BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child Health) with Integrated Foundation Year

At the University of Plymouth, the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child Health) with Integrated Foundation Year gives you plenty of hands-on learning opportunities, so you can develop practical skills while gaining confidence in real-world settings. You’ll use modern facilities, take part in placements across hospitals and community settings, and work closely with experienced staff — all designed to prepare you for a career in child health nursing. Here’s how your learning comes to life:

• Clinical Skills Resource Centre (CSRC): A purpose-built facility with the latest medical equipment, where you can practice and perfect essential nursing skills in a safe, supportive environment.

• Simulated Practice Labs: Practice procedures, role-play scenarios, and receive feedback from peers and lecturers, helping you develop confidence before working with real patients.

• Clinical Placements: Gain experience in hospitals, special schools, children’s hospices, and community settings, seeing first-hand how child health nursing works across different environments. 

• Interprofessional Learning: Collaborate with students from other healthcare courses, building teamwork skills and understanding multidisciplinary care.

• Community Engagement Projects: Take part in projects supporting public health, such as breastfeeding initiatives, sustainability programs, and urban family projects.

• Digital Learning Tools: Use online platforms for case studies, video role-play, and seminar presentations to enhance your digital literacy and communication.

• Practice Portfolios: Keep a personal portfolio to track your progress, reflect on your experiences, and showcase your developing skills.

These experiences mean you don’t just learn about child health nursing — you live it, preparing you to step into your future role fully equipped and confident.

Graduates from the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child Health) with Integrated Foundation Year at the University of Plymouth leave fully prepared to start a meaningful career in child health nursing. With hands-on experience, strong clinical skills, and a deep understanding of child health, alumni often go on to roles such as:

• Registered Nurse (Child Health)

• Health Visitor

• School Nurse

• Specialist Nurse in Paediatric Units

Here’s how the university supports you in stepping confidently into your future career:

• Careers and Employability Service: Receive tailored guidance, CV workshops, and interview coaching to help you land your first role.

• Placement Opportunities: Thanks to strong partnerships with the NHS and private healthcare providers, you gain real-world experience across hospitals, community health teams, and special schools.

• Alumni Network: Connect with past graduates for mentoring, advice, and professional insights.

Employment Stats & Salary Insights:

• 99% of child nursing graduates are employed or continuing their studies within 15 months of graduation.

• 95% report that their current work is meaningful and relevant to their degree.

• 96% are in highly skilled roles where their degree has either been required or given them a clear advantage.

University–Industry Partnerships:
The University of Plymouth works closely with the NHS and other healthcare providers, giving students access to a wide range of placement opportunities and helping them build professional networks before graduation.

Long-Term Accreditation Value:
Graduates can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), enabling them to practice as qualified nurses in the UK and enhancing international career opportunities.

Graduation Outcomes:
Alumni leave the program as confident, competent child health nurses ready to work in hospitals, GP practices, schools, and community health teams — responding to the high demand for skilled nurses across the UK.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the program, there are several ways to continue your studies:

• MSc Advanced Clinical Practice: Develop leadership and advanced clinical skills, preparing for roles such as Advanced Nurse Practitioner. 

• MSc in Specialist Areas: Focus on paediatrics, neonatal care, or community health nursing.

• PhD in Nursing or Health Sciences: For a career in research, policy, or academia, pursue a PhD to contribute to innovation and teaching in healthcare.

These pathways give graduates the chance to grow into leadership roles, specialise in their chosen field, or move into research and academic careers, keeping their options open for a long and rewarding career in healthcare.