Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs)

BNurs Children's Nursing

Develop the theoretical and practical skills you need to register as a nurse specialising in children's care through our three-year course.
  • Duration: 3 years/4 years for MNurs
  • Year of entry: 2026
  • UCAS course code: B730 / Institution code: M20
  • Key features:
  • Scholarships available

Full entry requirementsHow to apply

Overview

Course overview

  • Study at a university ranked 2nd in the UK and 6th in the world for Nursing (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • Become eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) while also receiving a degree at the end of three years of study.
  • Gain experience of different clinical areas through practice learning with trusts offering specialist services, as well as having the opportunity to go on a practice learning experience in an alternative setting in the UK or abroad.
  • Take a course that has produced many of the country's leading nurse practitioners, researchers and policymakers.
  • Have the option to add a year on to your course to complete an integrated master's (MNurs).
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Children's Nursing at The University of Manchester

Open days

Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying nursing at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .

Contact details

School/Faculty
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Telephone
+44 (0)161 529 4563
Email
Website
https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/nursing/
School/Faculty overview
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

A-level

BBB including at least one science from the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care, Applied Science

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

A-level contextual offer

This course is not eligible for a contextual offer. Contextual offers are only available for courses that have a standard entry requirements of ABB or higher. For further information on our contextual admissions please view our contextual admissions page .

Contextual offers are available for applicants who:

  • live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
  • live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
  • have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

This course is not eligible for a refugee/care experienced offer. Refugee/care experienced offers are only available for courses that have a standard entry requirements of ABB or higher. For further information on our contextual admissions please view our contextual admissions page .

UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:

  • have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
  • have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall. 5,5,5 in Higher Level subjects, including at least one science related subject from Biology, Chemistry, Sports and Health Science or Psychology.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

GCSE/IGCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including a minimum of five GCSES at grade 4 (C). These must include English Language, Mathematics and Science. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

 Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
We do not accept Functional Skills 2 or equivalent qualifications in place of GCSE English and Maths.

Other entry requirements

Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.

Country-specific entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country .

English language requirements

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 4/C, or;

IELTS 7.0,with a minimum of 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking and 6.5 in writing or;

An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Relevant work experience

As nursing involves many skills, work experience from a range of areas is relevant - but not mandatory - for this course, including paid employment or voluntary work.

This may include direct experience in a healthcare setting and/or other settings that involve the use of communication skills.

Fees and funding

Fees

Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

As per the government announcement, all UK nursing students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back. The funding will be given to all new and continuing degree-level nursing, midwifery and many allied health students from September 2020. More information can be found on the NHS website.

Please note, eligibility criteria for the new funding will be the same as the wider NHS Learning Support Fund payable to students ordinarily resident in the UK and studying at a university in England. Find out about the financial support available to students starting at Manchester.

Find out about the financial support available to students starting at Manchester.

The Catherine Chisholm scholarship is also applicable to students from selected countries for this course. Find out more details on the scholarship page .

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

Advice to applicants

Please refer to the  application process  page for further guidance on:

  • how to apply
  • how your application is considered
  • personal statement guidance
  • interview requirements.

The following links provide further information:

Vaccination

Previous guidance regarding mandatory vaccination for Covid for courses with a clinical or healthcare placement has been paused, in line with government advice. However both NHS England and NHS Improvement view getting vaccinated for healthcare staff and students as a professional duty. We therefore continue to highly recommend all students on this course to take up their COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as they are eligible.

Home-schooled applicants

If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines .

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

How your application is considered

Please refer to the application process page for specific information on how we consider applications.

Interview requirements

We shortlist applicants for interviews for this course. Please refer to the application process page for more information.

Returning to education

We welcome applications from candidates returning to education. If you are returning to education, you should have completed some assessed study at level 3 in the five years prior to the start of the course.

If you do not have recent study (in the last five years) but otherwise meet the academic entry requirements, we recommend you look into taking an Access to Higher Education course in a health or science related subject, or AS-/A-level or an Open University module (preferably in a relevant subject) in order to meet this requirement.

Fitness to practise / health requirements

All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (completed prior to registration). The health screening comprises completion of a detailed health questionnaire by the applicant and also a medical appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department.

In order to be admitted and continue on the course, you must be deemed as medically fit for both practice and theory by the Occupational Health Department. If you have any concerns about a health condition/issue and its impact on your ability to undertake the course please contact the Occupational Health Department as early as possible in the application process.

Tel: +44(0)161 275 2858

Email:  waterlooocchealth@manchester.ac.uk

Disclosure and Barring Service check

If your application is successful, we require you to comply with an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The health screening comprises completion of a detailed health questionnaire by the applicant and also a medical appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department. For further information, including the process used in the case of positive disclosures, see:  DBS checks  (PDF, 104 KB)

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Requests for deferred entry are granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and are normally granted for one year only. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date.It is possible to defer your place in exceptional circumstances.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

The University will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules. If you have re-sat your final examinations we may consider your application in exceptional circumstances. Please contact us to discuss this before you apply.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Course details

Course description

Our BNurs/MNurs Children's Nursing course will help you become a skilled and highly sought-after graduate nurse capable of meeting the physical and mental health needs of children and young people from birth right through adolescence and into young adulthood.

You will learn how to handle a complex role that involves supporting parents or carers, siblings and other family members in both hospital and community settings such as the home or school.

You will split your time equally between learning theory on campus and applying your knowledge to practice alongside other health professionals in a range of care settings .

You will receive support from both our staff and your fellow students throughout your time at Manchester, as well as from experienced colleagues while in practice.

As a graduate, you'll have the choice of practicing as a children's nurse, going into a specialist or a leadership role, or undertaking further study, research opportunities or teaching.

The BNurs award is for the three-year undergraduate course. Depending on your performance in Years 1 and 2, you will have the opportunity to apply to extend your studies by a year to undertake an integrated master's in nursing. This will also involve an additional year of tuition fees.

By choosing to complete the integrated master's, you are preparing for career progression within nursing by developing your leadership and research skills.

The integrated master's will deliver units at postgraduate level, developing your skills in critical engagement with issues at the forefront of your chosen field of nursing. You will learn how to critically examine, reflect and develop new insights, contributing to nursing research, education and clinical practice agenda through your research study.

Special features

Superb reputation

Manchester has been ranked 6th in the world and 2nd in the UK for Nursing (QS World University Rankings 2024).

Varied and high-quality practice learning environments

You will experience a range of practicelearning opportunities across a range ofsettings with support from experienced practitioners, including trusts offering specialist services. You may also choose take the opportunity to gain experience elsewhere in the UK or even overseas in one part of the course. All other practice learning experiences will take place in the Manchester region.

Student-focused course

You will learn how to apply theory to practice through our course's 50:50 split of on-campus learning and practical experience, ensuring you receive the tutor support you need while also consolidating your knowledge of nursing theory.

Family-friendly learning

Addressing the philosophy of Athena SWAN, we look to minimise early starts and late finishes and ensure - where possible - that public holidays are included in your annual leave entitlement.

Additional course information

You will spend 50% of your learning time in practice learning environments gaining an insight into what it is like to work within the modern health service, developing clinical knowledge, skills and confidence as a key member of the professional healthcare team.

We have excellent working relationships with local NHS Trusts in Greater Manchester and the north-west.

See the practice learning page for more information.

Teaching and learning

Our course is designed to include both theory and practice, linking the most current research-based knowledge with practice in a student-centred approach.

You will engage in problem-based learning, skills laboratories and computer-based learning, as well as the more traditional lecture and seminar-based formats. Lectures take place in a large group with small group teaching for seminars.

Dedicated student support

We offer dedicated student support to all of our students, helping you to handle the demands of both academic work and practice learning.

See the student support page for more information.

We adopt a blended learning approach, which means that you will spend time on campus, as well as learning online, and undertaking directed study with support from unit staff. Your learning in the first year approximates to: 50% in clinical practice, 20% in synchronous learning (either online or on campus), 30% directed and independent study.

Coursework and assessment

Learning is divided into a number of units in each year. The content and assessments for each unit are planned and delivered by a small team of lecturers with the relevant expertise related to those topic areas.

Unit assessments vary and include written and multiple-choice exams, essays, case studies, poster presentations and online work.

Most units of learning also include the assessment of relevant skills in practice, which are carried out by the practice assessors and practice supervisors.

To complete the course, you are required to pass all theory and practice assessments.

Course content for year 1

The first year explores the core aspects of nursing knowledge through lectures, field-specific seminars, workshops, simulation, conferences and fieldwork. You will begin to develop a portfolio of learning and reflect on your knowledge, skills and practice experiences.

Practical skills will be developed through on-campus experiences and through two practice learning experiences in Greater Manchester. You will be allocated to a hub learning environment, which will also offer a range of spoke learning opportunities to support and extend your learning.

You will be supervised and assessed in accordance with the NMC (2019) standards.

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
NURS10021 10 Mandatory
NURS10030 20 Mandatory
NURS10042 10 Mandatory
NURS10052 10 Mandatory
NURS10061 20 Mandatory
NURS10072 20 Mandatory
NURS10082 20 Mandatory
NURS10091 10 Mandatory

Course content for year 2

The second year focuses on developing nursing knowledge and the continued application of biosciences to field-specific nursing practice.

You may also choose to personalise your learning by selecting two discovery units from a menu of choices (limits apply). Please see the list below for optional units.

You will continue developing your portfolio of learning this year, reflecting on how you can improve your skills.

There will be three placement learning experiences in Year 2 which involve caring for individuals from your field of practice in a variety of settings. 

In placement three you will also have the opportunity to state a preference for one practice learning environment type within Greater Manchester that is related to education, research, or leadership and management.

Alternatively, you can undertake a practice learning experience in this placement outside Greater Manchester, either in the UK or overseas.

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
NURS23100 20 Mandatory
NURS23132 20 Mandatory
NURS23141 20 Mandatory
NURS23142 20 Mandatory
NURS23310 20 Mandatory
NURS23102 10 Optional
NURS23111 10 Optional
NURS23112 10 Optional
NURS23121 10 Optional
NURS23122 10 Optional
NURS23131 10 Optional
NURS23151 10 Optional
NURS23161 10 Optional
NURS23162 10 Optional
NURS23312 10 Optional
Displaying 10 of 15 course units for year 2

Course content for year 3

Year 3 is about consolidating your knowledge and building confidence for practice. While studying on campus and undertaking three practice learning placements you will continue to reflect on your learning and practice through your portfolio.

In Year 3 all units are mandatory, with the exception of Advancing Care - The Social and Political Context of Health and Social Care. This unit is completed by students progressing to the MNurs in place of clinical placement 3.

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
NURS31301 20 Mandatory
NURS31311 20 Mandatory
NURS31312 20 Mandatory
NURS31322 20 Mandatory
NURS31360 20 Mandatory
NURS31362 20 Mandatory
NURS31342 20 Optional

Course content for year 4

If you achieve grades equivalent to an Upper Second in your Year 2 assessments, you will be eligible to apply to undertake the integrated master's (Year 4) component of the course.

This is a 120-credit course that will involve studying a mixture of units at postgraduate level (following a bridging undergraduate theory unit in Year 3 that will prepare you for higher level study).

All units are mandatory for successful completion of the MNurs.

The taught components of the course allow you to develop your knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of nursing, clinical practice, education, and improve your leadership skills.

Course units for year 4

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
NURS41000 45 Mandatory
NURS41002 15 Mandatory
NURS41010 30 Mandatory
NURS41012 15 Mandatory

What our students say

I enjoy practice learning in combination with theory because it increases my knowledge of nursing. Learning here has been very beneficial as the course incorporates both social sciences and science in general. I'd recommend this course because the support is amazing. My aim for the future is to specialise in emergency care for children.

Saira Imtiaz

Find out more about what it's like to study at Manchester on the  Biology, Medicine and Health Student Blog .

Facilities

We have extensive facilities in place to support you throughout your studies, including skills laboratories and workshops, as well as online resources and the vast wealth of information in the University's library.

See more information about our nursing learning facilities , or find out more about the University's facilities for all undergraduates.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Students are encouraged to contact the disability support office either before accepting an offer from the University of Manchester or as soon as possible thereafter in order to avoid delays in getting help and assistance.

Careers

Career opportunities

We aim to enhance your employability throughout your time with us to make sure you are well prepared for the jobs market. 100% of our graduates go on to work or further study after completing the course.

Students completing our programme are highly valued by local employers. There are numerous employment opportunities available within NHS Trusts and other healthcare settings for newly-qualified staff.

A UK-registered nursing qualification is recognised in many countries around the world, and therefore provides potential opportunities for travel and work abroad. Find out more on the NHS Health Careers website .

Careers advice

During the course, you will have access to dedicated academic employability staff with extensive professional contacts who bring students and NHS employers together.

Employability events

You will be able to attend a variety of targeted careers events throughout the course.

Accrediting organisations

The course is approved by the  Nursing and Midwifery Council  (NMC), the UK regulator for nursing and midwifery professions. The primary purpose of the NMC is protection of the public. It does this through maintaining a register of all qualified nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses eligible to practise within the UK and by setting national standards for their education, training and conduct.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.