BSc Hons Nursing Practice (Child)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Staffordshire University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Child) at Staffordshire University is perfect if you want a career making a real difference in the lives of children and young people. You’ll combine academic study with hands-on experience in hospitals and community settings, developing the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to provide safe, high-quality care for children and their families.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll get to grips with the foundations of children’s nursing. Modules like Children and Young People’s Nursing Care, Mental Health and Physical Health Through the Lifespan, and Professional, Legal and Ethical Considerations help you understand the basics of caring for children safely. You’ll also start your practical learning in Children and Young People’s Nursing in Practice, linking classroom theory to real-world care.

Year 2
Year two builds on your first-year foundations, focusing on more complex care and clinical decision-making. Modules such as Altered Mental Health and Physical Health Through the Lifespan, Human Factors: Risk, Decision-Making and Uncertainty, and Physical Assessment and Preparation for Prescribing teach you how to assess, plan, and deliver care effectively. Extended practice placements in Children and Young People’s Nursing in Practice give you hands-on experience with a variety of care scenarios.

Year 3
In your final year, it’s all about preparing you for professional registration and independent practice. Modules like Peer Learning and Teaching in Professional Nursing Practice and The Evidence-Base for Practice enhance your clinical reasoning and leadership skills. Alongside advanced Children and Young People’s Nursing in Practice placements, you’ll gain the confidence and expertise to manage complex care for children and families safely.

Focus areas: children’s nursing care, health assessment, risk and decision-making, professional and ethical practice, evidence-based care delivery

Learning outcomes: graduate ready to deliver high-quality, family-centered care, apply clinical reasoning and evidence, communicate effectively, and meet Nursing & Midwifery Council standards

Professional alignment (accreditation): recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC); graduates can register as professional children’s nurses

Reputation (employability rankings): Staffordshire University is well-regarded for healthcare education, and nursing graduates enjoy strong career prospects across NHS and independent healthcare settings in the UK and internationally

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one, the BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Child) is all about learning by doing. You’ll develop the practical skills you need to care for children and young people through a mix of classroom teaching, simulation, and real-life placements. Staffordshire’s purpose-built simulation labs let you practise clinical procedures and patient care in safe, realistic environments before stepping into hospitals or community settings. Along the way, you’ll work closely with experienced mentors and your peers, building confidence, teamwork, and professional judgement that will stay with you throughout your career.

Here’s how your hands-on learning is structured:

State-of-the-art simulation and skills labs – Practice real-life scenarios in hospital and community settings, using the same equipment and procedures you’ll encounter in your placements.
Professional placements across NHS and community settings – Gain experience in a variety of environments, including hospitals and community care, working with children from birth to 18 years old.
Mentorship from qualified nurses – Learn directly from experienced professionals who guide your development, provide feedback, and help you reflect on your practice.
Collaborative learning opportunities – Engage in group projects, case studies, and debriefing sessions that build teamwork and communication skills essential for nursing.
Digital and campus support – Access Staffordshire’s libraries, learning spaces, and the Centre for Health Innovation, along with digital tools that support reflective learning and skill development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Child) from Staffordshire University opens the door to a truly rewarding career, helping children and young people thrive every day. Many of our graduates go on to roles such as Registered Children’s Nurse, Community Health Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, School Health Nurse, Health Visitor, or Paediatric Nurse Consultant, giving you a wide range of options in hospitals, clinics, schools, and specialist care teams. With professional registration built into the programme and strong connections to healthcare providers, you’ll be ready to start making a difference from the moment you qualify.

Careers and employability support – Staffordshire’s Careers, Placements & Employability team helps with CVs, interview prep, and job search strategies, guiding you from your first placement to landing your dream role.
Strong graduate outcomes and salary prospects – Nursing graduates enjoy excellent employment opportunities. Starting salaries for newly registered children’s nurses are typically over £25,000, with potential to earn £49,000+ as you gain experience and move into senior or specialist roles.
Professional accreditation – This degree is approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), allowing you to register as a qualified children’s nurse, recognised across the UK and internationally.
Industry partnerships – Your clinical placements take place with NHS trusts such as Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, and Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, giving you hands-on experience and valuable professional connections.
High employment rates – Around 90% of Staffordshire nursing graduates go on to work or continue studying within 15 months of graduation, most in roles directly related to their degree.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you’ve gained experience as a registered children’s nurse, there are excellent opportunities to continue your studies. Many graduates pursue Master’s degrees in Advanced Clinical Practice, Child Health Nursing, Leadership in Healthcare, or Nursing Education, which can lead to specialist or senior roles like Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Children’s Nurse Consultant, Clinical Educator, or Health Service Manager. These pathways let you develop your expertise, take on leadership responsibilities, and make an even bigger impact in children’s healthcare.