Children and Young People’s Nursing BSc (Hons)

50% of your studies will be spent in diverse placement settings spanning community and hospital settings. You will experience the realities of contemporary 24-hour service provision when caring for patients across all aspects of the health/ill health continuum.

Included in this are NHS, as well as independent sectors including specialist schools and mental health services. We are one of two UK universities that offer European placements, with a further opportunity for international placements both of which you will have the opportunity to apply for. You will spend time in well-supported environments, working alongside professionals.

The University of Northampton is one of only two universities in the country to belong to the European Nursing Module. This offers the possibility of a two week placement in one of around 24 different European countries.

You can experience a different health system, culture and life experience and gain an insight into the issues that are faced in an overseas nursing environment. This opportunity is available at a specifically negotiated time during your nursing course, usually within the second year of study.

Please note that you will have to meet the entire costs of this module yourself including flights, accommodation, food and travel within these countries however students are able to claim for many of the costs via the Learning Support Fund Travel & Accommodation. The two weeks spent overseas for this module count as placement hours as agreed with the NMC.

The University of Northampton is also pleased to offer in partnership with the Work The World program an experience for students in year 3 of their program an opportunity to work and travel to many international destinations including learning opportunities in Ghana, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nepal and Tanzania. Students are also able to apply for additional funding for this trip via the Santander Travel Fund comprising of 15 awards of £1000 to support students wishing to undertake an international visit or project which supports their academic or career aspirations.

Please ask at an Open day for further information.

At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

If you join our full-time Children and Young People’s Nursing degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your children’s nursing course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

* UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details)

What extra-curricular events and activities can I get involved in?

There is so much more to experience beyond the course and to get the most out of your time as a student

• British Sign Language
• A range of societies including our Northampton University Nursing Society (NUNS)
• Northampton University’s Student Union bridges together academic life and student-led activities to unlock a future of possibility and opportunity. Looking after your well-being, they recognise that every student’s journey is unique, providing platforms and creating opportunities to help you spread your wings and explore new horizons. Their mission is to ensure that by the time you graduate, your mind, heart, and perspective will be open to a world of endless possibilities, regardless of where you started your journey with us.
• You may also be interested in non-nursing initiatives, sports, volunteering, charities, and peer support.

How will I be taught?

Our Children and Young People’s Nursing degree is split equally between practical placements and taught sessions on campus. Each module has specific time dedicated to face-to-face teaching and self-directed study.

You will be required to complete preliminary work for your sessions, much of this work will be facilitated through our virtual learning environment (NILE). This emphasis on self-directed learning aims to shape you into a qualified Nurse that independently navigates their own learning, ensuring they maintain their competencies and ensure their continued growth.

How will I be assessed?

We present a diverse assessment approach, stretching your Nursing ability in various ways that will resonate in practice. We utilise reflective essays, case studies, presentations, scenario-based professional discussions, and a debate. Your studies will culminate in a final project, combining your knowledge acquired through the course.

Each year you will undertake a medicines calculations exam to ensure your competency in preparing and administering medications. You will be provided multiple opportunities to pass this and access to practice examples ahead of time. Additionally, your experiences out in placement will help prepare you for this.

You will document your practice proficiency through your electronic portfolio (MYePAD). Each year achieving a series of clearly presented requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which will be verified by Practice Supervisors and Practice Assessors, and moderated by their Academic Assessor.

What support is available?

We pride ourselves on the support we offer across your Nursing journey:

• Personal Academic Tutor (PT): will provide academic and personal support, guidance on placements and career goals, and signposting to specialist services.
• Nursing Support: an on campus qualified Nurse who can provide support and guidance specific to the experiences of the nursing degree itself.
• Academic Assessor: will be your university link while out in placement, who is able to provide support and guidance beyond your allocated mentors based in the placement setting.
• Support in practice: tutors who can visit you out in practice providing an additional layer of support.
• The wider lecturing team can offer general support, but your Personal Academic Tutor will be included where your wellbeing requires safeguarding.

The University offers a host of services for a range of needs:

• Our on-campus GP: For you to register too when studying with us.
• Student Support and Advice Team: confidential guidance on academic issues and personal matters.
• Library and Learning Services: assist with research skills, database searching, and referencing.
• Learning Development team: supports academic skills, study techniques, and maths/statistics.
• Additional Student Support and Inclusion Services Team (ASSIST): comprehensive support for students with disabilities or additional needs, helping with university access, learning control, and employability skills development.
• Financial Guidance: confidential support on Student Finance entitlements, university funds and loans, budgeting advice, and financial implications of course changes.
• Counselling and Mental Health Team: support for students experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties.
• Residential Life Support: For students in halls of residence, they assist with independent living adjustments, flatmate issues, and general support needs. International Student Support: A range of support from English language assistance, immigration advice, orientation assistance, and general guidance.
• Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Team: welcomes all students regardless of faith, belief, sexuality, or gender, providing a space for conversation, prayer, or quiet reflection.