Nursing (Child) BSc

Course overview

This course will equip you with the competence and confidence to think critically and deliver high-quality, compassionate, and evidence-informed care for children, young people and their families. We’ll support you to develop the resilience and excellent communication skills needed in today’s complex and ever-changing healthcare environment.

You’ll learn to recognise and understand inequalities in health, the effect this has on access to services, and ways to address such issues. You’ll also explore the relationship between mental health and physical health, the impact of pre-existing conditions, and behaviour and development in young people.

Clinical placements are integral to the programme and are included within each year. These will enable you to gain expertise in different clinical environments, including medicine, surgery, community and high dependency/critical care.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to provide complex care and promote optimal health and wellbeing for children, young people and their families, work effectively within a team, supervise others and be a leader of care.

NHS funding is available for nursing students. Find out more here.

Course highlights

• Developed in partnership with service users and carers – as well as our current students and practitioners – this course allows you to benefit from real-world experiences.
• You’ll have access to simulation technology and engaging online learning packages, alongside essential experience on campus and in practice environments. Our clinical skills suite recreates a variety of healthcare settings – including a community flat, high dependency unit and hospital ward. Here, you’ll practice clinical skills such as measuring vital signs, medication management and enteral feeding methods.
• Ranked in the Top 10 in the UK for Nursing (Complete University Guide 2023), we'll provide you with the outstanding education you need to grow and develop as a nurse.
• Opportunities to study abroad with either a short healthcare related option or a study abroad year which will develop transferable skills and intercultural awareness. Find out more in the study abroad section.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Students who successfully complete this programme will be able to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Course details

Taught by supportive and inspirational staff, this course has been designed to give you a stimulating student experience.

Your studies will be equally split 50:50 between university and a range of clinical placements and healthcare settings. Find out more in the work placements section.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Nursing (Child) BSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Nursing: Key Concepts of Health and Wellbeing (40 credits) – You’ll learn how to search for, identify and use sources of evidence, recognising that nursing practice is an evidence-based discipline. By exploring core elements of health and wellbeing, and applying this knowledge to your field of practice, you’ll build your personal and professional abilities. You’ll also reflect on your own experience in relation to the recognised professional, ethical and legal frameworks that guide nursing practice.

Child Nursing: Applying the Key Concepts of Health and Wellbeing (40 credits) – On your first assessed placement, you’ll practice in accordance with the recognised professional, ethical and legal frameworks that guide nursing practice, learning how to maximise the mental health and wellbeing of people and their families, while developing fundamental clinical skills. Working in partnership with others, you’ll study the strengths and limitations of the evidence base, while ensuring that equality and diversity are fully respected.

Nursing: Working in Partnership to Promote Health and Wellbeing (40 credits) – In accordance with the recognised professional, ethical and legal frameworks that guide nursing and recognise your own limitations, you’ll apply the concepts of health and wellbeing to partnership working, including a consideration of barriers. This immersive module allows you to reflect on practice, consider different approaches to delivering care, and identify how particular research designs answer different research questions. You’ll also undertake guided independent work as preparation for Year 2.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Nursing: Providing Quality Care (40 credits) – You’ll further develop your ability to practice in accordance with the recognised professional, ethical and legal frameworks that guide nursing practice and recognise your own limitations. You’ll evaluate measures of quality, while studying new technologies and their impact on health, including genomic data, digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Working within the context of a team, you’ll study individual patient care and develop your delegation skills.

Child Nursing: Health Promotion and Facilitation of Recovery Through Empathic Engagement (40 credits) – A crucial component of health care, you’ll discuss the attitudes, values and conditions that promote and restrict health and wellbeing for people with long-term conditions, and the impact on their quality of life. By critically appraising the influence culture and diversity have on health, you’ll access research evidence in conjunction with service user, carer and family narratives to critically evaluate the impact of interventions on health and wellbeing.

Nursing: Promoting Health and Wellbeing in Challenging Situations (40 credits) – You’ll work effectively with members of inter-professional teams, non-statutory agencies, and families to provide high-quality, safe care across a wide range of integrated care settings. Critically evaluating the principles of partnership working with hard-to-reach groups, you’ll gain invaluable experience in working with challenging situations. In an ever-changing care environment, this module allows you to explore digital and innovative technologies to meet identified needs in protecting and promoting health and wellbeing.

Year 3 compulsory modules

Nursing: Dissertation (40 credits) – Identifying and critically analysing an area of nursing practice, you’ll formulate a clear and appropriate research question, conducting a robust and structured literature search and critically appraising the evidence. You’ll have the opportunity to present a robust and coherent academic discussion, making recommendations for practice based on the available evidence, understanding the implications for nursing practice and recommending areas for further research and development.

Child Nursing: Providing Complex Care (40 credits) – You’ll critically evaluate the care requirements for individuals with complex needs to facilitate optimal recovery or end-of-life care, and recognise and respond to the mental and physical deterioration of a person demonstrating evidence-based decisions. This module will equip you with the skills to critically evaluate the impact of interventions for people and their families, and you may choose to undertake a non-assessed international placement.

Nursing Leadership and Role Transition (40 credits) – This module will allow you to critically analyse and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses that need addressing in terms of role transition, while demonstrating effective leadership skills in managing self and others to ensure the continuity and coordination of care. You’ll critically reflect on the dominant culture within an organisation and/or team and articulate the impact this could have on the quality and safety of patient care.

Learning and teaching

Our courses are designed to use a range of learning and teaching methods including face-to-face activities and online digital technologies. Methods of teaching and learning are highly participative, with a combination of tutor-led input and support, learning through group work and discussion, and individual exercises and practice.

We work closely with healthcare organisations to ensure this course provides education which fully meets the changing health needs of the population. Our experienced lecturers will support you to develop specialised knowledge and skills, which will enable you to play key roles in the workplace and communities. Our academics collaborate with practitioners, providing access to cutting-edge practice before it’s in the wider domain and giving you a distinct advantage in your professional life.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

In clinical practice, you’ll be assessed by registered professionals who are responsible for your learning and development whilst on placement. Assessment takes many forms within the University, including individual and group assignments, written and oral exams, and practical assessments.

With support, you’ll demonstrate knowledge and application of nursing concepts and techniques, and develop abilities, skills, and competencies to provide person-centred care. You will be able to draw on a wide variety of evidence-based material, such as academic journals, textbooks, policy, and national health-related guidelines and be able to evaluate and critique received opinion.

Some of our assessments are developed in partnership with service users and carers, using their real-world experiences to develop case studies. Assessments will enable you to meet the standards set out by the NMC and prepare you to be life-long learners managing future challenges.

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB. Including one of the following subjects: Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Physics, Psychology, or Sociology. General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted.

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at a Grade 4 / C, including English, Mathematics and two Sciences (either single sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or dual award)

Other course specific tests:

• In your application, you will need to show evidence of study in the last five years.
• You are also required to provide an academic reference, which includes a statement which attests to your character and good standing, and suitability to enter the profession for which you have applied.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. All successful applicants will also need to pass disclosure and barring screening. The University has a policy statement on students with criminal records. For the vast majority of students who are resident in the UK the record will be checked via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The DBS check can only include background checks on your time in the UK. A criminal record check from other countries in addition to the UK DBS check may be required. Abroad this may be referred to as a "Certificate of Good Conduct" (CoGC), but the name varies.
• Occupational health assessment. Any offer of a place to study Nursing (Mental Health) BSc is conditional upon a satisfactory confidential occupational health assessment, which will include a health questionnaire, and if necessary further telephone consultation and/or an appointment with an occupational health clinician. Screening for serious communicable disease, (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and a review of immunisation status and needs, which includes COVID-19, will also be arranged before beginning your studies.

You can find out more about our application and interview process on our Applicant Journey page.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

A level: BCC with a B in one of the following: Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Physics, Psychology, or Sociology.

GCSE: All subjects at Grade 4 (C) including English, Maths and Science.

Access to Leeds: Pass.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 7.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 will be available on individual course pages from September 2023.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional costs

All applicants need to ensure cognisance of the financial implications before applying to the School of Healthcare and that there may be a requirement to provide a financial guarantee of funding for three years. The status of a student as being a home or overseas student is based upon residential status and not nationality. Where a prospective student is an overseas citizen living within the UK they should contact the Admissions Team at the School of Healthcare, admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk regardless of their residential status, to verify their fees status.

The course length is three years. Students will have to pay for Occupational Health clearance and immunisations (cost will vary dependent on individual needs of student and course requirements as well as any additional Occupational Health appointments and treatment needed during the programme. Other additional costs associated with the programme, which require consideration include visas and travel to and from placement. Applicants for all Undergraduate programmes at the School of Healthcare require a Criminal Record check, which will be undertaken as part of the visa application.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

NHS Learning Support Fund

The Learning Support Fund includes a non-repayable grant of £5,000 per year plus additional financial support for students with parental responsibility (for a child under the age of 15 years or under 17 years if they are registered with special educational needs). There is also support for practice placements travel expenses and students who find themselves in unforeseen financial hardship. Find out more and check your eligibility here.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

For a guide on how to apply for a place and what to expect, please read our Applicant journey page.

You must tell us in your UCAS application if you want to defer entry and if you have any prior criminal convictions.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Selection

We shortlist applicants against agreed criteria, using the information you submit on your UCAS form only. You must meet the academic entry requirement for the programme. Your academic background and personal statement help us to assess your interest in the academic subject and are an important part of the process. The reference you provide on the UCAS form must also support your application, this should be an academic reference, which also includes a statement which attests to (your) character and good standing.

Interviews

If your UCAS application meets our shortlisting criteria, you will be invited to undertake a virtual interview. This may take place via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Blackboard Collaborate.

Recruitment events will take place between December and April.

You will be allocated to one of the events; if the date is not suitable you need to contact the taught admissions officer and request an alternative date (admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk). Non-attendance at an event without explanation will result in your application being automatically rejected.

International admissions process

All applicants for nursing programmes must meet entry requirements, are required to be interviewed. Interviews may be conducted via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Blackboard Collaborate and will be arranged with the applicant for a specific date and time.

Following applicant shortlisting by the School of Healthcare Admissions Team, applicants will be invited to undertake an interview subject to relevant entry criteria attainment as identified below.

Information pertaining to the International English Language Testing System qualification “IELTS” is available above.

This course is taught by

School of Healthcare

Contact us

School of Healthcare Admissions Team

Email: admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Once qualified as a nurse, you could work in healthcare environments in the NHS or private sector, hospital, community settings or public health. Or you could choose to work abroad. From a clinical nurse you could progress to become a ward or department manager, a clinical nurse specialist or eventually a consultant nurse. You could move into nursing management or education, or could pursue further academic study in nursing research or undertake a PhD.

For advice on nursing as a career choice read NHS careers.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

For some students able to meet specific criteria, there’s an opportunity to undertake an international placement experience in year 3.

Horizon study abroad year: think outside the box

There’s also the option to undertake a year out of the programme (year 3) and study in another country as part of the Horizon programme. The Horizon study abroad year is a unique University of Leeds programme that allows you to develop key employability skills, such as linguistic and intercultural competencies at selected partner institutions in Morocco, Israel, South Korea, Japan and China. The year abroad does not count towards any of the NMC requirements for registration. The fourth year of your programme would be equivalent to the third year of the three-year programme.

These optional, self-funded, experiences could help you to build on your awareness of cultural competence and consider the global issues in healthcare.

Visit Horizon year abroad to find out more.

Work placements

Clinical placements are integral to the programme and contribute towards 50% of the programme. In each year of the programme, you’ll gain experience, knowledge, and skills in different clinical environments, such as medicine, surgery, and high dependency/critical care as well as community care. Your placements will be within a variety of organisations, including Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust and other local health and social care settings. Your final practice placement will be a long placement to consolidate your knowledge, clinical skills and competence. preparing you to become a Registered Nurse (Child).

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