Program Overview

---

MSc - Midwifery: Practice Development

Overview

The MSc Midwifery: Practice Development programme was developed, informed and has evolved on the basis of collaboration with employers, stakeholders and students to meet the educational needs of registered midwives. It will see you gain the qualities and knowledge needed to become a high-calibre midwifery professional, able to confidently deal with the changing dynamics of the healthcare economy.

Course Overview

As well as the core modules, you'll be able to take your pick from our list of optional midwifery-specific modules, or from the standalone modules belonging to the department. The core modules make up 100 credits of the course, and include a 20-credit research methods module, a 60-credit dissertation module, and a 20-credit module in either leadership or evidence-based practice. This leaves you with 80 credits to study optional modules.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Online
• Institute: Institute of Health
• Delivery Style: Blended Learning
• Course Duration: Part-time: 2-3 Years
• Course Start Point: January, April, September
• Award: MSc

Minimum Entry Requirements

• 2:2 Honours degree

Tuition Fees

• £8,325 - UK
• £13,500 - International

Course Structure

What You Will Learn

There are both compulsory and core modules which must be taken throughout the programme. These modules can be taken in either Year one, two or three. In addition, there are optional modules that can be undertaken throughout year one, two or three. The dissertation module is usually undertaken in the final year of study.

• Compulsory modules: Research Methods (20 credits at level 7); Dissertation (60 credits at level 7).
• You must also study one of the following modules: Evidence Based Practice (20 credits at level 7); Leadership (20 credits at level 7).

Year One

• Research Methods
  • This module will enable you to select, devise, analyse and synthesise research and evidence-based practice findings. You will develop an advanced understanding of selected research methods and will have opportunities for acquiring appropriate research skills through study and practical experience.
• Leadership Through Transformational Learning
  • The aim of this module is to enable you to understand the concepts of contemporary leadership, transformative learning and reflection as it relates to your personal leadership style, including links to developing and understanding professional identity.
• Examination of the Newborn (optional module, which can be taken in any year of the programme)
  • The aim of the module is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively and safely undertake examination of the newborn/6-8-week examination.
• Professional Midwifery Advocate (optional module, which can be taken in any year of the programme)
  • This module prepares registered midwives to achieve the standards and competencies required to successfully undertake the role of the Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA).

Year Two

There are both compulsory and core modules which must be taken in either year one, two or three which are outlined above. There are a number of optional modules which can be taken in any year of study.

Teaching & Assessment

How You Will Learn

Scheduled learning and teaching encompasses a variety of approaches to learning and teaching across the framework. Strategies include online and/or class-based workshop activities, facilitated discussion and debate, tutorials, guided study and reading, work-based learning, and reflection on practice.

Learning technology is utilised to promote your learning and achievement, for example through the use of mobile technology, podcasts, webinars.

How You Will Be Assessed

Summative and Formative Assessment Methods:

• Are designed to provide a creative and balanced strategy across the programme.
• Provide a range of authentic, engaging and challenging formative assessment activities. As well as being important for learning, these promote the value of formative assessment and contribute to the successful completion of the summative assignment task(s). Examples include quizzes, group work, peer review, presentations, reflection, tutorials and online activities, which are designed to generate feedback on performance in order to improve learning.
• Enable the valid testing of the programme learning outcomes, through a variety of summative written assignments including, for example, portfolio, case study, reports, reflective accounts, response to peer review, academic essays, and appraisal of evidence.
• Are relevant to the needs of the workplace, allowing for authentic assessment and effective formative feedback to facilitate your success.
• Encourage you to critically reflect on your knowledge and skills development, in order to develop your ability to make sound professional judgements.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class undergraduate honours degree.

Selection Criteria

For applicants who do not meet this requirement, non-standard entry criteria will apply; in such cases applicants will be interviewed. This decision will be at the discretion of the programme leader. It is expected that such candidates will have evidence of successful study at level 6 (or equivalent) within the preceding 5 years.

Applicants must be a Registered Midwife with current entry on the Nursing and Midwifery Council Register, currently practising as a midwife and working within an appropriate environment/setting. All applicants must complete a pre-entry study skills package such as Preparing for Postgraduate Study if they are new to this level of study or have had a break from study for a period of 4 years. Applicants will require access to a computer with:

• A reliable internet connection.
• Microsoft or Apple Mac Supported Office Software.
• A supportive browser, such as Google Chrome.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• £8,325 - UK
• £13,500 - International

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Additional Costs

All students will need to purchase stationery and course books.