Overview

Caring for children and young people through illness and recovery calls for both clinical skill and genuine compassion, building trust with patients and families at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. The BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child) at the University of Hertfordshire splits learning evenly between university-based study and hands-on placements in hospital and community settings from the outset, supported by dedicated children's nursing and simulation facilities. Students learn to recognise normal and atypical child development, manage a child's journey from diagnosis through recovery or end-of-life care, and choose specialist modules in areas such as neonatal or oncology care. The course suits students with a genuine passion for children's health who want a practically grounded route into paediatric nursing, backed by strong professional recognition and employment outcomes.

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What You'll Learn

• Normal and atypical child development, and how to recognise and respond to each

• Communication and relationship-building skills tailored to children, young people and their families

• Anatomy and physiology relevant to childhood conditions and illnesses

• Health promotion and the prevention of ill health in children and young people

• A child's clinical journey from diagnosis through to recovery or end-of-life care

• Specialist areas of practice, such as caring for children with cancer or supporting neonates and their families

• Research methods and evidence-based approaches to children's nursing practice

• Leadership, teamwork and service improvement in preparation for qualified practice

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to assess the physical, emotional and developmental needs of children and young people, and design holistic, evidence-based care plans in response. They will be equipped to communicate confidently and sensitively with children, young people and their families, building the trust needed to deliver compassionate care. Through extensive practice placements and specialist study, students will develop strong clinical, research and leadership skills relevant to a range of paediatric care settings. Graduates will be eligible to register as qualified children's nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, ready to pursue careers across hospital, community and specialist services supporting children and young people.