Midwifery (Shortened Route) - MSc drafted
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Our accelerated MSc in Midwifery gives you the opportunity to qualify as a registered midwife in two years. This course is specifically for people who have already qualified and are currently registered as an Adult Nurse.
Our course is designed to enable you to transition from registered adult nurse to become a future midwife, able to lead and provide skilled, knowledgeable, respectful, and compassionate care for all women, newborn infants and their families through autonomous and evidence-based practice.
We will work with you to build incrementally on the skills and knowledge you gain in practice and University to help you achieve the level of competence and ability needed to make evidence-based, clinical decisions. The content of this 2 year course is guided by the NMC Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes (2019).
We are one of four institutions selected by Health Education England (HEE) to deliver this exciting new blended learning option for Midwifery to enhance the digitisation of the NHS. Although this course is full time, the flexible course delivery enables you to balance your studies with other personal commitments. The course will also help you develop the digital skills needed to meet the demands of a changing society. Find out more about these new blended learning courses on the
HEE website
.You will undertake practical placements alongside study days on campus and online learning using a range of virtual and digital technologies off campus, including online lectures and self-directed learning. Practice placement experiences will take place in the clinical environment with our NHS partners, supported by practice-orientated simulation activities.
This course is
not open
to International students.What's covered in this course?
You will study a variety of modules, which will allow you to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to care for women, and newborn infants across the care continuum from pre-pregnancy, through pregnancy, labour and birth, to postpartum, and into the early weeks of a newborn infant’s life.
Your core nursing skills will be further developed and applied in the field of midwifery. There is a strong emphasis on developing your ability to work both as an autonomous practitioner and within the multi-disciplinary team, and to advocate for women and their families. Our midwifery lecturers are all registered midwives and will support and guide you every step of the way.
The Midwifery Department is committed to providing you with excellent, innovative, learning, teaching and assessment experiences. We use technology to enhance your learning, through lectures, seminars, skills, simulation and virtual learning. This course is taught via blended learning, meaning you will experience a variety of teaching methods, which includes online lectures, self-directed learning and a proportion of study days on campus, in addition to practice-based clinical placements.
The course also embraces using and evaluating research to underpin midwifery practice with the expectation that you will apply this to both the theory and practice elements. The course places women and their families at the centre of midwifery practice irrespective of their complexity or healthcare setting.
Each year, you will engage in year-long practice exposure, which forms part of a module assessment. This module, alongside varied clinical placements, will help prepare and support you to develop your confidence and competence in practice, and work towards autonomously leading and co-ordinating care by the end of your course.
Placements are an essential part of this Midwifery course. On placement, you will participate in the care of the child-bearing population and their babies, under the supervision of qualified midwives. You start clinical placement within a few weeks of beginning your course so you'll get practical experience right from the start. During placements you'll be fully supported by qualified midwives, your academic assessor and your personal tutor. Clinical practice will be assessed using the NMC’s nationally-approved Midwifery Ongoing Record of Achievement (MORA).
We work with our practice partners to ensure you will have practice learning experiences in a wide range of settings - including community, hospital or home settings. You will be exposed to diverse populations and you will learn to work as part of the interdisciplinary and multiagency teams.
Engagement of practice partners and service users in all areas of learning, teaching and assessment is integral to our approach. Our evidence-based curriculum will empower you to contribute to the provision of high-quality holistic care both during your studies and in your future profession.
There are regular periods where you are encouraged to reflect on your practice in order to enhance your learning, which is a requirement for midwives following registration.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
Health Education England
to deliver this new and innovative blended learning midwifery course.Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place
measures in response to Covid-19
to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of thestudent contract
.Program Outline
Year One
Year Two
Year One
There are no optional modules. In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all CORE modules (totaling 180 credits):
Universal Midwifery Care for Mother and Newborn 40 credits
This module will introduce you to the principles of normal childbearing and includes the development and care of the newborn. The aim of this module is to provide you with a foundation on which subsequent knowledge and understanding of midwifery will be built; as you progress through your course. It introduces you to normal midwifery practice and the associated clinical skills required to provide holistic and individualised care
The Midwife as a Professional, Scholar and Leader 20 credits
This module provides you with the opportunity to develop yourself into the accountable and autonomous practitioner within the midwifery profession. You will be provided with the principles underpinning partnership working to promote safe and effective care and choice for women and their families. Midwives are required to make critically important contributions to the safety and quality of midwifery care. Subsequently the module will enable you to develop the skills required to participate and lead within effective teams. Using critical self-reflection on yourself and others you will build on several skills leant as a nurse and emerge as an accountable scholar and leader in preparation for registration as a midwife.
Challenging Inequalities in Childbearing 20 credits
Based on the social model of care which underpins the curriculum, this module will encourage you to develop the knowledge and skills needed to recognise and then respond compassionately, holistically and competently to childbearing women and their families, who are living with complex needs.
The Pre-registration NMC Educational Standards (2019) require the preparation of student midwives to be knowledgeable and skilled in making holistic risk assessments using a wide range of techniques, adapting midwifery care to individual needs and collaborating effectively with the MDT to keep women and babies safe.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all CORE modules (totaling 180 credits).
Enhanced Midwifery Care and Obstetric Emergencies 40 credits
This 40 credit module, focuses on the potential complexities of childbirth for the woman. Whilst the overall programme philosophy and midwifery practice is grounded in normality, midwives have a key role in both working in partnership with other healthcare professionals to care for women and their families, who have complex health and social care needs. This module will therefore provide you with the underpinning knowledge, skills and experience you need to enable you to actively participate in the management of midwifery care for women and their babies when childbirth deviates from the normal including when obstetric emergencies arise.
Enhanced Care of the Newborn and NIPE Skills 20 credits
This module will focus on the identification, assessment and holistic care of the complex neonate within contemporary midwifery practice. It is intended that during the course of this module you will gain the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to develop your professional role in the holistic examination of the baby, including the specific skills required to undertake the complete Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE)
Advancing Maternal and Newborn Care through Research and Clinical Practice 40 credits
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills for research driven, evidence-based practice. Studying research at master’s level will place you at the forefront of progressing care and improving outcomes for women and families. Your research skills will be enhanced through the generation of a solution to an identified clinical need. Through evaluation and dissemination of your research output you will make a unique personal and professional contribution to the advancement of midwifery practice.
Download course specification
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In order to meet the NMC (2019) requirements there is a minimum of 3600 hours in total with a 50/50 split of theory and practice the following workload applies. This is based on the equivalent of 40 hours theory per week and 6 weeks annual leave per year. Whilst on placement students are expected to complete 37.5 hours of clinical hours. Students are expected to work to 1800 hours in total per year of the programme.
Scheduled Learning includes lectures, practical classes and workshops, contact time specified in timetable.
Directed Learning includes placements, work-based learning, external visits, online activity, Graduate+, peer learning.
Private Study includes preparation for exams.
Additional support
If you are dyslexic, have a specific learning difference or a disability, we have a Disability Tutor who can help and support you with this.
More on our disability tutor >>
We offer extra
technical and learning support
.Accreditation or professional associations
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) works with partner organisations to set and maintain high standards of nursing and midwifery education across the UK.
This course has been approved and monitored by the NMC to make sure that the education and training on offer meets their standards.
To work as a nurse or midwife, you must pass an NMC approved course at a higher education institution (HEI) in pre-registration nursing and midwifery, leading to registration with the NMC.
Health Education England
The Blended Learning programme has been developed with Health Education England to address national shortages in clinical expertise and explores the opportunities of providing predominantly online, remote-access study to those people who may have the aptitude and values to join the healthcare profession, but currently are unable to learn in traditional ways.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) works with partner organisations to set and maintain high standards of nursing and midwifery education across the UK.
This course has been approved and monitored by the NMC to make sure that the education and training on offer meets their standards.
To work as a nurse or midwife, you must pass an NMC approved course at a higher education institution (HEI) in pre-registration nursing and midwifery, leading to registration with the NMC.
Athena Swan Bronze Award
We have successfully secured the Athena SWAN Departmental Bronze Award recognising a commitment to gender equality.
The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research.
Birmingham City University
Overview:
Birmingham City University (BCU) is a large and diverse university located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It boasts over 31,000 students from over 100 countries, emphasizing practice-based learning.
Services Offered:
BCU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
Seven halls of residence with various on-campus and inner-city living options.Financial Support:
Scholarships and financial aid programs to help students fund their education.Career Services:
Support for graduate employment, self-employment, volunteering, mentoring, and graduate events and training.Learning Support:
Resources and assistance for students with learning difficulties.Library Services:
Access to the university library for alumni and students.Student Union (BCUSU):
A student-led organization providing representation, activities, and support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
BCU offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities to explore:
Life in Birmingham:
The university provides information and resources for students to navigate life in the city.Campus Facilities:
Access to industry-standard facilities, innovative learning spaces, and social spots.Virtual Tours:
Immersive 360-degree tours of the campuses to experience student life virtually.BCU Boost:
A financial support package designed to simplify student life, including travel incentives, financial management tips, and discounts.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practice-based Learning:
BCU focuses on practical skills development and real-world application of knowledge.International Opportunities:
The university offers international study opportunities and a diverse student body.Employability Focus:
BCU emphasizes career readiness and provides resources to help students find employment.Gold for Student Experience:
BCU has received the highest possible rating for student experience in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).Academic Programs:
BCU offers a wide range of academic programs across various faculties:
Arts, Design and Media
Business, Law and Social Sciences
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Health, Education and Life Sciences
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Other:
Alumni Community:
BCU has a strong alumni network with opportunities for engagement through events, mentoring, and international ambassador roles.Research:
The university has research centers and projects across various disciplines, aiming to contribute to knowledge and the world.STEAMhouse:
A unique space for innovation, enterprise, and skills development in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.News and Events:
BCU regularly publishes news and updates on its website and social media platforms.
UK/EU and International students
|
Essential |
|---|
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Admissions will be through direct application to the university and partner trust. Entrants to this programme must be a U.K. registered adult nurse with a minimum of a 2.1 at BSc (Hons) in a health related degree. You must hold and maintain current NMC adult nurse registration throughout this course. A minimum of 6 months full time equivalent prior to commencement is desirable. Consideration may be given for applicants with significant clinical experience who have not completed a first degree but have level 6 credits, or applicants whose academic level 6 credits were awarded less than 5 years prior to applying to undertake the course. Candidates may be required to complete pre-offer work for assessment by the course team to deem suitability for entry onto the course. PLUS |
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You must hold Maths and English at GCSE level at a minimum of grade 4/C. |
|
Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 7, including a minimum of 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7 in the reading, listening and speaking sections. An equivalent test to IELTS is acceptable and will be considered on an individual basis. |
In addition:
Applicants must have evidence of academic study within the last 5 years.
You will need to provide a satisfactory clinical and academic reference prior to commencing the course.
We operate a gathered field for applications, with interviews taking place throughout the year (these are currently taking place via Microsoft Teams).
Find out more about online interviews.
Our current students may be part of the panel.Applicants must demonstrate evidence of literacy, numeracy and IT skills in line with the Nursing and Midwifery Council requirements- these are assessed via qualifications held.
Places subject to a satisfactory Occupational Heath Check, Disclosure and Barring Service report and registration with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
Applicants should be aware that qualifications, personal statement, face-to-face selection process and references all form part of the selection criteria for this course.
Please note, we do not accept deferred applications for this course. You must be ready to start the course when you apply.
