If you’re passionate about helping children and making a real difference in young lives, the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child) at the University of Nottingham is the perfect choice. This programme blends classroom learning with hands-on experience, preparing you to provide expert, compassionate care to children and young people in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundation in Nursing
In your first year, you’ll build the essential skills and knowledge every nurse needs. Modules like Biosciences Applied to Nursing 1 & 2 explore human biology in relation to nursing, while Clinical Learning 1 & 2 give you early exposure to real healthcare settings. You’ll also study Introduction to Professional Nursing to understand ethics, standards, and the nursing profession, and Evidence Applied to Nursing Practice, which shows how research informs patient care.
Year 2: Developing Clinical Competence
Your second year focuses on developing your clinical skills and confidence. Advanced Clinical Learning introduces more complex patient scenarios, and Paediatric Nursing Care provides specialized training in caring for children and adolescents. You’ll also study Pharmacology for Nurses to safely administer medications, and Leadership and Management in Nursing, which helps you take initiative within healthcare teams.
Year 3: Professional Practice and Specialization
In the final year, you’ll prepare to graduate as a qualified children’s nurse. Independent Clinical Practice allows you to take greater responsibility in real clinical settings, while Paediatric Nursing Specialties exposes you to areas such as neonatal care, paediatric intensive care, and community nursing. You’ll also complete a Dissertation in Nursing Practice, exploring a topic that interests you and contributing to evidence-based care.
Focus Areas:
Child development, paediatric pharmacology, family-centered care, neonatal and paediatric intensive care, community paediatrics
Learning Outcomes:
Provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to children and young people, demonstrate leadership in nursing practice, and engage in ongoing professional development
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), ensuring graduates are eligible to register as children’s nurses in the UK
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Nottingham’s School of Health Sciences is highly respected, with a significant proportion of graduates securing employment soon after graduation.
At Nottingham, becoming a children’s nurse is all about learning by doing. From day one, you’ll step into real clinical environments and gain hands-on experience caring for children and young people, all while being supported by expert mentors. Your practical learning is enhanced by state-of-the-art simulation labs, digital tools, and collaborative learning opportunities, giving you the confidence to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Clinical Placements – experience nine diverse placements across hospitals, specialist paediatric units, and community care settings, giving you real-world exposure to different patient needs.
Simulated Practice Learning (SPL) – practise assessments, interventions, and emergency scenarios in a safe, realistic simulation environment.
Interprofessional Learning – work alongside students from other healthcare disciplines to develop teamwork and communication skills essential for holistic care.
Digital and Technological Tools – access specialized software, apps, and online resources tailored to nursing education.
State-of-the-Art Facilities – train in one of the UK’s largest teaching hospitals outside London, including a major trauma unit and MAGNET®-recognised nursing excellence.
This mix of placements, simulation, technology, and mentorship ensures you graduate ready to provide safe, confident, and compassionate care to children and young people.
Graduating from the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child) programme at Nottingham sets you up for a fulfilling career caring for children and young people. With excellent employment outcomes—around 92% of graduates are working or in further study within 15 months—you’ll be ready to step into a variety of roles in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Typical career paths include:
Registered Children's Nurse, Paediatric Intensive Care Nurse, Community Children's Nurse, Specialist Nurse in areas such as Neonatology or Oncology
The University offers strong support to help you launch your career:
Careers and Employability Service – personalised advice, CV workshops, interview prep, and job search support to help you stand out.
Placement Opportunities – gain real-world experience in hospitals and community healthcare environments.
Industry Connections – strong partnerships with NHS trusts and other healthcare providers ensure practical exposure and networking opportunities.
Graduate Outcomes – average starting salary around £28,000, with most graduates securing employment or further study quickly.
Professional Accreditation – NMC accreditation allows you to register as a children’s nurse in the UK immediately after graduation.
Further Academic Progression:
Once you complete your BSc, there are several ways to advance your expertise:
Postgraduate Study – pursue a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice, Paediatric Nursing, or Healthcare Leadership.
Doctoral Research – undertake a PhD in paediatric healthcare to contribute to research and innovation.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – specialise further in areas like neonatal care, paediatric intensive care, or community nursing.
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