Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This three-year honours degree combines university-based learning with substantial supervised clinical placements across community, hospital and specialist settings. Core themes include growth and development, child and family health promotion, acute and long-term conditions, mental health, safeguarding, and evidence-based clinical decision-making. You will study anatomy and physiology relevant to children, pharmacology and medication management in paediatric practice, communication and therapeutic relationships with children and families, and research methods for nursing practice.

Teaching is a mix of lectures, seminars, skills sessions and simulated practice in clinical skills laboratories, together with interprofessional learning and reflective practice. Practice placement learning is integrated throughout the programme and typically includes care of neonates, paediatrics on wards, community children's nursing, specialist services such as palliative and complex care, and mental health/child and adolescent services. Assessment methods include written assignments, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), practice-based assessments and a final-year research or evidence-based practice project.

Entry requirements

Bournemouth University looks for applicants with a combination of academic achievement and clear evidence of suitability for professional practice. Typical academic offers include appropriate A level or vocational qualifications (such as BTEC) in health or science-related subjects, or equivalent qualifications recognised by the university. Applicants should also meet minimum GCSE requirements including English and maths at an acceptable grade. Admissions tutors value experience of working with children and young people, either paid or voluntary, and a demonstrable commitment to working in health care.

All applicants will undergo a selection process which may include an interview, values-based assessment and disclosure checks (such as a DBS). Applicants must satisfy fitness to practise requirements and provide evidence of immunisation and occupational health clearance as required for clinical placements. International applicants should meet the university's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to register with the relevant UK nursing regulator as a Registered Nurse specialising in children and young people, enabling employment in a wide range of NHS, independent and voluntary sector roles. Typical first roles include staff nurse posts on paediatric wards, community children's nursing teams, health visiting support roles, outreach and liaison teams, and specialist services for long-term and complex conditions.

With experience and further training, career progression can include roles such as advanced clinical practitioner, nurse specialist (for example in diabetes, asthma, oncology or palliative care), community team lead, practice educator, research nurse or roles in commissioning and service development. The degree also provides a foundation for postgraduate study in advanced clinical practice, public health, leadership or child and adolescent mental health.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers a practice-led approach with strong emphasis on simulation and placement learning. Students benefit from dedicated clinical skills facilities and simulated practice environments that mirror real-world paediatric scenarios, supported by practice educators and academics with clinical experience. The programme maintains close partnerships with local NHS trusts and community providers across the south coast and neighbouring regions to ensure a diverse range of placements.

The university promotes interprofessional learning opportunities with allied health and social care programmes, preparing students to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. Student support for placement coordination, pastoral care and academic development is integrated throughout the degree, and the programme is designed to meet professional standards for safe, compassionate and effective children's nursing practice.