Health & Social Care

The term midwife means 'with woman', this is reflected within the role. Midwives are legally responsible for providing support and skilled care for women and families through the whole of pregnancy, labour and birth and the early weeks of life. Greater recognition of the needs of women during this process has led to more emphasis on continuity of care, community-based midwifery care for women and a multi-professional approach for women with more complex needs. Midwives teach, educate and empower women to take control of their own health care. The midwife's role encompasses women's health issues from the public health agenda and more targeted care for specific vulnerable client groups and individuals. Midwifery requires competent, accountable and problem-solving practitioners with good communication skills to meet the high expectations and demands of current practice. The course prepares you to meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council to enable you to practise as a midwife.

What you study

Three-year programme
Year 1 provides an introduction to midwifery, focusing on the normal aspects of care including placements in the community, midwifery, postnatal ward and delivery suites.

In Year 2 you focus on mothers and babies with complex needs, the public health agenda and multidisciplinary team working. Placements include antenatal, postnatal and neonatal areas, gynaecology, surgery and women's health visits. There is also an opportunity for an elective visit in the summer.

Year 3 explores current issues in midwifery, research and management, and re-focuses on normality as well as consolidating all aspects. Placements include community midwifery, delivery suite, antenatal and postnatal areas, and an individually planned final placement.

78-week programme
The early part of this course is designed for nurses to adapt and develop further their knowledge and skills as student midwives caring for child-bearing women, babies and families. The final year is studied jointly with student midwives in Year 3 of the three-year course.

Most modules are designed exclusively for student midwives. Some modules, for example Principles of Evidence-based Practice, are shared with other undergraduate health professionals and opportunities for inter-professional learning are provided throughout both programmes.

How you learn

The two routes are both full time and comprise 50% theory and 50% practice. Both routes require 45 weeks of study per year with students undertaking theory modules based at the University and practice placements within a variety of community and hospital settings based at a home trust within the NHS. As a student midwife, you will work with midwife mentors who teach you and assess your practice.

You are provided with a personal tutor who oversees your development through the course and a module tutor to support academic work during each module. The tutor attached to the practice area, the midwife mentor for each practice placement and you form a tripartite relationship to plan and monitor achievement of outcomes in practice. During the course, student midwives work together to explore a wide range of scenarios within enquiry-based learning. This promotes a holistic approach to midwifery care, a woman-centred focus and the integration of theory with practice.

How you are assessed

Within each academic year there are several assessments which you must pass before you can continue with your studies. These assessments include essays, exams and presentations. You will also be assessed in practice and will build up a portfolio of evidence. Essential competencies must be met for this course which include:

• mathematical calculations in relation to drug administration
• physical and manual dexterity, as well as observational and auditory ability, are needed to carry out holistic practical examinations and emergency care and treatment of mothers and babies
• the ability to cope non-judgementally with emotionally challenging situations relating to women's health and the care of childbearing women, babies and families is essential
• keeping accurate and legible records.

Professional accreditation

On successful completion of these courses you will gain eligibility to apply for registration as a midwife on the Nursing and Midwifery Council Professional Register.

Career opportunities

The knowledge and experience gained on these courses will provide you with the opportunity to have an exciting and rewarding career. Registered Midwife status is recognised internationally and career opportunities are available both at home and abroad. New posts, roles and responsibilities are constantly evolving both in community and hospital settings.

Entry requirements

You must show evidence of relevant study within the last three years.

3-year full-time route
A typical offer will be between 260-380 UCAS tariff points from three A levels to include a science subject, preferably biology. Equivalent qualifications can be accepted (see current UCAS requirements), for example both Open University courses ‘Understanding Health & Social Care’ (K101) and ‘Human Biology’ (SK277), or a distinction or over 70% pass in a QAA-approved Access course (including a Human Biology Unit).

You must have five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics and a science subject or Key Skills Level 3 in Communication and Application of Number.

Applicants with alternative qualifications should contact the admissions tutor and see the UCAS website. International applicants require IELTS level 7 in all categories.

78-week full-time route
We also offer a 78-week full-time course for Registered General Nurses (with 120 Diploma points) or Adult Branch Nurses currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and with evidence of successful completion of a level 2 research module or equivalent.

You should apply direct to the University. Funding is normally through employment on a fixed-term contract with a local NHS trust, with salary in line with the ‘Agenda for Change’. International applicants require IELTS level 7 in all categories.

Key Criteria
Admission to the course is dependent upon completion of the following selection processes:

• academic entry requirements being met
• satisfactory and fully completed application form
• successful interview
• good references
• satisfactory health screening/risk assessment reflecting adherence to Regulations 3 and 19 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
• receipt of a satisfactory Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure.

In addition to the entry requirements key criteria, as part of the interview process you will be required to complete successfully a numeracy test without the use of a calculator. The test includes additions, subtractions, multiplication, long division, fractions, decimals and problem solving.

You will also be required to complete a literacy exercise where you must be able to read and write independently.

You need to be aware that on completion of the course you will be required to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the relevant professional body prior to application for registration.

Work Shadowing
Work experience is not normally available due to the high number of applicants, and issues of safety and privacy of mothers and babies.

Department of Health Bursary
You must be eligible for a Department of Health bursary. Due to a change in the bursary application process it is now your responsibility to apply directly for your NHS bursary. Please go to NHS Student Bursaries website for more information and to download an application form.

Supporting information for applicants

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More information

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