BSc (Hons) Nursing Science Registered Nurse (Child) (Extended Degree)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Northumbria University

Program Overview

If you’re someone who’s passionate about caring for children and young people — helping them feel safe, supported, and healthy — this program is the perfect start to your career. Northumbria’s extended degree combines academic learning with real-world experience, preparing you to become a confident and compassionate registered children’s nurse.

Curriculum structure

Foundation Year (Year 0):
This year gives you a strong foundation in health, education, and social care. You’ll take modules like Becoming a Professional, which helps you understand how healthcare teams work together and how to build effective communication skills. You’ll also develop the study skills you need for degree-level learning, so you’re ready to progress with confidence.

Year 1:
Your first full year focuses on understanding the health and development of children and young people. Through modules such as Introduction to Children and Young People’s Health and Illness and Applied Life and Social Sciences, you’ll learn how to plan and evaluate care, and begin developing practical nursing skills. You’ll also start your first placements — getting a real sense of what it’s like to work with children and families in healthcare settings.

Year 2:
Here you’ll start building on your clinical skills and applying what you’ve learned in more complex situations. Modules like Psychosocial Approaches for Children and Young People and Developing Evidence-Based Skills for Best Practice help you understand the emotional and mental health needs of children and how to use evidence to guide care decisions. Placements this year will help you gain experience in hospital and community environments.

Year 3:
Your final year is all about becoming a confident professional, ready to register and work as a children’s nurse. In Transition to Accountable Practitioner in Children and Young People’s Nursing, you’ll explore leadership, teamwork, and the responsibilities of being a qualified nurse. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to step into your first nursing role and make a real difference in children’s lives.

Focus areas: children’s health and development, clinical practice, evidence-based nursing, communication, leadership, and professional accountability.

Learning outcomes: graduate as a safe, skilled, and compassionate children’s nurse; deliver person-centred and evidence-based care; work confidently within multidisciplinary teams; and contribute to improving healthcare for young people and their families.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) — upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to register and practise as a Registered Nurse (Child).

Reputation (employability rankings): Northumbria is ranked 1st in the UK for Children’s Nursing (Guardian University Guide 2026), and 100% of graduates are in skilled employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

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.

Progression & Future Opportunities

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.