BSc Hons Nursing (Children's)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) in Nursing (Children's) at Oxford Brookes University is perfect for anyone passionate about making a real difference in children’s lives. The program blends classroom learning with hands-on experience, giving you the skills and confidence to care for children and young people in a variety of healthcare settings.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in nursing and child health. Modules like Foundations of Nursing Practice introduce the core principles and ethics of nursing, while Clinical Practice Experience 1 gives you your first real-world exposure to working with children in hospitals and clinics. Research Methods and Analysis also helps you start thinking critically about evidence-based care.

Year 2:
The second year takes you deeper into children’s nursing. Enhancing Therapeutic Relationships in Nursing Practice focuses on communication and empathy, essential skills for connecting with children and families. Clinical Practice Experience 2 provides more hands-on opportunities, and Assessing and Planning Care for Children and Young People develops your decision-making and problem-solving skills in real clinical settings.

Year 3:
In your final year, everything comes together as you prepare for professional practice. Modules like Consolidation of Children's Nursing Practice and Nursing Children with Complex Care Needs give you confidence to manage more challenging cases. Foundations of Nursing and Midwifery Research ensures you understand how to apply research to improve care, setting you up for a successful nursing career.

Focus Areas: Paediatric nursing, building therapeutic relationships, complex care, evidence-based practice

Learning Outcomes: Confident clinical decision-making, empathetic communication, professional nursing skills, applying research in practice

Professional Alignment: Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), allowing you to register as a children’s nurse upon graduation

Reputation: Oxford Brookes University has been ranked number 1 in The Guardian for children's nursing for two years in a row, reflecting the quality of its teaching and graduate employability

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Oxford Brookes University, the BSc (Hons) in Nursing (Children's) gives you the chance to learn by doing, making sure you’re confident and capable when caring for children and young people. About half of the program is spent in real clinical settings, from hospitals to community clinics, letting you apply what you’ve learned in lectures to real-life situations. Alongside this, the program uses innovative simulation-based learning, so you can practice skills safely before working with actual patients. Teamwork is also a big part of your learning, as you’ll collaborate with fellow nursing students and other healthcare professionals, gaining experience in a multidisciplinary environment.

To bring these experiences to life, you’ll have access to excellent facilities and resources:

Simulation Suites: Lifelike mannequins and high-tech equipment let you practice real clinical scenarios, helping you build confidence in your decision-making and practical skills.
Clinical Skills Laboratories: Modern labs simulate hospital and birthing environments, giving you a safe space to refine your techniques.
Collaborative Learning Spaces: Specially designed areas for group work, role-plays, and discussions encourage teamwork and reflective learning.
Access to Leading Healthcare Institutions: Partnerships with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provide placements at top facilities, including the Oxford Children's Hospital and Oxford Newborn Care Unit.
Practice Education Management System (PEMS): An online platform that keeps placement resources and information at your fingertips, helping you stay organized and supported throughout your clinical experience.

These opportunities make sure you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and real-world skills to thrive as a children’s nurse.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) in Nursing (Children’s) from Oxford Brookes University are well-prepared to start rewarding careers caring for children and young people. With registration from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), you’ll have the skills and confidence to work in hospitals, community settings, or research environments, making a real impact on children’s health. Many alumni quickly find roles that match their passions, whether it’s hands-on patient care, supporting families, or advancing pediatric healthcare through research.

Some common career paths include:

Acute Care Nurse: Providing intensive care to children in hospital settings.
Community Health Nurse: Supporting children and families with health services in the community.
Research Nurse: Participating in clinical studies to improve pediatric care.
School Nurse: Helping children stay healthy and safe in educational settings.

Oxford Brookes provides strong support to help you succeed in your career:

Career Services: Personalized advice, CV workshops, and interview coaching to help you stand out.
Practice Education Team: Organizes placements and liaises with healthcare providers to give you quality hands-on experience.
Alumni Network: Connect with past graduates for guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

The university’s close partnerships with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust give you access to top-tier placements and potential job opportunities. Graduates also benefit from the program’s NMC accreditation, ensuring your qualifications are recognized and respected across the profession. Around 87% of Oxford Brookes’ full-time undergraduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduation, highlighting strong career outcomes.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, you have plenty of options to continue your studies:

Postgraduate Studies: Master’s programs in Pediatric Nursing, Advanced Clinical Practice, or Public Health Nursing.
Specialist Practice Qualifications: Courses like Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (School Nursing) to gain focused expertise.
Doctoral Research: PhD programs that allow you to contribute to pediatric healthcare research and innovation.

These paths give you the opportunity to build on your experience, advance your skills, and take your career in nursing to the next level.