Children and Young People’s Nursing BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Northampton

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people, the BSc (Hons) Children & Young People’s Nursing at the University of Northampton is the perfect place to start. Over three years, you’ll combine classroom learning, hands-on practice, and professional placements to develop the confidence and skills needed to become a fully qualified paediatric nurse.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Nursing Foundations

Your first year is all about discovering what it means to be a nurse for children and young people. Through modules like Discovering My Identity as a Nurse (NPR1027) and Guided Participation in Nursing Care (NPR1031P), you’ll start learning essential communication, ethical decision-making, and basic clinical skills. Early placements and simulation labs give you the chance to practise safely and build confidence in real-life scenarios.

Year 2 – Developing Skills and Applying Evidence

In year two, you’ll deepen your clinical knowledge and start working in more complex care situations. Modules such as Interpreting the Evidence Base Influencing Children & Young People’s Nursing (NPR2070) and Constructing and Developing My Nursing Identity (NPR2067) guide you in making evidence-informed decisions, while placements in hospitals and community settings allow you to apply your skills with growing independence.

Year 3 – Leadership, Registration, and Specialist Care

Your final year focuses on stepping up into leadership and preparing for registration with the NMC. Through modules like Leading and Coordinating Children & Young People’s Nursing Care (NPR3039P) and Becoming a Professional, Responsible and Accountable Registered Nurse (NPR3036), you’ll handle real-world clinical practice and gain the confidence to work autonomously as a fully qualified nurse.

Focus Areas

Paediatric nursing, child & adolescent health, family-centred care, hospital & community practice, evidence-informed nursing, leadership

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate ready to care for children and young people safely and compassionately, collaborate effectively with healthcare teams, use evidence to guide clinical decisions, and meet all the standards required for professional registration with the NMC.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Fully approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), meaning you can register and practice as a Children & Young People’s Nurse across the UK upon graduation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Northampton’s nursing and midwifery programmes rank in the top 10 in the Daily Mail University League Table 2025, reflecting strong student satisfaction and graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very first day, this programme puts you in real-world learning environments, giving you hands-on experience and confidence to care for children and young people. You’ll spend time in purpose-built simulation labs, use digital tools to track your progress, and rotate through hospitals and community placements, so what you learn in class is immediately applied in practice. This means you graduate not just with knowledge, but with real skills that employers value.

Here’s what your practical learning will look like:

Clinical Skills Simulation Lab – practise nursing care in a realistic ward with mannequins, hospital beds, and medical equipment, so you’re ready for live placements.
PebblePad electronic portfolio – keep track of your clinical skills, reflect on your experiences, and receive feedback from tutors and supervisors.
Placements – around half of your time is spent in hospitals and community settings, including opportunities in children’s mental health, specialist care, and even a two-week European Nursing Module placement.
Learning Hub – 24/7 library and study spaces with IT facilities and collaborative areas to support both practical learning and independent study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this programme means you’ll be ready to step into a career making a real difference in the lives of children and young people. Many of our graduates go on to roles such as Paediatric Ward Nurse, Community Children’s Nurse, School Nurse, or Clinical Nurse Specialist, using the skills, confidence, and hands-on experience they gained during their studies. Northampton ensures you’re supported every step of the way:

The Student Futures team offers personalised guidance on CV writing, interviews, and job searches, connecting you with NHS trusts and other healthcare employers.
Recent graduates have a 100% employment or further study rate within 15 months of finishing the course, with typical salaries around £28,500.
Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) accreditation means your qualification is recognised across the UK, giving you long-term professional credibility.
The university’s Employment Promise provides support, including a paid internship or postgraduate study advice, if you haven’t secured a suitable role within a year.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you could continue your studies with an MSc in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing, an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, or other postgraduate programmes focused on leadership, research, or specialised areas of nursing.