COURSE CURRICULUM

The Child Nursing curriculum combines theoretical knowledge, clinical practice, and professional development to prepare students for safe, compassionate, and evidence-based nursing care for infants, children, young people, and their families. In the first year, students establish a strong foundation through core modules including Introduction to Nursing, Health Sciences for Nursing Practice (Child), and Person-centred Nursing Care for Health and Wellbeing (Child). The Introduction to Nursing module introduces the professional role of the nurse, legal and ethical responsibilities, Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards, communication skills, reflective practice, emotional intelligence, evidence-based care, infection prevention and control, health and safety, record keeping, and essential clinical skills, preparing students for practice placements and person-centred care. In the second year, students deepen their knowledge through Research for Health and Wellbeing, Pharmacological and Psychosocial Interventions (Child), and Developing Nursing Practice (Child). These modules develop an understanding of research methods, ethics, governance, epidemiology, public health, health inequalities, and the wider determinants of health while enabling students to apply evidence to clinical decision-making. Students also examine childhood development, therapeutic communication, pharmacological and psychosocial interventions, immunisation, vaccination, health screening, and the effects of lifestyle and environmental factors on children's physical, mental, and behavioural wellbeing. In the final year, students prepare for independent professional practice through Leadership for Nursing Practice (Child), Innovation and Improvement in Nursing Practice (Child), and Transition to Autonomous Practice (Child). The Leadership for Nursing Practice module develops advanced skills in leadership, teamwork, delegation, patient safety, risk management, healthcare quality improvement, organisational culture, medication management, public health, clinical governance, and responding effectively to critical incidents. Students also learn to supervise others, evaluate nursing care, apply advanced pharmacological knowledge, and reflect on professional practice to support continuous improvement. Throughout the programme, academic learning is integrated with extensive clinical placements and practical skills training, enabling students to build confidence, resilience, critical thinking, and professional competence. This comprehensive curriculum prepares graduates to deliver high-quality, family-centred care as registered children's nurses in hospitals, community services, specialist paediatric units, primary care, and a wide range of child health settings.