Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting or School Nursing)
Take your nursing or midwifery qualification a step further, by specialising in the health and wellbeing of children and families.
With this course you can choose to follow one of two pathways: School Nursing or Health Visiting.
of universities in the country for graduates who agree their current activity is 'meaningful'.
Source: GOS 2025
As a specialist community public health nurse (SCPHN), you’ll focus on preventing ill-health, improving wellbeing, and reducing health inequalities.
On this accredited course, you’ll learn to identify and manage health conditions and developmental issues in 0–19-year-olds; and assess vulnerability and risk.
You’ll also develop leadership skills that will help you advocate for children and families, and commission services.
Study over one year, through a mix of university learning and practice placements.
How to apply
Please apply through NHS Jobs. Interviews are held jointly between ARU and the providers (HCRG Care Group, Cambridge Community Services, Cambridge and Peterborough Foundation Trust, Suffolk County Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, North East London Foundation Trust). Jobs are normally advertised from August onwards, and you can set up a job alert on NHS Jobs.
This course is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). It qualifies you to work as a specialist community public health nurse and be eligible for part three NMC registration.
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Health visitors are specialist nurses who support families from pregnancy to age five. Find out more from the Royal Foundation Centre and the Princess of Wales.
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Health visitors are specialist nurses who support families from pregnancy to age five. Find out more from the Royal Foundation Centre and the Princess of Wales.
![Health visitors talking to the Princess of Wales]()
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Join a specially designed course for qualified nurses and midwives
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Learn about health conditions and developmental issues in 0-19 year-olds
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Develop your practical skills, with 50% of your time spent in practice
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Graduate ready to work as a Community Specialist Public Nurse
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
Graduate ready to work as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN), in health visiting or school nursing.
You’ll be qualified to work in the community, promoting the health of children and families.
You could also use your research and leadership skills, and knowledge of policy, for roles in public health, community development work, safeguarding, and primary care.
Teaching and modules
Develop your skills and knowledge to become a well-rounded public health specialist – and take your career to the next level.
You’ll spend 50% of your time in practice, supported by a team of practitioners to ensure you meet the NMC proficiencies (2022) for Specialist Community Public Health Nurses.
You will learn about key issues relating to children’s health and development, compassionate care, and how stigma and bias can impact health and contribute to health inequalities.
You will explore health policy and service delivery, and learn how to lead or deliver public health initiatives as an SCPHN.
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 *.
- Fundamentals of Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting or School Nursing)
- Research in Public Health Theory
- Autonomous Specialist Practice and Leadership in the Community
- Enhanced Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting or School Nursing)
- Consolidated Practice (Health Visiting or School Nursing)
- Critical Policy Review
- Into ARU
Facilities
Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.
These include extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Apply now for Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting or School Nursing)
Funded students
Applications should be made to local Primary Care Organisations (PCOs) who will undertake joint selection with us. Visit NHS Jobs to find suitable vacancies or alternatively, check local organisations and community nursing employers.