Overview

Delivering compassionate, evidence-based healthcare to neonates, children, young people, and their families requires exceptional clinical expertise, emotional resilience, and technical skill. The BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child) at University of Leeds is a professional degree approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), delivered by the School of Healthcare. The curriculum integrates core nursing science—spanning child development, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology—with extensive clinical practice placements across NHS acute hospital wards, pediatric intensive care units, community health teams, and specialist children's hospices. Taught by active healthcare researchers and experienced nurse practitioners, students train in advanced clinical simulation suites using high-fidelity pediatric manikins. This program is designed for empathetic, highly motivated individuals who wish to master pediatric clinical assessment, advocate for young patients, and deliver high-quality, family-centered care.

What You'll Learn

• Fundamental child health concepts, pediatric anatomy, human physiology, and developmental psychology

• Pathophysiology, acute and chronic childhood illnesses, pediatric pharmacology, and safe medication management

• Clinical assessment techniques, pediatric life support, clinical decision-making, and risk management

• Family-centered care frameworks, therapeutic communication, child safeguarding, and advocacy principles

• Evidence-based nursing practice, health promotion strategies, and healthcare research methodologies

• Professional values, nursing ethics, healthcare law, leadership dynamics, and interprofessional teamwork

• Practical clinical skills in infection control, clinical monitoring, fluid management, and emergency response

• Clinical practice placements within NHS hospital trusts, pediatric units, community nursing teams, and specialist settings

• Independent healthcare research project or applied child nursing evidence synthesis

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will possess the theoretical knowledge, professional values, and clinical competencies required to meet NMC standards for registration as a Registered Nurse (Child). They will demonstrate the capability to perform holistic pediatric health assessments, formulate evidence-based nursing care plans, and manage complex acute and long-term health conditions in children and young people. Students build strong practical capabilities in clinical judgment, pediatric emergency response, and safe medication administration through clinical placements and high-fidelity simulations. Furthermore, learners master the ability to communicate effectively with young patients and their families, lead interdisciplinary care teams, and evaluate healthcare quality and safety. Upon successful completion of the course and professional registration, scholars are fully prepared to pursue careers across pediatric wards, neonatal units, child mental health services, community nursing, or postgraduate clinical research.