Children Nursing

Children’s Nursing at Queen’s University Belfast is a comprehensive and dynamic undergraduate programme designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in paediatric healthcare. This course equips students with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and compassionate approaches necessary to provide high-quality care to infants, children, and young people across a range of medical and social settings. The programme combines academic learning with extensive clinical practice, ensuring graduates are confident in assessing, planning, and delivering nursing interventions tailored to the unique needs of children and their families. Throughout the degree, students explore a wide array of topics including child development, paediatric pharmacology, family-centred care, mental health in children, and ethical considerations in paediatric nursing. The curriculum is structured to foster evidence-based practice and critical thinking, encouraging students to continually update their skills in response to advances in child health and healthcare policies. Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation facilities and placements in renowned hospitals and community settings across Northern Ireland, which provide real-world experience working alongside experienced paediatric healthcare professionals. The programme emphasises the importance of holistic, person-centred care, promoting the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children and their families. Graduates of this programme will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as Children’s Nurses, opening opportunities for employment in hospitals, community services, and specialist clinics. Queen’s University Belfast’s Children’s Nursing degree is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, encouraging students to develop their professional identities and leadership skills. Upon completion, graduates are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to improving paediatric health outcomes and to pursue further education or research opportunities in the field of children’s nursing.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

his three-year degree programme leads to the award of a BSc (Hons) in Nursing and is the first step in preparing you for an outstanding career in Nursing. The degree has specific learning outcomes that relate to the knowledge, skills and attitudes central to practice: patient/client-centred, clinically-effective, competent and safe, evidence-based, and established on caring and ethical principles.

Students apply for a three-year programme in one of the following fields of Nursing: Adult, Children's, Learning Disability, or Mental Health.

In each of the three years, students study two theoretical modules and complete a clinical module. For example, in Year 1 the theoretical modules are Health and Wellbeing and Professional Nursing Values. In total, 50 per cent of the programme is theoretical and based in the University and the other 50 per cent consists of practice placements based in health care settings.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 7

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

This information is prepared in advance of the academic year to which it relates and the grades stated should be treated as a guide only as requirements can vary from year to year.
Overall academic background will be taken into account when considering applications.
All applicants (except Access/Foundation applicants) must normally have 5 GCSEs at grade C or better to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject (ie Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Double Award Science or Science). A GCSE Applied Science is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science.
Applicants offering Access/Foundation courses must have GCSE Mathematics and a Science subject at grade C or better. Please note that NICATS Mathematics is acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics and a Science module in Biology, Chemistry or Physics would be accepted in lieu of GCSE Science.
In addition to the GCSE requirements, or equivalent, applicants must offer one of the following qualifications:

• A-level CCC including a relevant Science (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics)
  OR
  BCC where a relevant Science subject is not offered.
• BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma (18 Units) Successful completion with 4 Distinctions and 14 Merits in a relevant science based course
  OR
  Successful completion with 6 Distinctions and 12 Merits in a non-relevant course
• Access/Foundation Course An average mark of 63% where at least half of the overall programme is in Biology and Chemistry
  OR
  An average mark of 68% is required for non-science access courses.
• BTEC HND Successful completion with Merits or better in at least 10 of the 16 units and Passes in all other units
• BTEC HNC Successful completion with at least 75% of the weighted value of the Units at Merit grade or better and Passes in all other units.
• Irish Leaving Certificate B2B2CCC at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is offered (see list under A-level requirements)
  OR
  B2B2B2CC at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is not offered
  All applicants: if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics and a Science subject.
  Note: Junior Certificate grades will be taken into account at shortlisting
• Scottish Highers BBCCC where a relevant Science subject is offered (see list under A-level requirements)
  OR
  BBBCC where a relevant Science subject is not offered
  All candidates must normally have 5 Standards at grade 3 or better or 5 Intermediates at grade C or better to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject.
• Graduate First Degree Pass or better

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 Queen's University Belfast.

Children's Nursing at Queen's University Belfast is a comprehensive undergraduate programme designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in paediatric healthcare. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skills, enabling students to deliver high-quality care to children and their families. Students will learn about child development, paediatric health conditions, and the principles of family-centered care, supported by evidence-based practice. The course includes diverse placements in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, community clinics, and specialist units, providing real-world experience. The curriculum is delivered by experienced academic staff and healthcare professionals, fostering a multidisciplinary understanding of children's health issues. Students are equipped with the skills to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, communicate with children and families of all backgrounds, and administer age-appropriate care. The programme emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and ethical practice in paediatric nursing. Upon graduation, students gain professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), enabling them to practice as registered children’s nurses in the UK and internationally. The course also offers opportunities for further specialization, postgraduate study, and research in paediatric health. Queen’s University's strong links with local healthcare providers ensure that students receive relevant, up-to-date training aligned with national standards. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, supporting students’ academic and personal development. Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for employment in hospitals, community health services, and charitable organizations dedicated to children's health. Overall, Children’s Nursing at Queen’s University Belfast is dedicated to developing compassionate, skilled, and reflective practitioners capable of making a positive impact on children's lives and their families.