BSc (Hons) - Children's Nursing

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Cumbria

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Children’s Nursing at the University of Cumbria is perfect for anyone who wants to care for children and young people while making a real difference in their lives. The course blends classroom learning with hands-on clinical placements, helping you build the confidence, skills, and professional knowledge you need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and thrive as a children’s nurse.

Curriculum Structure

Year One
Your first year is all about building a solid foundation in children’s health and nursing practice. You’ll explore modules like Applied Biological Sciences for Health, Professional Practice and Accountability, and Introduction to Children’s Nursing, learning not just the science behind health but also how to communicate with children and families. Early placements in hospitals and community settings give you a taste of real-world nursing right away.

Year Two
In the second year, you’ll start caring for children with more complex needs, including those with long-term or serious health conditions. Modules such as Pharmacology and Medicine Therapeutics, Complex Care Needs of Children and Young People, and Communication and Relationship Management in a Therapeutic Context deepen your clinical knowledge and your ability to build strong therapeutic relationships. You’ll continue gaining hands-on experience through placements and may even organise enrichment opportunities to broaden your skills.

Year Three
The final year focuses on preparing you for professional practice. Through modules like Clinical Decision Making and Complex Care, Contemporary Issues and Change Management in Professional Practice, and Consolidation of Children’s Nursing Practice, you’ll refine your clinical judgement, leadership, and decision-making skills. Placements and advanced simulations give you real confidence in caring for children in neonatal, emergency, and high-dependency settings.

Focus areas (in a string):

children’s health and development, clinical decision-making, pharmacology, communication and therapeutic relationships, long-term and acute care, leadership and change management

Learning outcomes (in a string):

deliver safe, child-centred nursing care, assess and respond to clinical needs across the lifespan, build therapeutic relationships with children and families, apply evidence-based practice, lead care in complex health and social care settings

Professional alignment (Accreditation):

Fully approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), so upon graduation, you can register as a Children’s Nurse and begin practicing professionally.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

With strong links to NHS Trusts, extensive placement experience, and high graduate employability, the University of Cumbria prepares students to step confidently into children’s nursing roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Cumbria, Children’s Nursing is all about learning by doing. You’ll spend roughly half of your time in real healthcare settings, working with children, young people, and their families under the supervision of experienced nurses. On campus, you’ll also have access to top-notch simulation and clinical skills facilities, so you can practise procedures and scenarios safely before stepping into real-life placements — giving you the confidence and skills to succeed from day one:

Simulation and clinical skills suites: Practise in realistic ward areas, high-dependency spaces, home-style care settings, and immersive simulation rooms, where you can experience challenging scenarios safely.
Supervised clinical placements: Around 50% of your degree is spent in hospitals, community clinics, and voluntary healthcare settings, letting you put theory into practice while being supported by mentors.
Diverse healthcare experiences: Placements with NHS partners like Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay give you exposure to a wide range of patient needs, environments, and care approaches.
Interactive practical learning: You’ll take part in workshops, simulations, and technology-based exercises that mirror real-life situations, from acute care to managing long-term conditions.
Collaborative learning: Small group sessions, guided workshops, and supportive academic staff help you learn alongside peers, build teamwork skills, and develop professional confidence.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduate outcomes: Graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Children’s Nursing from the University of Cumbria prepares you to step confidently into professional roles where you can make a real difference in the lives of children, young people, and their families. Many graduates move directly into jobs that allow them to apply their skills immediately while continuing to grow professionally:

Typical career paths: Registered Children’s Nurse, Paediatric Community Nurse, Child Development Specialist Nurse, Family Support and Advocacy Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Advanced Practice Nurse.

How the university helps you succeed:

Tailored career support: The Careers and Employability Service provides one-to-one guidance for CVs, interviews, job applications, and networking, helping you feel fully prepared to launch your career.
Strong employment prospects and salary: Around 95% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with starting salaries typically around £25,500, increasing as you gain experience.
Valuable industry connections: The programme partners closely with NHS Trusts across Cumbria and Lancashire, offering placements that often lead to job opportunities once you graduate.
Professional accreditation: Fully approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), meaning you are eligible to register as a Children’s Nurse — a qualification recognised and respected across the UK.
Practical graduation outcomes: You’ll leave with hands-on clinical experience, professional confidence, and the flexibility to work in hospitals, community health teams, or specialist children’s services.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you’re a registered Children’s Nurse, you can continue your education through postgraduate certificates, leadership or management programmes, or master’s-level study in paediatric healthcare or advanced practice. These pathways open doors to senior clinical roles, research, teaching, or leadership positions in healthcare, giving you the chance to shape your career exactly how you want.