Nursing (Children's) - BSc (Hons)
Do you want to make a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and their families? Would you like a career in a worthwhile profession that provides varied opportunities? Start your journey to becoming a qualified children’s nurse. You’ll learn key nursing theory and get hands-on practical experience in our superb clinical facilities and placement opportunities so you can develop the skills and confidence to care for children and young people with different health challenges.
Year of entry
- 2025
Course type
- Single Honours
Location
Subject area / School
UCAS code
- B730
Duration of study
- 3 years
Why study Nursing (Children's) at Keele University?
Approved programme
Children's Nursing is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and has been designed to meet the seven NMC platforms which underpin pre-registration nursing education. The course is taught by lecturers who are expert clinicians, and qualified teachers in different specialisms. Their research feeds into our teaching. On successful completion of this course, you can apply for NMC nursing registration.
Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD
Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.
"Throughout my three years as a student nurse and nine as a qualified children’s nurse, I have received incredible support and encouragement from mentors, lecturers and colleagues. Although male children’s nurses may be considered a rare breed, the numbers are gradually increasing in my experience. I work with a number of other male children’s nurses who are a valued a respected part of the child health team. They possess great experience and knowledge. I would encourage any man interested in becoming a children’s nurse to go for it. I believe they would be lucky enough to have the same experiences I have had in my career with patients, families and colleagues. "
Additional opportunities
There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
BBC in three A Levels
Contextual Offer: BCC in three A Levels
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
Contextual Offer: BTEC Extended Diploma not included
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or
Merit and Merit in BTEC Diploma and A in one A Level
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and CC in two A Levels, or
Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
T Level
Merit in any T Level
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points
Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels or 28 points
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Access to HE Diploma
112 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A levels in a standard A level offer for this course (see A level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BCCCC in five Highers, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCD in three Advanced Highers
You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate
You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
China - Gaokao
70% in the Gaokao
You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
India - Standard XII
Average of 65% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects in any other Standard XII
You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Germany - Abitur
2.4 overall average in the Abitur
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)
France - Baccalaureate
12 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate / Baccalauréat Français International.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Hong Kong - Diploma
443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE
You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato
You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
75% in the Esame di Stato
You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Cyprus - Apolytirion
17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion
You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Portugal
Overall average of 15 in a Secondary Certificate
You will also need: 10 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Canada - Diploma
60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma
You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
443 from three Advanced Placement subjects
You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
BBC in three Advanced Levels
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
BBC in three Principal level subjects in the STPM
You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
BBC in three H2 Levels
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
70% overall
You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
NCUK
Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC and a A in EAP English Language module
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent
Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education
BBC in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education
You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE
BBC in three Advanced Level subjects
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Additional information
We consider all applications on their individual merits and take account of alternative qualifications and experience. If you are interested in studying on our nursing programmes and don’t meet the entry requirements, but believe you would be a suitable candidate please do contact us via admissions@keele.ac.uk
Please note in addition to the academic entry requirements above, to be accepted onto a Nursing or Midwifery programme at Keele you must also fulfil a range of additional requirements. Details of these additional requirements and expectations can be found here in your Nursing and Midwifery Checklist.
In addition to our typical qualifications for entry, we will also consider the following:
- DMM in a CTEC in a Health or Science subject;
- B in an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma / Technical Diploma in Health and Social Care, Childcare and Education, or for the Children and Young People’s Workforce;
- Pass the 60 credit Open University Module K101 or K102 (Introduction to Health and Social Care).
- Transfers into the second year of a programme from other UK nursing programmes will be considered. You need to have achieved 120 credits and passed practice.
In all cases, you will also need a 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below). We will also consider applicants with previous degrees, HNDs, Foundation Degrees, and other health related higher education qualifications. Please contact us for advice.
HEALTH CHECKS AND DBS CLEARANCE
Offers are subject to Occupational Health clearances and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. The University follows the DBS Code of Practice in these issues and can provide a copy of the Code on request.
Additional guidance
- A reference for the applicant will be completed on the UCAS form by the referee. This is normally from an academic tutor. For applicants invited for interview, a second reference may be required. Friends, relatives or neighbours are not eligible to act as referees. All offers are subject to satisfactory references.
- All candidates for pre-registration Nursing and Midwifery programmes are required to meet or exceed NMC requirements, including literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills.
Application Process
Application is via UCAS. The UCAS application is scored. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. This can be either in person or remotely as appropriate.
Transfers from other nursing or midwifery schools
Transfers into the second year of a programme from other UK nursing and midwifery programmes will be considered.
- The applicant needs to have achieved 120 credits and passed practice.
- If an applicant has to withdraw from a previous course for personal reasons, we would be happy to consider an application.
- Applicants must declare previous study in their application.
- Applicants must also declare if they have attended a health and conduct panel during previous study.
- Applicants will need to apply via UCAS indicating in their personal statement that they are applying for a transfer.
- An applicant's current personal tutor should act as academic referee on the UCAS application.
- Applicants are encouraged to meet the UCAS January deadline. Late applications can only be considered if places are still available.
- Applicants will need to provide a transcript from their current UK University indicating their course progress.
- Applicants will also need to provide contact details of a second referee.
- Applicants will need to meet all of the usual additional entry requirements for the pre-registration programme that they wish to enter and applications will be subject to successful Recognition of Prior Learning, ensuring that their programme completed, maps over to the programme they are applying to transfer into. For further information see the University’s guidance on Recognition of Prior Learning.
Application for full programme with previous withdrawal
If an applicant wishes to apply for the full programme who has withdrawn from a previous course for personal reasons, we would be happy to consider an application. Applicants must declare previous study in their application.
Keele University's Admission Policy
View our full admissions criteria and policy webpages.
Please note: All conditions must be met by 31 August 2024.
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group E.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Shortlisting information
Shortlisting criteria are used against the personal statement and reference for every candidate who meets the initial screening requirements. As well as reaching the required academic standards, the candidate’s personal statement should demonstrate a clear understanding of the NHS and work of a nurse. The UCAS form must be completed fully and accurately. Applications will be assessed only on the information provided in the UCAS application.
We will not accept any additional supporting material (e.g. CVs, work portfolios, letters of recommendation) unless we have specifically requested it from the individual applicant. All shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, no applicant will be offered a place without undergoing our selection process. All candidates for pre-registration Nursing and Midwifery programmes are required to meet or exceed NMC requirements, including literacy, numeracy (via GCSE qualifications or equivalent as stated above) and digital literacy skills (via engaging with the website, UCAS portal and DBS system).
The selection process comprises of a values-based interview normally conducted either remotely online or face to face. Selection activities have been developed in line with current NHS, Department of Health and University recommendations for a values-based approach to recruitment.
Clinical practice staff, users of service & carers, academic staff and current students participate in the selection process. All staff/students involved in interviewing are equipped to make the required judgements and have undertaken training to support the selection process.
Applicants are informed of the outcome of the selection process via UCAS Track. Successful applicants subsequently receive additional information from the University.
All offers are subject to satisfactory Enhanced DBS checks, occupational health clearance, satisfactory reference(s) and meeting the required entrance criteria.
Clinical Simulation in the School of Nursing and Midwifery
Clinical simulation helps our students to develop their experience, confidence and skills. We have two simulation spaces on campus for students to practice their skills, in addition to the facilities at the Clinical Education Centre, and two simulation families of eight mannequins.
"Keele was always my first choice when applying to do my Children’s nurse training and I am so proud to have now qualified from Keele with a 1st Class Honours degree. The Child Field team were beyond supportive throughout the 3 years, and I genuinely could not have done it without their guidance and support. The course was well structured, and the placement opportunities far exceeded my expectations, giving me the best experiences in order for me to choose a career pathway having worked with such a vast number of teams in the area. The course was hard work at times, but so worth it."
Your Nursing and Midwifery checklist
In addition to our academic requirements, to be accepted onto a nursing or midwifery programme you must also fulfil a range of additional requirements and expectations to ensure you can practice safely and complete the programme effectively.
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DBS Check An enhanced DBS clearance prior to starting your course is required so that the public are protected, and their safety can be assured. You'll need to provide additional documents to support your DBS application which may include a current passport, valid driving licence, birth certificate and utility bill. |
Shifts Programmes are demanding but rewarding. You are expected to work a variety of shift patterns including early, late and night shifts to enable you to participate in care over a 24 hour period. Shift work provides you with excellent experience and builds your skillset. |
Travelling to placements You are expected to fulfil your placement requirements which may require you to travel. Organisation is therefore key to ensure you are able to complete a range of placements. |
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Occupational Health Occupational Health Clearance is required to assess medical fitness to engage in pre-registration nursing and midwifery programmes. |
Placement circuits are fixed Placements during your course are fixed to ensure you get the range of experiences required to become a nurse or midwife. |
Personal care You will care for a diverse group of people and will deliver personal care to patients with different gender identities. |
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Vaccines You must have the required vaccinations so that you protect yourself and those whom you are caring for. |
Uniform Uniform must be worn smartly, as you represent Keele University and also the nursing and midwifery professions. |
Hours Programmes are full time and can be demanding. You can expect your time to be split into 50% theory and 50% practice. |
Students with disabilities are entitled to have reasonable adjustments considered in relation to their practice learning. However, while reasonable adjustments may be made to the way that a student meets a competency or standard, the competency or standard itself cannot be adjusted. Therefore a decision will need to be made before a student starts a course, and at relevant points within the programme, as to whether they will be able to meet all the competencies of the course, taking into account what reasonable adjustments can be made.
Foundation year
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.
Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
Course content
Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.
This Foundation Year is a is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing. For example, in the Academic and Professional Development for Health module you will begin to develop an awareness of professional standards that you will be working to in your degree and professional career. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.
You will gain a greater appreciation of historical and contemporary approaches to health and social care within the UK, considering key health issues and challenges facing health and science services. At the same time, we will advance your knowledge of human biology and chemistry, giving you a solid grasp of body systems, science and lab work. You'll develop safe, professional laboratory skills and get to know the mathematical techniques and quantitative methods used across health science-related and social care programmes.
Throughout the programme, you will develop subject-specific and broad based skills that will be invaluable in your academic career and beyond. You can find out more about our Foundation Year, Including Information on learning, teaching and assessment methods and further opportunities available to you by visiting our homepage.
Course structure
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Semester one modules
| FYO-00237 | Foundations of Human Biology for Health | 15 credits |
| FYO-00245 | Foundations in Health and Society | 15 credits |
| FYO-00213 | Foundations of Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Health Students | 15 credits |
Semester two modules
| FYO-00239 | Advancing Human Biology for Health | 30 credits |
| FYO-00336 | Advancing Health and Society | 15 credits |
Year long modules (semesters one and two)
| FYO-00181 | Academic and Professional Development for Health | 30 credits |
Entry requirements
- 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A level, BTEC, Access Course, or T level)
- Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
Candidates who progress from this Foundation Year onto Year 1 of the degree course will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check (Enhanced plus Barring Lists) and health check.
English Language Requirements for International/EU Applicants
In addition to meeting the Level 3 requirements, candidates whose first language is not English will need IELTS with an overall score of 7.0, including at least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking sections, or GCSE English Language at 4 (C) or above.
How to apply
UCAS applications
Visit UCAS for applications. You should apply for Children's Nursing with Foundation Year.
UCAS code: B731
Direct entry students
If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.
Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.
In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.
Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).
For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.
Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.
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