BSc (Hons) Child Nursing

Program Overview

This BSc Honours degree in Child Nursing prepares students for a career in caring for children and their families. The program combines academic study with extensive clinical placements, emphasizing holistic care and developing critical thinking, communication, and ethical skills. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and can pursue diverse career paths within child nursing.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

This Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours degree in Child Nursing prepares students for a career in caring for children and their families. The program focuses on developing theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, emphasizing holistic care for infants, children, young people, and their families.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to children and their families.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make sound clinical judgments.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration skills for working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Promote ethical and professional conduct aligned with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code.
• Cultivate a lifelong learning attitude for continuous professional development.

Program Description:

The Child Nursing program combines academic study with extensive clinical placements in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and community organizations. It emphasizes integrating theory and practice, ensuring students are prepared for the realities of professional nursing.

Outline:

Content:

• Child Development and Health: Understanding the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of children across different age groups.
• Child Health Assessment: Learning to assess and monitor the health of children, identifying potential health issues and implementing appropriate interventions.
• Child Care and Management: Gaining expertise in providing holistic care for children, including physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs.
• Child Health Education and Promotion: Developing skills to educate children, families, and communities about health and wellbeing.
• Professional Development: Building essential professional skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, and ethical practice.
• Clinical Practice: Extensive clinical placements provide hands-on experience in various healthcare settings, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

Structure:

• 3-year full-time program
• 50% academic study and 50% clinical placements
• Simulated learning environments with fully equipped wards and simulation models
• Access to a virtual learning environment with resources and support materials

Course Schedule:

• The program follows a semester system, with two semesters per academic year.
• Each semester typically includes a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical sessions.
• The schedule for each semester is provided to students at the beginning of the term.

Modules:

• Year 1:
• Child Nursing Practice Learning 1
• Child Clinical Supervision and Professional Development 1
• Principles of Children’s Nursing
• Fundamentals of Children’s and Young People’s Nursing
• Year 2:
• Child Health Assessment
• Child Health Promotion and Education
• Child Psychology and Mental Health
• Acute and Critical Care in Children
• Year 3:
• Advanced Child Nursing Practice
• Elective Placement
• Research Project in Child Health
• Leadership and Management in Child Nursing

Individual Module Descriptions:

• Child Nursing Practice Learning 1: This module focuses on developing basic clinical skills and knowledge through supervised practice in healthcare settings.
• Child Clinical Supervision and Professional Development 1: This module introduces students to the principles of clinical supervision and professional development, fostering self-reflection and critical thinking.
• Fundamentals of Children’s and Young People’s Nursing: This module equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to care for children and young people in various healthcare settings.
• Child Health Assessment: This module focuses on developing the skills to assess and monitor the physical, emotional, and social health of children, identifying potential health issues.
• Child Health Promotion and Education: This module develops skills in health education and promotion, enabling students to educate children, families, and communities about healthy lifestyles.
• Child Psychology and Mental Health: This module explores the psychological development of children and adolescents, addressing common mental health challenges and interventions.
• Acute and Critical Care in Children: This module focuses on the care of children experiencing acute or critical illness, covering specialized nursing interventions and technologies.
• Advanced Child Nursing Practice: This module builds on previous learning, developing advanced clinical skills and decision-making abilities for complex child health needs.
• Elective Placement: This placement allows students to tailor their learning experience, choosing a specific area of interest or healthcare setting.
• Research Project in Child Health: This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct a research project in an area of interest related to child health.
• Leadership and Management in Child Nursing: This module explores leadership and management principles within the context of child nursing, preparing students for potential leadership roles.

Assessment:

• A variety of assessment methods are used, including written assignments, essays, presentations, examinations, and clinical practice assessments.
• Each module has its own assessment criteria, ensuring students meet the learning outcomes for that specific module.
• Clinical practice is assessed by qualified nurses using the Pan London Assessment Document, evaluating students' competency in practical skills and knowledge.
• To progress to the next level, students must pass all assessment components, both theoretical and practical.

Teaching:

• Experienced lecturers and senior lecturers with diverse specializations in child nursing deliver the academic content.
• Clinical placements are supervised by qualified nurses who provide ongoing guidance and support.
• Outside speakers share their expertise and personal perspectives, enriching the learning experience.
• The program integrates university learning with practical experiences, ensuring a seamless transition between theory and practice.
• Students receive 50 hours of academic direction per module and are expected to engage in independent study and preparatory work.
• Access to a virtual learning environment provides a wide range of resources and support materials.
• The program aligns with the University's Learning and Teaching Strategy 2015-2022, focusing on student-centered learning and active engagement.

Careers:

• Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work as registered children’s nurses.
• The program prepares students for diverse career paths within child nursing, including:
• Children's wards and hospitals
• Neonatal Intensive Care Units
• Short breaks and hospice services
• Community services
• Research
• Further study opportunities exist in postgraduate programs, such as Specialist Community and Public Health Nursing, MSc, or PhD studies.

Other:

• The program is subject to conjoint approval between the University and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
• Students must comply with the NMC Code of Conduct and demonstrate good health and character throughout their studies.
• A Health Foundation Year option is available for students who meet interview requirements but lack certain entry requirements.

• UK
• Overseas
Full-time £9,250 £15,500

The fees above are for the 2024/25 academic year but may be subject to change following any announcements by the UK Government (approved by Parliament) regarding maximum Undergraduate tuition fee caps for 2024/25. In addition, the University reserves the right to increase all full-time and part-time Undergraduate tuition fees mid-course, in line with any further inflationary increase in the Government tuition fee cap which is approved by Parliament. Students with an Overseas fee status will be eligible for an International student Scholarship fee discount of £1,500, which will be applied to all Full-time Undergraduate courses with a tuition fee of £15,500.