BN (Hons) Nursing (Child)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Winchester

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about caring for children and want a career where you can make a real difference, Winchester’s BN (Hons) Nursing (Child) degree is designed for you. You’ll combine hands-on clinical experience with engaging classroom learning, preparing you to support children and families with confidence, compassion, and professional skill.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Your first year lays the foundation for both the science and practice of child nursing. Modules like Clinical Sciences 1: Psychosocial and Biological introduce you to human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and behavioural science, while Promoting Good Health and Wellbeing explores communication, health promotion, and the social factors affecting children’s health. Early placements let you start putting theory into practice, giving you hands-on experience from the very beginning.

Year 2:
In year two, you’ll start to specialise and take on more responsibility. Clinical Sciences 2 – Application builds on your knowledge of conditions affecting children and therapeutic approaches, while Team Working and Developing Nursing Practice in Child Health focuses on delivering care in real-world settings for children and young people. Practice Learning Experience Part 2 gives you extended placement time to develop your confidence and professional skills further.

Year 3:
Your final year prepares you for professional practice. In Preparation for Practice Inquiry you’ll explore service improvement and quality care, and the Practice Inquiry Project gives you the chance to design and lead an evidence-based project in child nursing. With extended placements, you’ll consolidate your skills, knowledge, and professional values, ready to step into your first role as a qualified children’s nurse.

Focus areas:
child health assessment, therapeutic communication, clinical sciences, health promotion, pharmacology, team-based nursing practice, evidence-based inquiry, leadership.

Learning outcomes:
deliver safe, evidence-based nursing care for infants, children, and young people; communicate effectively with children and families; critically evaluate and apply nursing theory in practice; lead improvements in care delivery.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This degree is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), meaning graduates are eligible to register as qualified children’s nurses — a professional qualification recognised across the UK.

Reputation:
Winchester ranks among the top 25 UK universities for graduate employment or further study, with nursing graduates highly sought after for skilled roles in healthcare.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Winchester, the BN (Hons) Nursing (Child) degree is built so that you’re not just learning about nursing — you’re doing it. From early placements in real clinical settings to supportive teaching on campus, you’ll gain practical skills, build professional confidence and learn how to translate theory into compassionate care for children and families. Your timetable is designed to split learning 50/50 between classroom study and practice, meaning you’ll be applying what you learn alongside experienced health professionals throughout your degree:

• Work placements throughout the course: Practice learning makes up about half of your programme and takes place in real clinical environments with partner healthcare providers, where you’ll work alongside registered nurses and care teams to support children’s health and wellbeing
• Digital literacy in healthcare: You’ll use digital tools essential to modern nursing — from managing patient records to researching best practices, ensuring you’re comfortable with the technology used in real NHS settings.
• Blended and online learning support: The University’s digital platforms help you prepare for placements, access resources, and submit assignments — supported by 24‑hour access to library and IT facilities.
• Group projects and inquiry work: Through modules like the Practice Inquiry Project, you’ll conduct collaborative research and lead evidence‑based practice projects, building teamwork and analytical skills that are vital in clinical settings.
• Professional mentorship: You’ll be supported by experienced lecturers and nursing professionals who bring real practice insight into the classroom and placement learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Winchester’s BN (Hons) Nursing (Child) degree sets you up for a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference to children and their families. Many of our graduates move straight into roles such as Children’s Nurse, Paediatric Community Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Child Health), or Family Support Nurse, fully prepared with both hands-on experience and professional confidence. With a degree designed in close partnership with healthcare providers and approved for professional practice, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running:

• Tailored careers support: The University’s CareerConnect service helps you every step of the way with one-to-one guidance, CV and interview coaching, job alerts, and networking opportunities with potential employers.
• Strong employment outcomes: Most nursing graduates go straight into work or further study, with early-career salaries averaging around £28,500, giving you both stability and a fulfilling start in healthcare.
• Partnerships with healthcare providers: You’ll gain real-world experience through placements with NHS trusts and care organisations, helping you build professional connections before you graduate.
• Professional accreditation: This degree is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), meaning you can register as a qualified children’s nurse — a recognised credential across the UK.
• Graduation you can be proud of: Winchester consistently ranks among the top 25 UK universities for graduate employment or further study, and our nursing graduates are highly sought after in the healthcare sector.

Further academic progression:
After completing your degree, you could continue your studies with a Master’s in paediatric nursing, advanced clinical practice, healthcare leadership, or public health, either at Winchester or elsewhere. Further study can open doors to specialist clinical roles, research opportunities, teaching, and leadership positions, helping you make an even bigger impact in child healthcare.