University of Leicester

What you'll study

This integrated master’s blends core nursing practice with child-specific theory, research methods and leadership development across four years. Early stages introduce biological and social sciences relevant to nursing (anatomy and physiology, growth and development, pharmacology principles) alongside communication, ethics and professional values.

Progressive practice modules increase in complexity, covering acute and long-term conditions in infants, children and young people, family-centred care, safeguarding and mental health in paediatrics. Teaching methods include lectures, small-group seminars, simulation and interprofessional learning with allied health students, supported by substantial clinical placements in hospital and community settings.

The advanced master’s component places emphasis on research skills, evidence-based practice and service improvement. Typical final-year content includes advanced clinical assessment, complex care pathways, leadership and management in nursing, and an extended research project or dissertation that develops a systematic enquiry into a practice-focused problem.

• Core biomedical sciences for nursing
• Child development, family-centred care and communication
• Acute paediatric nursing and long-term condition management
• Safeguarding, public health and mental health in children and young people
• Pharmacology and medication safety in paediatrics
• Research methods, evidence-based practice and a substantial research project
• Clinical placements across hospital, community and specialist paediatric services

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold relevant qualifications at school-leaver or graduate level. Typical applicants present A-levels (including at least one science or health-related subject) or an equivalent qualification; the programme also considers applicants with previous degrees from related disciplines for entry to the integrated pathway.

All candidates must demonstrate relevant experience working with children or in health and care settings, provide academic and/or employment references, and meet the University’s health and fitness to practise requirements. Admission is subject to satisfactory occupational health screening, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and any other statutory checks required for professional practice.

International applicants must meet the University’s academic equivalency criteria and provide evidence of English language ability at the level required for professional nursing practice and regulatory approval.

Career prospects

Graduates exit the programme prepared to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as children’s nurses and to practise across acute paediatric wards, children’s community nursing teams, outpatient and urgent care services, neonatal units and specialist centres. The MSci level equips graduates to move more rapidly into advanced clinical roles, leadership and service improvement posts.

Common career pathways include specialist paediatric nurse, community children’s nurse, clinical nurse specialist, nurse consultant, practice educator or policy and public health roles focused on child and family services. The research training included in the MSci also supports progression into academic study (doctoral level) and practice-based research posts.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester combines research-led teaching with strong partnerships across local NHS trusts, offering diverse clinical placements in tertiary and community paediatric settings. Facilities include clinical skills and simulation suites that allow students to practise assessment and emergency responses in realistic scenarios before placement.

Students benefit from interprofessional learning opportunities alongside medicine, allied health and social care programmes, and receive support from dedicated practice and academic tutors throughout their course. The city of Leicester provides a varied clinical environment, from specialist children’s services to community and public-health settings, enhancing the breadth of practice experience available to students.

Overall the course emphasises safe, evidence-based, family-centred care and aims to produce children’s nurses who are clinically competent, research-aware and equipped to contribute to service development and leadership in paediatric health services.