Graduate Diploma

Graduate Diploma Nursing (Children)

Learn how to provide care for babies, children and young people and gain NMC registration in an additional field of practice.

Start date
September 2026
March 2026
Location
Cambridge
Chelmsford
Peterborough
Duration
1 year
UCAS course code
Top 10%

of universities in the country for graduates who agree their current activity is 'meaningful'.

Source: GOS 2025

Upgrade your existing nursing degree by learning the specialist skills and knowledge required of a child nurse.

You’ll learn in the classroom and through hands-on placements, covering the assessment and treatment of children who are acutely ill and/or have complex care needs, as well as effective communication with, and advocacy of young patients and their families.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to practice as a registered children’s nurse.

Nursing & Midwifery Council

Our Nursing degree courses are validated by the NMC and you’ll be linked to one of our eight NHS healthcare trust partners for your placements.

Nursing and Midwifery Council logo
Why ARU?
  • Gain practical experience with 50% clinical placements in healthcare settings.

  • Get relevant, up-to-date training thanks to our partnerships with NHS Trusts.

  • Build your clinical skills in state-of-the-art simulation suites.

  • Graduate ready to work as a registered children's nurse.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

Our child nursing diploma is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK.

This means you’ll be eligible to register in an additional field of practice when you graduate – and start work as a child nurse.

Teaching and modules

Sarah Scapens

If you teach what you love, they'll love what you teach.

Sarah Scapens, Lecturer

You’ll spend the year mastering the theory and practice of child nursing.

As well as learning how to recognise and respond to acute deterioration, and assess and manage children with complex care needs, you’ll explore the political and social factors that influence children and young people in the UK, and develop your skills in leading the delivery of quality care.

You’ll complete two 12-week placements, allowing you to hone your practical skills and prepare to work as a registered mental health nurse.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Clinical Decision Making in the Acutely Unwell Child and Young Person
  • Applying public health to children and young people’s nursing
  • Contemporary Children and Young People’s Nursing Practice 3
  • Leading and managing quality in the care of children and young people
  • Managing the Care of Children and Young People with Complex Care Needs
  • Into ARU
Module details

Facilities

As a nursing student at ARU, you'll benefit from purpose-built nursing skills labs offering the very best in experiential learning.

You’ll use sophisticated equipment to simulate many aspects of a working hospital ward. You’ll also learn from registered, practising tutors and lecturers who’ll make sure you’re being taught the latest techniques and give you the support you need to succeed.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply for Graduate Diploma Nursing (Children)

Apply online

Apply directly to ARU