BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child Health)

At Plymouth, learning to become a child health nurse goes far beyond textbooks. You’ll gain practical experience through a combination of hands-on clinical placements, realistic simulations, and collaborative projects, helping you build confidence and competence in real-world healthcare settings. From day one, the program is designed to make sure you leave ready to provide safe, compassionate, and effective care for children and young people.

Here’s how experiential learning is brought to life in this program:

• Clinical Skills Resource Centre (CSRC) – A cutting-edge facility where you can practice essential nursing skills using the latest medical technology in a safe, controlled environment.

• InterCity Place – Modern learning spaces that promote interprofessional collaboration with students from other healthcare disciplines.

• Practice Placements – Spend around 50% of your time in hospitals, school nursing, special schools, children’s hospices, and community clinics across the South West, gaining invaluable real-world experience.

• Simulation-Based Learning – Role-play scenarios and case studies help you develop critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and confidence before working with real patients.

• Digital Tools – Use e-learning platforms and virtual simulations to complement your practical and classroom learning.

• Collaborative Projects – Work on initiatives related to sustainability, community health, and child wellbeing, fostering a holistic approach to nursing

Graduating with a BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child Health) from Plymouth opens the door to a fulfilling career supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people. You’ll leave ready to take on roles such as Registered Nurse (Child), Health Visitor, School Nurse, or Clinical Educator. The program’s mix of practical placements, interprofessional learning, and strong academic support ensures you step confidently into the workforce.

Here’s how Plymouth helps you succeed after graduation:

• University Services Supporting Employment – Access to tailored guidance through Plymouth’s Career Services, including CV workshops, interview preparation, job search support, and networking events with alumni and healthcare professionals.

• Employment Statistics and Career Prospects – While specific figures aren’t published, the program’s strong clinical placements and NHS partnerships mean graduates are highly employable across the South West and beyond.

• University–Industry Partnerships – Close collaborations with NHS Trusts and other healthcare organizations provide diverse, real-world clinical experience.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value – The program is fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), allowing graduates to register as a Registered Nurse – Child.

• Graduation Outcomes – Graduates are well-equipped to progress in child health nursing, take on leadership roles, or specialize in areas such as community health or pediatric clinical practice.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BSc, you can continue your studies to advance your skills and career opportunities:

• MSc Advanced Clinical Practice – For registered nurses seeking to develop advanced clinical expertise. 

• MSc Pre-registration Nursing (Child Health) – For those with a non-nursing background aiming to become registered child health nurses. 

• Postgraduate Research Opportunities – Explore research projects to contribute to the future of child health nursing and healthcare innovation.

These pathways give you plenty of options to grow, specialize, and take on leadership roles within child health nursing.