Nursing (Child) BSc

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and their families, this program is a perfect fit. The BSc Nursing (Child) combines hands-on clinical experience with expert academic teaching, equipping you with the skills and confidence to provide high-quality, compassionate care for children and young people in a variety of healthcare settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations of Nursing Practice
In your first year, you’ll explore the core principles of nursing, with a focus on child health and wellbeing. Modules like Nursing: Key Concepts of Health and Wellbeing and Child Nursing: Applying the Key Concepts of Health and Wellbeing help you understand the holistic needs of children and families. You’ll also start developing your practical skills in simulated clinical environments and initial placements.

Year 2: Advancing Clinical Skills
Your second year builds on that foundation, focusing on applying nursing care in real-world situations. Modules such as Nursing: Providing Quality Care and Child Nursing: Health Promotion and Facilitation of Recovery Through Empathic Engagement teach you how to deliver evidence-based care and support children through challenging health situations. Clinical placements become more complex, giving you confidence in professional practice.

Year 3: Leadership and Professional Development
In your final year, you’ll refine your clinical expertise and prepare to enter the profession. Modules like Nursing: Dissertation and Child Nursing: Providing Complex Care encourage critical thinking and independent research. Your final placements allow you to demonstrate competence and readiness to register as a children’s nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Focus Areas

Child health, family-centred care, evidence-based practice, health promotion, complex care, leadership in nursing

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to provide compassionate, evidence-informed care to children and families, think critically and make sound clinical decisions, work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, and commit to lifelong professional development.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), meaning graduates are eligible to register as children’s nurses in the UK.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Leeds is ranked 3rd in the UK for Nursing and Midwifery by The Complete University Guide 2026. Graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, with many securing roles in hospitals, community services, and specialist child healthcare settings soon after completing their degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Leeds, learning is much more than lectures — it’s about gaining hands-on experience, building confidence, and developing the practical skills you’ll need as a children’s nurse. From your very first year, you’ll step into real healthcare environments and simulated settings, supported by expert tutors and cutting-edge facilities. This approach ensures you’re ready to provide safe, compassionate care from day one.

Here’s how your practical experience is brought to life:

Clinical Skills Suite – Practice procedures like monitoring vital signs, medication administration, and feeding techniques in realistic ward and home-care environments.
Simulation-Based Learning – Work with high-fidelity manikins, scenario-based exercises, and digital learning tools to safely prepare for real-life situations.
Practice Placements – Gain hands-on experience across hospitals and community settings, including Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
Interprofessional and Group Learning – Collaborate with peers in team-based exercises, reflecting the way healthcare professionals work together in real life.
Optional Study Abroad Experiences – Broaden your perspective and develop intercultural skills through short healthcare-related international opportunities.
Supportive Learning Environment – Access dedicated libraries, online resources, and guidance from experienced academic and clinical staff to make the most of your learning journey.

These experiences are designed to prepare you fully for a career in children’s nursing, equipping you with both the technical skills and the confidence to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc Nursing (Child) at Leeds are ready to step into a rewarding career in child healthcare. With a strong mix of clinical practice, evidence-based learning, and compassionate care, you’ll be equipped to work in hospitals, community health services, or specialized pediatric settings. Typical career paths include Children’s Nurse, Neonatal Nurse, Community Pediatric Nurse, Specialist Nurse in Child Health, Ward Manager, or Nurse Educator — all offering the chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.

Here’s how Leeds supports your journey from student to professional:

University Careers Service – One-to-one guidance, CV workshops, mock interviews, and access to the MyCareer portal with healthcare job opportunities.
Placement Support – Assistance securing clinical placements aligned with your interests, giving you real-world experience before graduation.
Networking Opportunities – Connect with healthcare professionals, attend workshops, and engage with events hosted by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
Employment Stats & Salaries – Around 91% of graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after finishing, with starting salaries averaging £25,000, increasing with experience.
Accreditation Value – Graduates are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), giving you recognition and credibility in the UK and beyond.
Diverse Graduate Outcomes – Many go on to specialist roles in pediatrics, leadership positions, community health, or pursue research opportunities in child healthcare.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, there are plenty of opportunities to continue your education and specialise further:

MSc Advanced Clinical Practice or MSc Nursing for clinical leadership roles.
MSc Public Health or MSc Child Health for more research-focused or policy-oriented careers.
Postgraduate certifications and professional courses to become a Nurse Prescriber, Nurse Consultant, or specialist leader in child healthcare.