MSc Nursing (Child)

Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers to enter and on qualification registered nurses are employed in a variety of settings. Children’s nurses work with children who have a diverse range of health conditions, some of whom will be facing the most challenging life events. As a children’s nurse you will deliver care to children with acute and complex care needs, while also gaining a broader awareness of the needs of all client groups and meeting the challenges of a changing healthcare environment. With access to practice learning placements, this Masters degree provides the opportunity for graduates to enter the nursing profession. It will enable you to register as a qualified children’s nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), having developed the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to help plan, coordinate and deliver care in a safe, compassionate and effective way.

What will I study?

This two-year Masters degree is delivered in a supportive learning environment. You will have the opportunity to achieve nursing proficiencies, aligned to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s standards of proficiency, which represent the skills, knowledge and attributes that children’s nurses must demonstrate.

In Year 1 you will focus on professionalism, communication, personal resilience and emotional intelligence. You will discover the principles of person-centred care, focus on the promotion of health and wellbeing, and engage in simulated education and practice placements where you will be supported by practice supervisors and assessors. You will also examine research methodologies and enhance your skills and understanding in evidence-based care.

Year 2 enhances your core and field-specific competencies in person-centred care. There will be a focus on leadership and management, evaluating care and working in teams, as well as disciplines such as pharmacology and medication management. You will also be introduced to the principles of organisational change and public policy and the development of political awareness. You will undertake further practice placements where you will confirm your achievement of nursing proficiencies in preparation for professional registration.

Career Prospects

What are my career prospects?

Children’s nurses work in partnership with families to care for all children and young people, whether well or sick, injured or disabled. They support children with acute illness, chronic ill health or long-term life-limiting conditions and are instrumental in maintaining the health of children and young people through health promotion. Offering comfort and reassurance to patients and their parents or carers in difficult or distressing circumstances, they provide care that is sensitive to the child’s physical, developmental and emotional needs, whether in hospitals, the community or the home.

Following registration as a children’s nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, you can pursue a career in a variety of settings. These include specialist children’s hospitals, general hospitals and paediatric community services/teams.

The course will also prove useful in the areas of leadership, management and consultancy, as well as education and research. There are significant opportunities for further professional development and specialism.