COURSE CURRICULUM

The Children’s Nursing programme is structured to develop the advanced clinical knowledge, practical skills and professional competencies required for registration as a compassionate and highly skilled children’s nurse. The course begins with the completion of an RPL portfolio, which formally recognises prior learning and professional experience through the submission of evidence in accordance with university procedures. During the second year, students study A Partnership in Care – Valuing the Experts by Experience, a module that develops knowledge and practical skills in qualitative research methods and interpretative approaches relevant to healthcare and applied psychology. Students explore research methodologies including phenomenological, ethnographic, narrative and discourse-based approaches while gaining experience in data collection, analysis and research design through the preparation of a substantial qualitative research proposal and feasibility study. Contemporary Public Health in Nursing Practice develops an understanding of public health principles and the role of nurses in improving health outcomes locally, nationally and globally, while examining public health policies, legislation and inequalities that influence the health and wellbeing of children and families. Developing a Skilled and Compassionate Children’s Nurse runs throughout the academic year and supports the integration of theoretical learning with practical nursing skills, preparing students for placements in a range of hospital and community settings. Integrating Evidence-Based Decision Making in Children’s Nursing introduces evidence-based practice frameworks and decision-making theories that support safe, effective and child-centred nursing care across diverse healthcare environments. In the final year, Biopsychosocial Assessment and Decision Making in Children’s Nursing further develops students' clinical reasoning and assessment skills, enabling them to manage complex caseloads, lead teams and coordinate care for children, families and carers across the age continuum. Leading Innovative Evidence-Based Nursing focuses on research utilisation, leadership and service improvement by requiring students to identify a clinical issue, develop an evidence-based solution and demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to implement sustainable improvements in nursing practice. Together, these modules prepare graduates to become confident, resilient and future-ready children’s nurses capable of delivering high-quality, compassionate care and leading positive change within healthcare services.