BSc Hons Nursing - Dual Registration in Adult and Children and Young People

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Robert Gordon University

Program Overview

If you’re looking for a nursing degree that gives you flexibility and variety, this dual-registration programme at Robert Gordon University is ideal. Over four years, you’ll train to become a nurse registered in both adult care and children & young people’s nursing, equipping you to care for patients of all ages in hospitals, community settings, and home care.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1
Your first year is all about building a strong foundation. You’ll study modules like Health & Wellbeing across the Lifespan and Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, learning to deliver safe, compassionate care to people of all ages. You’ll also begin placements, gaining real-world experience that helps build your confidence.

Year 2
In year two, you’ll start to apply theory to practice. Modules such as Developing Nursing Practice and Sciences 2 give you the skills to care for patients with diverse physical, cognitive, and behavioural needs, while longer placements allow you to see nursing in action across different age groups.

Year 3
Year three focuses more on adult nursing. You’ll integrate your knowledge and skills, practice with greater independence, and explore leadership, management, and research in adult care settings. This year helps you shape your professional identity as a confident, capable nurse.

Year 4
In your final year, the spotlight moves to children & young people’s nursing. You’ll consolidate everything you’ve learned, take on advanced placements, and refine your leadership and research skills, preparing you to work independently in both fields after graduation.

Focus areas:
Person-centred care across adult and children & young people nursing; leadership, research, and autonomous nursing practice; cross-age nursing in acute, community, and home settings.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will deliver safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care in both adult and children & young people fields; collaborate and lead in multidisciplinary teams; think critically and adapt practice across diverse care settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), so you’ll be eligible to register in both adult and children & young people nursing.

Reputation (employability rankings):
RGU is ranked 2nd in Scotland for graduate prospects in Nursing, helping you step confidently into your career.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At RGU, learning to be a nurse isn’t just about lectures—it’s about doing, experiencing, and growing your skills from day one. You’ll practise in real-world and simulated health-care settings, so you gain confidence caring for both adults and children & young people. The university’s modern clinical skills labs, digital tools, and varied placements make sure you’re ready for anything your future career might throw at you. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Realistic simulation sessions – Practice patient care scenarios safely in fully equipped labs before moving into real-life placements.
Practice-learning placements – Start early and continue throughout your degree, working in hospitals, community clinics, home care, and even rural locations, giving you hands-on experience across ages and settings.
Digital learning platforms – Access interactive modules, collaborate with peers, and reflect on your placement experiences anytime, anywhere.
Interdisciplinary teamwork – Work alongside doctors, physiotherapists, social workers, and other health professionals to see how nursing fits into broader patient care.
Specialist facilities and libraries – Benefit from simulation labs, practice environments, and up-to-date health-care resources to support both your practical skills and academic learning.

These experiences ensure you don’t just graduate with knowledge—you graduate with confidence, skills, and the practical know-how to step straight into nursing roles in both adult and children & young people’s care.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this dual-registration nursing programme opens doors to a wide range of meaningful careers. You could work as an Adult Nurse, a Children & Young People’s Nurse, a Paediatric Specialist Nurse, or take on leadership roles like a Clinical Team Leader. RGU gives you all the support you need to step confidently into the workforce:

Career support – One-to-one guidance, CV and interview coaching, careers fairs, and access to the online eHub ensure you’re ready to launch your career.
Strong employability – Around 96–97 % of graduates are working, studying, or in relevant roles within 15 months of finishing. Early-career salaries start at about £33,200 and can rise to £35,800 within a few years.
Professional accreditation – Dual registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) means you’re qualified to work in both adult and children & young people’s nursing.
University–industry partnerships – Placements and training are linked to hospitals, community services, and rural healthcare providers, giving you real-world experience that aligns with employer needs.
Diverse graduate roles – You’ll be prepared for work in hospitals, community care, children’s units, outreach, and home-care settings across Scotland, the UK, and beyond.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, you can specialise or advance further with postgraduate study — for example, a Master’s in Advanced Nursing Practice, Paediatric Nursing, Health Care Leadership, or Nursing Research. You could also pursue certificates in neonatal nursing, emergency care, community children’s nursing, or become a Nurse Educator, expanding your career opportunities even further