Midwifery with Public Health - MSci drafted
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
If you’re looking to gain a professional qualification as a Registered Midwife and explore at an advanced level how midwives can contribute to public health, then our MSci Midwifery with Public Health is for you.
This four-year course aims to prepare you with leadership skills and practice experience in a research-informed way, enabling you to develop, design and evaluate health promotion interventions. This integrated Master’s degree combines three years of undergraduate study with an additional fourth year at postgraduate level, in a single course. You could also gain 120 credits at postgraduate level which you could use towards a Master's qualification.
In addition to academic and professional qualifications, you will complete the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) and UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative qualifications.
We are passionate about developing the best graduate midwives who support women and families during the most uplifting and sometimes challenging times of their lives. This course will prepare you to become a midwife who is able to meet the needs of women, newborn infants and their families.
Our approach to learning and teaching has been developed using a variety of frameworks and embraces the wealth of knowledge of the course team, practice partners and service users. The course will incrementally build on the skills and knowledge you will gain in practice and at university in order to support you to achieve the necessary level of competence and ability to make evidence-based decisions. Every aspect of the course has been carefully aligned to the standards of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2019). Successful completion of this course provides eligibility to apply and be entered onto the NMC register as a midwife.
This course is
open
toInternational
students.What's covered in this course?
During the first two years, you will receive integrated theory and practice content. This will allow you to engage teaching and learning activities in both the academic and practice setting. The third year consists of alternate theory and practice blocks. You will study various 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, pregnancy, labour and birth, postpartum, and the early weeks of a newborn infants’ life. Each year, you will engage in a yearlong practice module. This module, alongside varied clinical placements, will provide you with preparation and support to develop your confidence and competence in practice, working towards autonomously leading and co-ordinating care at the end of your course. Clinical practice will be assessed using the nationally, NMC approved Midwifery Ongoing Record of Achievement (MORA).
The first three years of the MSci course will be experienced alongside your BSc (Hons) Midwifery student colleagues. The final fourth year at level 7 will have a public health and midwifery focus. Your MSci cohort will have the opportunity to study with other healthcare professionals and midwives as this year includes a module of your choice related to midwifery which is often accessed by other healthcare professionals too.
Practice learning experiences may be within community, hospital or home environment settings. You will be exposed to diverse populations and you will learn to work as part of the interdisciplinary and multiagency teams. Whilst on placement you will be supported, supervised and assessed by suitably prepared practice and academic staff to develop your knowledge and skills. There will also be opportunities for exposure to alternative (including global midwifery) experiences during the elective placement. In your fourth year you will enable to negotiate a placement related to public health.
The Midwifery Department is committed to providing excellent, innovative, learning, teaching and assessment experiences. We use technology to enhance your learning, through lectures, seminars, skills, simulation and virtual learning. 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.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
Download the funding FAQs.
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 Three
Year Four
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Introduction to Midwifery Studies 20 credits
This module will introduce you to the midwifery profession and the essential skills that will facilitate for successful studies throughout your course. It will introduce you to the skills and knowledge that you will require to transition into University studies and professional midwifery practice through personal self-development and reflection. The module will also enable you to explore support mechanisms to enhance your transition to Higher Education and begin to develop resilience for working within the midwifery profession.
The Antenatal Woman and Fetus 20 credits
This module focusses on the key principles of normal midwifery care during the antenatal period. It will provide you with the requisite knowledge and understanding of the midwife’s role in order to provide holistic care to healthy women, their families and the fetus.
You will be introduced to the relevant anatomy and physiology, whilst also exploring the sociological and psychological adaptations that women may encounter antenatally. In addition, you will be supported to apply evidence-based theory to your clinical practice, enabling you to develop your confidence throughout your first year.
The Intrapartum Woman and Fetus 20 credits
This module focusses on the key principles of normal midwifery care during the intrapartum period. It will provide you with the requisite knowledge and understanding of the midwife’s role in order to provide holistic care to healthy women, their families and the fetus. This will include the understanding of normal processes and recognition of deviations from these, on all aspects of health and well-being for the woman and fetus during labour and immediately following birth and enable you to develop confidence throughout your first year.
The module aligns to the course philosophy, aiming to equip you to become midwives who provide skilled, knowledgeable, respectful and compassionate care for women and their families, enabling you to practice safely at this level of study and work toward being effective and proficient student midwives.
This is based on a holistic model of care which is responsive to the individual needs of women, their families and the fetus within contemporary society.
The Postnatal Mother and Newborn Infant 20 credits
This 20 credit module introduces you to the care and management of postnatal women, their newborn infants and their families and starts to prepare you as a student midwife to carry out holistic systematic postnatal and newborn examination. The postnatal care and management of both the mother and newborn infant are an important role of the midwife and helps facilitate the transition to parenting. The module facilitates you to promote normality, respect diversity, ensure equality, recognise deviation from normal and instigate appropriate actions. You will be introduced to concepts of working in partnership with the multi-professional team and promoting the mother and family interaction and care of the newborn infant. The module integrates relevant infant feeding policies and practices in line with the Baby Friendly Initiative and introduces you to concepts of infant nutrition and feeding.
Midwifery Clinical Practice 1 and Pharmacology 40 credits
This module provides you with an introduction to and ongoing support for practice elements of your course, as well as basic pharmacology and pharmacodynamics.
The module is designed to enable you to achieve clinical practice proficiencies through ongoing guided participation in the care of childbearing women and their families within the practice setting. The module offers year 1 preparation and development to grow your confidence and demonstrate the ability to participate, under direct supervision and direction, within the practice learning environment. You will be supported to continue to develop numeracy skills related to clinical practice and calculation of medicines, through safeMedicate® and our Academic Development Department.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Supporting the Vulnerable Woman, Family and Newborn Infant 40 credits
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, you will adapt midwifery care to individual needs and collaborate effectively with the multi-disciplinary team to keep women and babies safe. Midwives also need to signpost families to available local support resources to protect and promote their health and wellbeing and promote their establishment where necessary. This module will guide you to build on the foundation of the skills that you are developing in your other modules, but now with a focus on complex social and clinical needs.
Enhancing Midwifery Studies 20 credits
This level 5, 20 credit module will enable you to continue to explore support mechanisms to enhance your transition and resilience for working within the National Health Service and Higher Education. This will equip you with knowledge and skills that will enable you to provide safe care and discover and debate contemporaneous and challenging issues that influence midwives and other healthcare professionals. You are the midwifery leaders of the future, who will be faced with challenges in order to change practice - the skills required to meet these challenges will be developed as part of this module.
Complex Conditions in the Mother and Newborn Infant 40 credits
The midwife has a role in caring for and supporting women and newborn infants requiring medical, obstetric and neonatal care.
This module introduces you to the principles of caring for women and their newborn infants with complex health conditions, which you will further build on within subsequent level 6 modules. You will be supported to develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to actively participate in the provision of complex midwifery care and work as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
Midwifery Clinical Practice 2 20 credits
The module provides you with the opportunity for further development and ongoing support for practice elements of your course. The module is designed to enable you to achieve clinical practice proficiencies through ongoing guided participation in care of childbearing women and their families within the practice setting. The module offers year 2 preparation, development and consolidation to continue to grow your confidence and be able to contribute to midwifery care within the practice learning environment, with decreasing supervision and direction.
You will be supported to continue to develop numeracy skills related to clinical practice and calculation of medicines, through safeMedicate® and our Academic Development Department.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Advanced Skills in the Care of the Woman and Newborn Infant 40 credits
This module continues to prepare you to care for the women and newborn infant based on their individual needs. As well as caring for the woman in accordance with national guidelines, this module will also include the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination in accordance with Public Health England. This module enhances knowledge and skills in planning, leading and managing care, working with multidisciplinary teams and acting as an advocate for women, the newborn infant. The module prepares you to recognise, escalate and instigate immediate care for obstetric and neonatal emergencies.
To reach these levels of competence, students will be required to continue to develop an in-depth understanding of the physiology of pregnancy, birth, the mother and newborn. This module builds on knowledge gained from to previous modules at level 4 and 5.
Introduction to Global Perspectives on Public Health 20 credits
This module introduces you to Public Health and Global perspectives. The module gives you the opportunity to examine Public Health within a global context, in order to compare and contrast wide-ranging health inequalities related to maternal and infant wellbeing, taking into account a life course approach. This module will facilitate the exploration of a midwife’s contribution to public health across the life course that impacts on pregnancy, childbirth, infancy and long-term health. It also provides an opportunity to evaluate the midwifery role within a global context and have a greater understanding of influences in health outcomes and care pathways within the local diverse, multi-ethnic population. This module can be studied as part of the BSc Hons in midwifery or as part of the MSci in Midwifery with Public Health.
Midwifery Clinical Practice 3 20 credits
This module provides you with the opportunity for further development and ongoing support for practice elements of your course. It is designed to enable you to achieve clinical practice proficiencies through ongoing participation in the care of childbearing women and their families within the practice setting. This will be through ongoing supervision and by practising independently with minimal supervision. The module offers year 3 preparation, development and consolidation to support confidence and be able to demonstrate proficiency within the practice learning environment, with minimal supervision.
You will be able to independently practice and develop your midwifery skills assisted by practice supervisors, practice assessors and academic assessors. You will participate in teaching and learning sessions that support your progress in practice and allow you to identify and reflect on your own learning needs and experiences in practice. You will complete your assessment for year three within the Midwifery Ongoing Record of Achievement (MORA) which will provide a record of your performance and achievements in the practice setting.
You will be supported to master your numeracy skills related to clinical practice and calculation of medicines, through safeMedicate® and our Academic Development Department.
Research Proposal 40 credits
In line with the NMC Education Standards (2019) the aim is to empower you throughout your career to promote and contribute to best midwifery evidence-based practice. You will undertake background study to identify a gap in the research and construct an argument for your chosen topic. You will undertake structured searches to identify and select best available evidence on your topic. You will learn in more detail about research methodology, consideration of research ethics, and will then be able to propose either primary or secondary research enquiry that seeks to address a gap in our knowledge base for midwifery practice.
Year Four
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Advanced Public Health 20 credits
In this module, you will appraise Public Health theory and practice, exploring a midwife’s contribution to public health through the development and designing of a health promotion intervention and evaluation. You will have opportunities to select and apply appropriate theories, models or concepts to a contemporary health promotion intervention and critique the strengths and limits of this application. You will explore the methods by which these interventions can be planned, managed and evaluated in order to develop greater rigour with regard to evidence-based practice.
This module can be studied as part of the MSci in Midwifery with Public Health or as a stand-alone level 7 module.
Maternal and Infant Nutrition 20 credits
This module gives you the opportunity to critically explore maternal and infant nutrition within a global context, in order to address wide-ranging health inequalities related to maternal and infant nutrition. You will explore the full spectrum of nutrition that impacts on pregnancy, childbirth, infancy and long-term health. This module can be studied as part of the MSci in Midwifery with Public Health, as a stand-alone level 7 module, or as an option on another Master's pathway.
Research Dissertation 40 credits
Building on your completed level 6 research proposal, this double module provides you with the opportunity to complete a piece of work around a chosen midwifery topic. This will enable you to demonstrate competence in the planning, execution, analysis and evaluation of a Research Project or a Systematic Review. It will facilitate independent, critical study in midwifery professional practice. It will also serve those who wish to embark on Doctoral studies in the future.
Midwifery Clinical Practice 4 20 credits
The module offers further development and support for completion of the practice elements of your course. It will enable you to achieve clinical practice proficiencies through ongoing participation in the care of childbearing women and their families within the practice setting. The module offers year 4 preparation, development and consolidation to support your confidence and ability to demonstrate proficiency within the practice learning environment, with minimal supervision.
Choice of an optional module (from BCU offering) 20 credits
You have the option to choose a module from existing Birmingham City University Level 7 modules in the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences. This gives you the flexibility to choose a topic of your liking and to design your fourth year in a way that suits you. The timing, topic and assessment mode will all vary depending on your choice.
Download course specification
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In our dynamic and innovative NMC validated course, we've taken major steps in responding to changes in the NHS that also map directly on to the very latest Nursing and Midwifery Council standards of best practice.
The course runs for 41 weeks each year. Approximately 50 per cent is devoted to theory and 50 per cent to clinical practice. When you are on clinical placement you are expected to participate in the care of child bearing women across the full range of shifts including night duty and weekends. Annual leave will be set for the year.
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
.Trips and visits
During the summer period, you will undertake a three week clinical elective placement. This is a mandatory requirement that will eventually feed into the third year Introduction to Global Perspectives on Public Health module. You can choose where you wish to undertake your elective placement: internationally, nationally or more locally. However, you cannot stay in your allocated Trust. You are required to organise your placement, and provide an itinerary and proposed learning outcomes.
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.
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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128 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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Level 2 qualifications |
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| GCSE | Five subjects at Grade C/4 or above, including GCSE English Language or English Literature, GCSE Maths and GCSE Science. Level 2 equivalents are not accepted. | |
| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) | See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. | |
| Scottish National 5 | Five subjects at Grade C or above, including English Language or English Literature, Maths and Science. Level 2 equivalents are not accepted. | |
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Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications |
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| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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| British bachelor's degree |
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| City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Open University courses |
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Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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Other qualifications |
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS .Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 7, with no subtest below 6.5. If English is studied at GCSE Level but as a second language, IELTs must be completed to qualify for UK L2 requirement.
Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.In addition:
Find out more about online interviews 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. Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for. Please note, we do not accept deferred applications for this course. You must be ready to start the course when you apply via UCAS. In addition, applicants should note
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International Student entry requirements
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
Home student
International student
