Health & Social Care

The term midwife means 'with woman'. ­Midwives work in partnership with women providing support, advice and care, enabling them to make informed choices during pregnancy, birth and early motherhood. The midwife’s role encompasses health promotion and health education for women and their families within a multicultural society. Midwifery requires competent, accountable and problem-solving practitioners with good communication skills to meet the high expectations and demands of current practice. This course prepares you to meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Councils (NMC2008).

What you study

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.

Apply online on the UCAS website

How you learn

The course is full time and comprise 50% theory and 50% practice and requires 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 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 are also assessed in practice and 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 in a non-judgemental way 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 the course 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 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 you've done relevant study within the last three years.

A typical offer is 260-380 tariff points from three A levels including a science subject, preferably biology. For further detailed entry requirements for this course please visit www.ucas.com.

You must also

• have five GCSEs (grade C or above) including English language, maths and a science subject or Key Skills Level 3 in Communication and Application of Number
• successfully complete a numeracy test (without a calculator) as part of the interview process
• be eligible for a Department of Health bursary (more info on the
  NHS Student Bursaries website)
• provide an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure
• be aware you need to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the relevant professional body before you apply to register.

Postgraduate option
If you are a registered general nurse (adult branch) and you wish to gain a midwifery qualification you may be eligible for our aPgDip Midwifery Studies (Pre-Registration)

 Our School feedback policy (word - 278kb)
 Our School reference policy (word - 276kb)

More information

• Health & Social Care video
  Take a look at the health subjects you can study

• Information for applicants
  Please complete the additional applicant information document before applying for this course.
  Additional applicant information

• Midwifery numeracy sample test
  Download the test
• Health & Social Care
  More information and courses in Health & Social Care