Nursing (Child) (BSc)

At Southampton, studying Child Nursing is all about learning by doing. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience in realistic hospital-style wards and through placements in community and hospital settings, giving you the confidence and skills to care for children in a variety of real-world situations. You’ll practise in safe, supervised environments while gradually taking on more responsibility as your knowledge and experience grow.

Here’s how your practical learning works:

• Simulated hospital wards and skills rooms: Train in purpose-built wards equipped with working hospital beds, nurse-call systems, medical gases, and both adult and child simulation manikins. You can practise everything from routine care to emergency scenarios before working with real patients.

• Diverse clinical placements: You’ll complete placements in NHS hospitals and community services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including neonatal units, paediatric wards, outpatient clinics, and community children’s nursing services. This variety helps you see different care settings and decide which areas you’re most passionate about.

• Structured practice with professional supervision: Experienced nurses supervise you throughout placements, giving feedback, guidance, and mentoring to help you grow from a student into a confident professional.

• Team-based learning: You’ll often train alongside other healthcare students, building teamwork and communication skills that are essential in real clinical environments.

• Supportive academic resources: Beyond placements, you’ll have access to libraries, digital learning tools, and personal academic tutors to help you balance theory with practical learning.

Graduating from Southampton’s BSc in Child Nursing sets you up to make a real difference in the lives of babies, children, and young people. You’ll leave ready to step straight into roles such as Child Nurse in hospitals or community settings, Neonatal Nurse, Community Health Nurse, or Specialist Paediatric Nurse. The combination of hands-on placements, supportive teaching, and a respected UK qualification gives you the confidence and skills to succeed in professional nursing.

Here’s how Southampton helps you get there:

• Career support: The School of Health Sciences works closely with the university’s Careers & Employability Service to help with CVs, interview prep, career planning, and access to the Health Sciences Careers Fair where you can meet potential employers.

• Strong graduate outcomes: Around 90% of graduates find skilled employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

• Competitive starting salaries: Many graduates earn between £28,000–£29,000 in their first roles.

• Variety of workplaces: You can work in hospital wards, neonatal units, outpatient clinics, children’s hospices, or community health services, giving you plenty of options to suit your interests.

• Accreditation and professional flexibility: You’ll be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), providing long-term professional recognition and flexibility to develop your career further, in the UK or abroad.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, you can continue your studies through postgraduate specialisations such as neonatal care, paediatrics, community health, leadership, or research. Southampton gives you the strong academic and clinical foundation to keep growing, whether you want to specialise, take on senior roles, or move into nursing education.