Children's Nursing

Children's nursing is a specialist branch of nursing that focuses on the care of infants, children, and young people from birth through adolescence, across a wide range of health conditions from acute illness and injury through to long-term conditions and life-limiting illness. Children's nurses work in hospitals, community settings, specialist paediatric units, schools, and primary care, developing the clinical skills, communication abilities, and emotional intelligence needed to care for children and support their families through some of the most challenging experiences of their lives. The profession requires people who can work with the vulnerability and particular communication needs of children across different developmental stages while also engaging effectively with parents and families.

At the University of Chester, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year for students who do not have the necessary academic qualifications needed to enter directly into the first year of a nursing degree but who have the ability and commitment to succeed. The foundation year is designed to provide a supported academic entry point before the nursing degree itself begins. The nursing degree is accredited with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, meaning that successful completion leads to registration as a registered nurse in the children's field.

A year abroad is also available as part of the programme. You will undertake substantial supervised clinical placements throughout the degree, gaining competence in children's nursing across a range of settings.

With a typical entry tariff of 72 UCAS points, this is one of the most accessible routes to nursing registration for students committed to children's healthcare. Graduates register with the NMC as children's nurses and pursue careers in paediatric wards, children's intensive care, neonatal units, oncology, community children's nursing, school nursing, and specialist paediatric services across the NHS and independent sector.