Course Summary

This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to give effective care to childbearing women and their families in an ever-changing society. You will learn how to be responsive to the socio-economic, cultural, physical and psychological needs of women. You will develop these skills through role play and scenario-based learning.

The course also prepares you for your wider role in public health within primary and secondary care settings, including the promotion of sexual health.

To acquire these profession-specific skills, you will spend half your time in practice and half in the University. Due to the professional nature of the qualification, the curriculum spans 45 weeks of the year.

Why choose this course?

Key features

• Practice fully supported by mentors, practice educators and lecturers
• Students on the three-year course may receive an NHS means-tested bursary; tuition fees are met by a contract with the Strategic Health Authority
• Placements start in the community with one-to-one support and guidance from a named community midwife; from there you will be placed in delivery suites and maternity wards and briefly in mental healthcare

Areas of study include:

• Normal childbearing processes
• Public health
• Promoting womens health
• Acute and emergency midwifery care

BSMDD-S

Assessment

Assessment will take place both in theory and practice settings. Theory assessments will include:

• Written essays 2000-3000 words in length in the form of literature reviews/reflections from practice/research critiques


• Micro-teaching sessions and presentations (group and individual)


• Vivas


• Short and long answer examinations


• Care studies


• Seminar presentations


• Research proposal


• Poster presentations in practice

The Practice Assessment Document contains a comprehensive record of the students progress through the semester and the related modules. The students are required to produce evidence of their learning in practice by reflecting on their experiences, questioning and seeking the available evidence to inform further learning and development of practice related competencies. This is facilitated by the Practice Assessment Document which contains a practice log relating to the Midwifery Competencies and the relevant modules practice learning outcomes. The practice log will be assessed by the mentors as they gather evidence to inform their marking of the practice criterion referenced grading profiles.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a woman-centred approach to care based on partnership, which respects the individuality of the woman and her family.

2. Promote ethical and non-discriminatory practices.

3. Reflect the quality dimension of care through the setting and maintenance of appropriate standards.

4. Develop the concept of lifelong learning, encompassing key skills including communications and team work.

.

5. Be able to respond to the changing nature and context of midwifery practice,

base practice on best available evidence.

External Benchmarking

NMC Proficiencies for Midwifery.

QAA Midwifery Subject Benchmarks.

NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework.

Educational Aims

The programme aims to:

• Provide a modular course which values students' unique experiences and learning needs


• Educate students to become competent, independent, autonomous, adaptable practitioners


• Provide advanced broad based education thereby developing the student's personal and intellectual competence and ability


• Develop as a midwife who can take responsibility for clients within a range of age groups, settings, with various disabilities and from different social, cultural, religious, political and economic backgrounds

Student support

Student support is provided through a system of personal tutors who meet with their students on a regular basis. Students are supported in practice not only by their mentors, but also by Practice Educators (there is a practice educator at each hospital site) who will work directly with students in practice, supporting their development and assessing their needs. Students also have access to the link lecturers for their clinical area, and all student groups have an allocated supervisor of midwives who is available on their site and who meets the students annually. Students are supported by their year/set leaders and the module co-ordinators and by the weekly contact during study days. Access is also available with university staff by e-mail and telephone. These methods are used frequently and are important when staff and students may be on different sites.

Team working

The students ability to work collaboratively with others is developed progressively throughout the course. Collaboration and effective team work are explicit in practice assessments (particularly as the course moves into the third year) and essential for the process of learning in theory settings, where group work is a central part of the learning strategy, and group presentations form part of the assessment. Working with others is implicit in the educational philosophy that stresses the interconnection of the individual and society, and the central importance of the place of women and their families in the development of midwifery practice. Working within a multi-professional team occurs in practice and students are encouraged to learn from all practitioners within these teams.

Career Management Skills

Careers development is integral to increasing self knowledge (culminating in the articulation of a personal philosophy) and the necessary skills of communication, particularly presentation skills. Students have regular tutorials to encourage an awareness of individual skills and talents, as well as visits by midwife specialists in the last modules that raise the profile of specific roles. Ongoing study opportunities to Masters level and beyond as well as further skills development, research and professional development opportunities are discussed towards the end of the programme in all settings.

Career/Further study opportunities

Our graduates are working as midwives in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, the community and birth centres. There are opportunities to advance in clinical practice or research in areas such as teenage pregnancy and infant feeding, specialist ultrasound midwives, independent midwives and midwife consultants. Midwives can choose to develop their public health role or specialise in neonatal care.

Career:

Successful completion of the course leads to registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Students find employment as midwives in NHS Trusts throughout the country, with most going pn to work at the Trust in which they trained.

Further study:

Opportunities for further study leading to the award of MSPP (Mentorship and Support in Professional Practice) and study at Masters level are available.

Entry

Additional:

Age 18 years on entry. Five GCSEs grades A-C, to include English, Maths and a Science subject and 240 A level points or the equivalent.

OR

Access to Health and Social Care Programmes (successfully completed with at least 12 merits and 12 distinctions).

OR

BTEC National Diploma

AND

Evidence of recent study (within 3 years)

AND

Three months relevant work experience within health care is preferable

IELTS of 7 overall and in each area, where English is a second language

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire.

Teaching Strategy

Students enter the programme with different academic profiles, styles of learning and life experiences. Therefore a variety of learning methods will be employed to meet the needs of students in theory and practice settings. Student centred learning strategies will be used such as practice scenarios, case studies, guided reflection, tutorials, learning resource packs/workbooks, mentor-ship, seminars, practice based simulations and independent study time. Learning in a larger group will be important in certain situations especially when sharing learning with other students such as nursing and social work students and other professional groups as applicable. Foundation knowledge may be shared and developed in tutorial and lecturer situations. The linking of practice and theoretical knowledge is facilitated by reflection sessions within study days, with practice educators and with mentors.

Student led seminars:

Students will be required to present seminars during the process of the course. Presentation and communication skills are essential to the role of the midwife, either on a one to one / paired basis or to groups of various sizes. The experience gained from this technique will develop the students ability and confidence in presenting information, structuring a discussion based on evidence and presenting a case to instigate a change or lead a parent education group.

Self-directed study:

Within the hours of the course and the students week there is some dedicated time for self-directed or directed study. Experience has shown that students benefit from more time a few weeks into the module rather than having an even spread of one day per week. Students will be encouraged to use their independent study time effectively by forming small study groups and to attempt to develop systems for mutual support. It is a founding principle of the university to develop independent and autonomous learners as outlined in the University Teaching and Learning Strategy.

Learning Strategies:

Recognition is given to the varying speed at which the individual student assimilates and integrates new learning into their current knowledge base. Past experience shows us that students of midwifery learn most effectively when they can hear, see and participate in the care of women. When learning is seen as relevant and useful to their practice students are motivated to explore the relevant evidence. This is built into the strategy by linking theory and practice, by using exemplars from practice to illustrate theory; inviting specialist practitioners to contribute in module sessions; reflections on practice by using students experiences to share with the group as the basis for learning. Small group work, seminars and study groups help build group cohesiveness and create a supportive atmosphere in which to learn. There is much skill in explaining clearly a concept to another to aid learning. Each student must be able to understand, apply, analyse and evaluate information, for him or herself, as well as show sensitivity to the knowledge and understanding of their colleagues. This is an important skill for the midwife in her role as public health educator which, is facilitated by encouraging this strategy in the classroom for learning.

Strategies for facilitating learning in practice include one to one teaching, learning by example, under direct and indirect guidance as well as by reflection on experiences as they affect all dimensions of the learner. Practice logs, which identify learning needs and demonstrate how they have been achieved, will form the basis of the learning strategy. Identified skills are recorded in the Midwifery Skills Book which guide learning and experiences of each learner.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

Nursing and Midwifery Council

Students with disabilities

All students are screened by Occupational Health at the Trust site to which they are allocated at the start of the course to ensure that any special requirements needed for them to complete the course are made available. The basis of this screening is to protect both the student and the public in accordance with professional rules and regulations. Students with specific or general learning difficulties are referred to the University Disability Advisor for assessment of their specific needs.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:

Learn to communicate effectively with other students, mentors, clients and the multiprofessional team. You will be assessed in your communication skills throughout the course, both written and verbal skills (for example, in your record keeping, history-taking and giving, essay writing, etc). You will learn that good communication skills with a variety of groups and individuals is absolutely essential to effective midwifery practice.

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

Learn how to access, retrieve and use a range of information sources in order to develop your practice. The university learning resources staff will be instrumental in your development here, and by the end of the course you will be confident with the use of relevant databases, electronic journals, and websites. You will be able to assess the quality of information sources, and their relevance to your needs.

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

Undergo research knowledge units that help you understand the process of research in health, and how research knowledge is evaluated and put into practice. In the third year you will do an extended piece of work in the Project Unit that gives you the opportunity to develop these skills in depth and think about ways in which you may wish to develop midwifery practice.

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

Learn about reflection and reflective practice from the beginning of your course. You will engage with your own personal values and beliefs and think how these may affect your practice. You will study midwifery practice with a critical eye using the perspectives of the social sciences to understand how it functions as an occupation and how power operates within the profession to enable or disempower practitioners and clients. You will think about ways in which practice can be transformed and how you may be part of that transformation.

Improving learning and performance

Students self assess at every assessment point throughout the course, both in theory and practice assignments. This forms the basis of discussions with both mentors and lecturers, and helps students improve not only their own performance, but insight into their own strengths as well as particular challenges facing them in their development. Students are asked to articulate their own practice philosophies towards the end of the course, and this affords an opportunity to chart their development as they have journeyed towards qualified midwifery status.

Progress files

The midwifery course incorporates personal development planning in the following ways:

• Written feedback to all students on each assignment submitted (and the return of assignments, including examination scripts)


• Apart from theoretical assessments, ongoing personal and professional development is monitored through meetings between the student and personal tutor at profiling sessions. These require that an evaluation is made of progress to date, and if necessary an action plan drawn up to address any deficits. Notes of the meeting are kept in the student files within the university, signed by both tutor and student and reviewed each semester.


• In the clinical areas, each student records meetings with their mentor in the Practice

Assessment Document. An initial interview decides on particular aims and objectives for that clinical placement, in accordance with module learning outcomes, and this is followed by an interim and final discussion between student and mentor to evaluate progress according to agreed aims. Practice assessment requires self-assessment prior to mentor assessment, and students collect evidence to support this self-assessment collated against professional competencies. This is seen as a vital aspect of the assessment process, as it encourages self-reflection on progress as well as the constructive use of criticism.

The Midwifery European Union Experience Log records the students progress with the completion of practice experience that fulfils EU regulations (the conduct of 40 normal deliveries, 100 antenatal examinations, etc). This weighty document is vital evidence for registration, is signed by both mentors, students and lecturers and is in addition to the Practice Assessment Documents produced at the end of each semester.

• Students undertake a unit following their dissertation entitled Personal Practice

Development. This module provides the opportunity for students to explore their own beliefs, values, and ultimately construct a personal philosophy for practice. It also provides students with the opportunity to undertake an elective placement as an observer at home or abroad. Through reflection on practice, it aims to facilitate the levels of self awareness required to generate a knowledge of self in everyday interaction, with a concentration on interpersonal caring both with clients and colleagues. This module is both process (reflective strategies) and product (philosophy for practice) oriented. The aim is to increase self awareness and ability to develop strengths and opportunities in professional practice and identify further routes to take in skills and career developments

Professional standards

The Nursing and Midwifery Council articulate professional standards of behaviour and these are discussed below. Apart from these, students are expected to respond to the following expectations:

• A minimum of 80% attendance is required at study days in the classroom and it is mandatory to attend all clinical shifts


• Absence from either must be notified according to the sickness policy in the handbook, with all relevant personnel informed in as good a time as possible


• It is the individual students responsibility to report sickness or absence to both the Trust and the University


• Mobile phones must be switched off during practice and classroom activities


• A tidy, clean appearance is expected with the correct uniform worn during placements shifts. The purpose of this dress code is to reinforce the importance of a professional image


• You are expected to be professional at all times and not arrive on duty or to the University suffering from the effects of smoking, alcohol or non-prescription drugs


• Students are expected to be honest at all times in their dealings with the University and practice sites. Plagiarism (copying) of academic work is a serious offence and will be responded to through the disciplinary procedures of the University

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

Adherence to professional standards and codes of behaviour are essential for registration as a midwife. All students are assessed in the first year by a viva voce, demonstrating their knowledge of the Midwives Rules and Standards and in practice, mentors assess students each term on their standards of professional behaviour.

Guidance will be given both in the classroom (specifically through the Professional Issues unit at the start of the course) and in practice where required. In addition, all students are allocated to a Supervisor of Midwives who meets with them in the induction block, as a group, and who is there for students in practice who need one-to-one guidance in these matters.