BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child)

Nursing is a full-time course and, although you will not be in the classroom every day, you'll have plenty of learning to occupy the whole week. You will normally be in university three or four days per week.

Over the three years of the course, you will be undertaking 2,300 hours of theoretical learning (including directed and self-directed study) and 2,300 hours of practice (which includes 600 hours of simulated practice learning).

We use a variety of learning and teaching techniques to support you including, simulated practice learning, lectures, seminars, group work, problem-based learning, and discussion.

Whilst in practice you will be working 37.5 hours per week and will experience the full range of shifts, including earlies, lates, nights, and weekends. You will be supported by three key people whilst you are in practice; your practice supervisor, practice assessor and your academic assessor.

Throughout your placement experiences, you'll be supervised directly or indirectly by a practice and academic assessor who assess your competency to practice. The degree of supervision will depend on your stage of learning and will allow you time to advance your skills at your own pace, whilst maintaining the safety of children and families.

Placements are varied to ensure you achieve the Nursing and Midwifery Council requirements for registration. During placements you are required to work the shift patterns (weekends, bank holidays and night duty) of your practice area. This ensures that you experience the full range of activity in your individual placement. Whilst on placement, you must conform to the rules of appearance and conduct as set out by your placement provider/organisation.

In your third year, you'll have an elective placement giving you the opportunity to arrange your own experience to enhance your practice learning. You may, for example, choose to go to a children’s hospital in London or elsewhere in the country, or a specialist service, such as paramedics. You could also choose to arrange an overseas experience.

You'll be allocated a personal academic tutor (PAT) who is there to support you over the three years of the course, and ensure that you have the opportunity to reach your full potential during your time as a student nurse. There are also other support services within the University that you can access to help you develop your academic and critical thinking skills.

You'll be expected to undertake independent learning to support your academic modules and practice experience. This may be undertaken individually or within small groups, and will include problem solving activities.

Each 30-credit module will include 66 hours of directed learning and 244 hours of self-directed study. 

Academic staff will provide guidance for your independent learning through the virtual learning environment.