Keele University

What you'll study

This master’s pre-registration programme combines university-based teaching, clinical simulation and supervised practice placements. Teaching is organised into themed modules covering biological and psychosocial development; clinical assessment and decision-making in paediatrics; safe and effective medicines management; safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; and professional, legal and ethical aspects of nursing practice.

• Core clinical modules – assessment and management of common paediatric conditions, care of the acutely unwell child, neonatal and transitional care, long-term and complex conditions in childhood.
• Professional practice and development – communication with children, young people and families, family‑centred care, ethics and safeguarding, interprofessional working and leadership for nursing practice.
• Research and evidence-based practice – research methods, critical appraisal, quality improvement and a practice-focused dissertation or service improvement project.
• Practical skills and simulation – clinical skills sessions, paediatric life support, dosage calculations and medicines safety delivered in simulation suites and skills laboratories prior to and alongside placements.

Assessment methods include reflective portfolios, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), written assignments, case presentations and the final research/service improvement project. The programme meets the professional standards required for registration with the UK nursing regulator and integrates a series of supervised placements across acute hospitals, community children’s services and specialist paediatric units.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in any discipline; many successful applicants have degrees in health, social science or life sciences, but graduates from other subjects are also considered. Selection looks for evidence of academic ability, suitability for professional practice and relevant experience of working with children and families.

• Academic qualification: undergraduate degree at honours level (exact class considered as part of overall application).
• Experience: evidence of experience or exposure to childcare, health or social care settings is highly desirable and may be required for interview shortlisting.
• Health and suitability checks: satisfactory enhanced DBS (criminal records) check, occupational health clearance, and evidence of required immunisations and fitness for practice.
• English language: international applicants must meet the English language standards required for professional registration by the UK regulator (evidence of an approved English language test where appropriate).
• References and interview: academic and/or professional references plus successful performance at interview or selection day, which may include scenario-based assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify as registered children’s nurses and typically begin clinical careers in NHS and private paediatric services, working in roles such as staff nurse on children’s wards, neonatal units, children’s emergency departments and community children’s nursing teams. Career progression routes include senior staff nurse and banded managerial roles, specialist clinical nurse roles (for example in oncology, intensive care or diabetes), advanced practitioner roles, school nursing, health visiting (with further study), community nursing leadership and nurse education.

Additional pathways include postgraduate study (clinical specialist masters, advanced clinical practice, or research degrees), roles in paediatric research and clinical trials, policy and commissioning, child protection services and non-governmental organisations working with children and families.

Why study at Keele University

Keele’s School of Nursing and Midwifery combines strong links with regional NHS trusts and a campus environment that supports small-group teaching and practical skills training. Students benefit from dedicated simulation facilities, experienced paediatric clinical educators and a placement team that arranges supervised learning across acute and community settings, including specialist paediatric services in the region.

The programme emphasises a family-centred, evidence-based approach and integrates research and quality improvement into clinical learning. Keele offers structured student support, mentoring during placements, and career development services to help graduates transition into registered practice and progress into specialist or advanced roles.