Child Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Child Nursing at the University of Dundee is a comprehensive and dedicated programme designed to prepare students for a vital role in healthcare—caring for children and their families. This course offers a blend of academic learning, practical experience, and clinical placements, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and compassionate approach required to excel as qualified child nurses. Over the duration of the programme, students will explore a wide range of topics including child development, paediatric health conditions, child safeguarding, and family-centered care. The curriculum emphasizes not only theoretical understanding but also hands-on clinical practice, ensuring that graduates are confident, competent, and ready to work in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, community clinics, and schools. The programme promotes interprofessional learning, encouraging collaboration with other healthcare professionals to deliver the highest standards of care to children and young people. Throughout their studies, students gain exposure to real-world scenarios through placements in recognised healthcare facilities, guided by experienced clinical educators. The course is structured to support students from foundational knowledge in biology and healthcare to advanced skills in paediatric nursing practice. Emphasis is also placed on developing communication and emotional resilience to effectively support children and their families during challenging times. Graduates of this programme will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as qualified Child Nurses, enabling them to pursue a dynamic and rewarding career in paediatric nursing across the UK and beyond. The University of Dundee’s Child Nursing programme is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that nurtures compassionate, competent, and reflective practitioners dedicated to improving children’s health outcomes and promoting family well-being.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

Students studying child nursing will develop an understanding of the developmental, physical and social needs of children in hospital and at home.

Child nurses will work with other members of the multidisciplinary team during placements in hospital wards, community settings and in high dependency areas. They also work with the parents and other family members of the children in their care.

The role of the child nurse ranges from promoting health, minimising illness and protecting children who are vulnerable.

The nursing curriculum is currently under review, and is due to be approved during 2011.

Practice placements are provided in Tayside and Fife and students are allocated the majority of their placements in the vicinity of their term-time address.

It will be necessary for some clinical experience to be gained in placements further afield in order to provide students with exposure to a rich and diverse clinical experience.

Requirements

- Minimum Requirements:

SQA Higher: CC+3SG

GCE A-Level: DD+3GCSE

ILC Higher: CC+3Ord

IB Diploma: 24 points with 4, 4 at HL

- Essential Subjects:

English and mathematics at least to SG, GCSE, Ord, SL. Combinations of H/SG, A-L/GCSE or ILC H/Ord must be in 5 different subjects.

- Note:

Satisfactory reference, interview performance, health screening and criminal record search are part of the selection process for all courses.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Dundee.

Accreditation

Professional Accreditation:

All programmes provide both an academic and professional qualification; registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.