Nursing (Child) with Foundation Year
Children's nursing is the field of nursing concerned with the healthcare of infants, children, and young people, from neonates through to adolescence, including those with acute conditions, long-term health needs, and complex care requirements. It is a profession that demands clinical expertise alongside the specific communication skills, patience, and empathy needed to work effectively with children at different developmental stages and to support the families who care for them. Children's nurses make a genuine difference in the lives of their patients, often during some of the most frightening and challenging experiences those families will face.
At the University of Derby, this four-year, full-time degree with a foundation year provides a supported entry route into children's nursing for students who need an additional preparatory year before entering the main clinical programme. The foundation year helps you develop the academic, scientific, and professional foundations needed for degree-level nursing study. Through the main programme, you will develop knowledge in anatomy and physiology, child development, pharmacology, family-centred care, and safeguarding, alongside the clinical skills needed for assessment and care delivery across the full age range.
Placements in hospitals, community settings, and specialist children's services are central to the training. The programme leads to eligibility to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a children's nurse upon successful completion. The typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects the foundation year entry requirements.
Children's nursing graduates are in consistent demand across the NHS and the independent and voluntary healthcare sectors. Career progression can lead to specialist, advanced practitioner, and managerial roles in areas such as neonatal care, paediatric oncology, community children's nursing, and safeguarding. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study to develop specialist expertise or pursue academic careers in nursing and child health.