employment team.
Employment Stats – 100% of Child Nursing graduates are in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation.
University–Industry Partnerships – Close collaborations with NHS Trusts and other healthcare providers offer extensive placement opportunities and real-world experience.
Long-Term Accreditation – Fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), ensuring your qualification is recognized across the UK.
Graduation Outcomes – Northumbria is ranked 1st in the UK for Children’s Nursing (Guardian University Guide 2026), and research in nursing and allied health is ranked 8th in the UK for research power (REF 2021).
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you can continue your learning and grow your career in several ways:
Postgraduate Studies – Specialize further with a Master’s in Nursing or pediatric healthcare.
Doctoral Research (PhD) – Explore advanced research opportunities to contribute to pediatric nursing practice and policy.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Short courses to update skills, develop new expertise, and expand your career options.
These opportunities ensure you can keep developing professionally while making a lasting impact in children’s healthcare.



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