BSc (Hons) MIDWIFERY (3 YEAR)

Overview

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
ModeFull-time	Duration3 years	Start dateSeptember	Application codeB720	Application method UCAS

International students

The course is not currently open to international students.

International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

Home/EU applicants

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
Mode Full-time	Duration 3 years	Start date September	Application code B720	Application method UCAS

Please send your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) using our institution code L75. UCAS is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK.

Remember that you need your GCSE Science, Maths and English qualifications before you apply.

See our How to apply page for further details.

Personal statement

See our top tips for writing your personal statement.

Interview

As part of the selection process you'll be expected to attend an MMI interview. Find out more.

International applicants

If you’re an International student (non-EU national) the application process may involve further steps. Contact the International Office as soon as possible to discuss the admissions steps and the immigration requirements: internat@lsbu.ac.uk or +44 (0) 20 7815 6189.

Results

If you are unsuccessful in your application to LSBU for this year you cannot apply through UCAS Extra or Clearing. However you can apply for the following year.  It is important that you read the comments in the results statement so that you are prepared for any other interviews you may have.

Accommodation

Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.

Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.

Home/EU postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system.

Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.

International applicants should use our international application system. Full details can be found on our How to apply section for international students.

See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).

Prepare to start

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

All pre-registration students need to be DBS cleared before going on placement. You’ll need to have an enhanced DBS check even if you have had one before and will not be able to go on placement until this is complete.

The DBS process is not difficult but can take some time so it's best to get started as soon as you receive your email. You will receive the email during Summer 2023.

DBS update service

If you're part of the DBS update service, your subscription is up to date and you already have a DBS certificate, please bring in your original green DBS certificate for the document check. To take advantage of the update service, your certificate needs to be classified as 'Enhanced' and workforce must be listed as 'Adult and Child'. If you have any queries, please email us at hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.

How to complete your DBS

Our DBS supplier, Verifile, will send you an email with all the details you need to complete your DBS.

Verifile will give you instructions to log into their system and complete your personal details and information. To complete the process, you'll need your passport or driving licence and 5-year address history including dates when you moved in/out.

You can use your application number to track the progress of your DBS.

When you've finished, your Disclosure Statement will be mailed to the most recent address in your submission, so please make sure it's correct. We don't automatically receive a copy of this Statement, which is why we need you to bring it in as part of the next step.

Frequently asked questions

My Social Work friends said they need to pay. Do I need to pay?

Only Social Work applicants need to pay for their DBS. It costs £46 and can be purchased on our online store.

What do I need to declare on my DBS?

Please include any and all major and minor, spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warning and reprimands, even if they relate to juvenile offences or seem trivial or unimportant. Some minor offences will not prevent you from going on placement or being offered a place on your course, but still need to be reviewed so it’s best to be honest and include everything. Also, the more information you include about any offences can help reduce the time it takes to assess them.

I’ve applied for/had a DBS in past. Do I need to do it again?

Yes, you do. You need to have an up-to-date DBS. Once you have received the email from our DBS supplier make sure you start the process straight away. All details of how to do this will be outlined in the email. If you don’t complete your DBS in the timeframe given, we may withdraw your offer even if term has already started. So it’s important that you get started as soon as you receive the email.

Why do I need an enhanced DBS check?

Government legislation requires all Higher Education Institutions who offer courses where students may come into unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults to have this check. These checks also help us to ensure duty of care to our students, and create a safer environment for patients seen by our students.

Who reviews my DBS?

As part of the University’s admissions process, declarations of any offence may be referred to a virtual panel made up of senior managers from partner NHS Trusts and/or other sectors within Health and Social Care. Any DBS that is considered by the panel will be anonymised. The panel members then deliberate and make a recommendation whether the application be rejected, accepted or request further information or documents.

When will I hear back from the panel about my DBS?

If you have declared an offence, we might ask for more information from you in writing which will help the panel make a decision. Once your declaration has been referred to the panel it can take up to 28 working days to be processed.

Which address do I use?

You need to put your current address on your DBS application because this is where your Statement will be mailed. If you’ve moved house between submitting and receiving your DBS, make sure you have mail forwarding set up so that you’ll receive your statement. If you’ve moved recently, make sure you have proof of your new address (such as a new bank statement) to bring for your document checks.

I’ve lost my statement. What do I do?

If you’ve lost your statement you will need to pay £46 to purchase a new one.

I’ve had my application rejected due to my DBS declaration/disclosure. Can I appeal the decision?

Yes. If your application has been rejected due to your DSB declaration/discloser, you will be sent a letter to confirm this. There will be instructions in the letter about how you can appeal and which supporting information you need to provide. Once a decision has been made you will receive a letter from the School Executive Team.

Document check

Once you have completed the online part of the DBS process, you will need to produce three accepted documents from this list (PDF File 248 KB) to be verified.

Document check on campus

Southwark: Southwark Student Help Desk in the K2 building Monday – Friday between 9am-11am or 1pm-4pm

Havering: come to reception at Havering Monday – Friday between 8:30-10:30am, 12-2pm, 4-5pm

Document check at the Post Office

If you’re not able to come to campus, you can get your documents checked and certified at the Post Office for a fee of £10.50. To do this, make photocopies of your three accepted ID documents and take your DBS form, copies and originals of your documents to the Post Office. The Post Office will stamp the form and photocopies and given them back to you. Email your post office receipt, stamped form and stamped documents to hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.

Occupational Health (OH)

An exciting part of many of our Health and Social Care courses is the opportunity to learn off-campus and work with patients, clients and/or service users. Before you start, we need to make sure that you have the correct levels of immunisations.

Questionnaire

Once you have enrolled, students will be asked to complete an occupational health check, the first part is completing an online questionnaire sent from our occupational health provider.

GP appointment

The second part of your occupational health check is to get any inoculations that you may need from your GP. When attending your GP appointment, please take printed copies of these two documents with you.

Vaccination Screening Advisory Letter (PDF File 126 KB)
GP Vaccination and Screening History (PDF File 117 KB)

Occupational Health appointment

After these steps are complete you will receive an email from OHWorks Ltd inviting you to attend an appointment on-campus with an Occupational Health Nurse. These appointments take place during the week and sometimes when your classes have already started.

The OH team have prepared this guide (PDF File 588 KB) which outlines what to expect at each stage. If you have queries or concerns about your Occupational Health clearance or inoculations please contact the Occupational Health team.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be double vaccinated?

Yes - government legislation advises that everyone must be double vaccinated to work in a health care setting with effect from 1 April 2022.

My local GP doesn’t have my vaccination history. What should I do?

Contact the OH team at lsbu@ohworks.co.uk who will be able to advise you.

What if I can’t make my OH appointment?

Please contact the OH team to reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Remember that you won’t be able to go on placement until you’re cleared.

I’ve already registered with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit (DDS). Do I still need to tell the OH Nurse about my condition?

Yes. Tell the OH Nurse about all conditions including specific learning difficulties even if you’ve declared these in the past. This will allow us to make reasonable adjustments whilst you’re on placement.

If I’ve declared a condition to the OH Nurse, do I need to register with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit as well?

The information you share with the OH Nurse will be treated with confidence, meaning that it won’t be automatically shared with the DDS team. The DDS team can help you to receive support for your lectures, assignments and exams so it’s worth to register with them and provide evidence of your condition if you need this support.

Numeracy practice

Before starting your course, you may want to check or practice your numeracy skills. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free online tool that helps you learn, revise and quiz your essential numeracy skills. You’ll also be able to get a certificate to show your efforts.

Enrolment and Welcome Week

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our new students pages.

Uniforms

Most placements and some practical sessions in our skills laboratories will require you to wear a uniform and name badge. You will be measured for uniforms specific to your course as part of your Welcome Week activities after enrolment. In the meantime, we have prepared answers to frequently asked questions that you might find useful.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get a uniform for when I go on placement?

Yes, LSBU will supply you with uniforms for your placement with the exception of Social Work and Health and Social Care BSc students who are not required to wear uniforms for their placements.

Which uniforms will I receive?

Nursing and midwifery students will receive two pairs of trousers, three tunics and a name badge. Polo shirts will be issued instead of tunics for students studying mental health nursing, physiotherapy, chiropractic and sport rehabilitation. ODP students will receive one set of scrubs top and trousers.

How long do the uniforms need to last?

The items are to last for the duration of your programme of study.

How do I know what size I am?

A measuring and distribution service will be available by the uniform provider at both Southwark and Havering campuses. As garments are fitted for work purposes they need to allow for flexibility of movement so it’s best to have the uniform provider measure you up.

Am I able to request a longer tunic?

You can request a longer tunic for religious or medical reasons. To do this, you should advise the uniform supplier at the measuring session. These tunics are 2 inches longer and sleeves finish just above the elbows. Due to infection control, full length sleeves are not permitted.

Can I use a preferred name or a nickname on my name badge?

Name badges are professional and need to include your formal names.

What do I do if I lose or damage my name badge?

You can order a replacement name badge direct with the uniform provider. Badges need to be worn at all times when you are at placement.

Can I order more uniforms?

You are welcome to purchase additional items at Work in Style. You will need to log in using your student ID and then follow the step-by-step instruction. Please note that dresses are not available.

Can I try on my uniforms?

You should try on your uniforms the day you receive them so that the staff at the measuring service can help arrange any size exchanges. If you choose not to try on your uniforms and require different sizes at a later date you will need to purchase these through the uniform provider’s online portal at your own cost.

What do I do with my uniform after I complete my studies?

They are yours to keep – you do not need to return the garments.

Practice placements

Most health and social care courses’ practice placements will operate outside normal working hours e.g. evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Holidays

Your holiday periods will not follow the normal University timetable because of placements. You’ll receive more details once you start your course.

The main focus of the course is the promotion of normality, i.e. the framing of childbirth as a normal physiological process which the majority of women will undergo in their lifetime. The course also acknowledges that a number of women have more complex needs where technological help will be needed.

You are expected to achieve the theoretical and practice standards stipulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to enable you to perform the role and responsibilities of the Midwife within the context of promoting normality, using preventative measures, detecting complications, accessing appropriate assistance and carrying out emergency measures in the absence of medical aid.

Year 1

• Foundation science, knowledge and practice
  This module provides the student with an introduction to the functioning of the human body and focuses on the structure and function of all systems at a preliminary level. It presents an opportunity to explore essential concepts such as the organisation of the body, homeostasis, anatomy and physiology, necessary to underpin midwifery practice and as a basis for learning the fundamentals of pharmacology. This module equips students with the necessary science base to inform the performance of clinical skills which will be further developed throughout the programme.
• Contemporary professional midwifery
  The module will introduce the student to the principles of professionalism, including the role of the midwife and the role of the NMC in the regulation of midwifery. The student will be introduced to the key concepts of professionalism within contemporary midwifery, with a key focus on role and responsibilities of the midwife. Concepts such as critical thinking, decision-making, reflection and the use of evidence will be introduced within the context of innovation. This module will enable the student to engage with the importance of maintaining their own wellbeing as professionals and understand the issues of wellbeing and resilience alongside the provision of support.
• Normal physiological childbirth and universal care
  This module will enable the student to develop an understanding of physiological childbirth and the principles and provision of holistic midwifery care applied across pregnancy and the childbirth continuum. Detailed anatomy and physiology as applied to pregnancy, labour and birth and the postnatal/neonatal period is included. The module will introduce the student to the newborn physical examination, which forms part of Public Health England’s newborn and infant screening programme. The professional role of the midwife will be explored and applied to the development of core midwifery knowledge and skills, professional behaviour, and effective communication skills essential to support the student’s practice learning experience.
• Public health, health promotion and health protection
  This module introduces the epidemiological principles and current evidence and data on public health strategies, health promotion, health protection, and safeguarding. The student will use this evidence to inform conversations with women, their partners, and families, as appropriate to their needs and preferences.
• Introduction to midwifery practice (Year 1 Practice)
  This is a work-based module designed to introduce students to aspects of practice assessment and their use of the Midwifery On-going Record of Achievement (MORA). Students are supported to accurately document evidence of achievement of required skills and proficiencies for the completion of the first year of the programme as directed by the NMC (2019) Standards of Proficiency for Midwives. This module will enable the student to understand expectations of professional behaviour and the development of academic knowledge and skills specific to the first year of practice. A focus is placed on supporting the student to understand the use of reflection and the self-assessment of progress within practice learning. The acquisition of skills and proficiencies is under the supervision of practice assessors and practice supervisors.

Year 2

• Understanding and applying evidence in practice
  This module considers the nature of evidence to support the provision of safe and effective midwifery care for women, newborn infants and families. Students will be introduced to key research terms and given the opportunity to develop their knowledge of research methodologies and the processes involved in planning and conducting ethical research and the use of evidence. The module will equip students with the skills to appraise evidence and assess its appropriateness for implementation to support evidence informed midwifery practice.
• Altered maternal health, childbearing and the midwife
  This module prepares the student to care for women with altered health during pregnancy and women with pre-existing conditions. Students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to recognise deviations from the norm, signs of compromise and deterioration and plan, escalate and coordinate care to ensure that women achieve an optimum outcome. The principles of evidence based best practice for the first line management of complications and additional needs of women will be provided.
• Maternal mental health and psychological issues
  This module will enable the student to explore mental health disorders that develop during the perinatal period and gain an understanding of the care of women with pre-existing maternal mental health conditions. It will present the student with an opportunity to examine how socio-cultural, obstetric and psychological factors may increase women’s vulnerability to mental distress and the development of anxiety, depression and psychosis during pregnancy and childbearing period. The importance of assessment in the provision of appropriate care and support of women and in the recognition of deterioration of women’s mental health state will be discussed. An exploration of the mental health support services that are available for women and their families both locally and nationally will be explored. The impact of maternal mental ill health on family relationships and the importance of supporting attachment and bonding will be discussed and explored in the context of safeguarding, and the role of interdisciplinary and interagency working.
• Developing competent midwifery practice (Year 2 Practice)
  This module will focus upon the application of women centred care and the benchmarks used to describe normality in everyday practice. The woman’s journey with her family will be considered during other non-midwifery pathways and the influence of the medical model on childbirth.  The student will reflect on the concept of physiological childbirth and the role of the midwife in recognising how physiological deviation from the normal can impact on the promotion of women centred care. The student will begin to consolidate the importance of communication with the family through caseloading and the interdisciplinary, multiagency and interprofessional teams and the contribution of the role of the midwife.

Year 3

• Quality improvement in practice
  This module provides the student with an opportunity to explore the theoretical underpinnings of quality improvement in the maternity services. Students are enabled to critically explore the contribution of risk and evidence as interrelated factors which play a part in the promotion of a safe and effective maternity service. An opportunity will be provided for students to participate in identifying issues of concern, engage in the process of investigation and disseminate findings to facilitate change. This module will enable the student to recognise the role of the midwife as a key change agent in the process of quality assurance and improvement, working with service users and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, to improve the safety and effectiveness of care.
• Midwifery management of maternal and neonatal emergencies
  This module equips the student to implement first-line emergency management of complications and/or additional care needs for the woman, the foetus, and newborn infant when signs of compromise and deterioration or emergencies occur with the input of the multidisciplinary team.
• The systematic examination of the newborn infant
  This module will provide the student with the opportunity to consolidate previous knowledge and build upon knowledge and skills relating to the newborn infant. This includes aspects relating to the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE). The successful student will acquire the necessary in-depth knowledge and skills to conduct a systematic examination of the newborn.
• Promoting excellence in midwifery practice
  This module enables the student to consider the key aspects in the transition to professional practice and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. A focus on the midwife as a scholar, leader and colleague, encompasses the areas of teaching and supervision of students, management skills and professional development.
• Proficient midwifery practice (Year 3 Practice)
  This is a work-based module which focuses on the consolidation of learning in preparation for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. This module supports the achievement of key aspects within the MORA which focus on decision making, accountability and autonomy in caseload midwifery. This includes planning care, responding to need and optimising the normal processes where possible. The module will focus on the empowerment of women through evidence-based practice which will include priorities of care for a diverse population, the promotion of physiological birth and the management of complex situations. Students will be encouraged to develop their own skills in managing individual caseloads and liaising with the interdisciplinary team under the direction of a practice supervisor.

Structure

• Students are expected to be in theory block 50% and practice block 50% each year.
• Modules vary from 0 credits to 40 credits.
• Students will be expected to work a variety of shifts including, evenings, weekends, bank holidays and night shifts.
• Students must have occupational health and Enhanced DBS clearance prior to starting placement.

Some compulsory skills sessions may take place in the evening depending on capacity of rooms and resources.

Expectation from students to complete:

• Minimum 2300 hours of clinical practice over the length of the programme.
• Estimated 10 hours per 1 credit value of a module which includes blended learning, face to face, online and self-directed learning as adult learners.

Note all clinical and theory hours will be accounted for.

Key Topics and Skills

The proficiencies expected for each year reflect the theme for the learning and teaching for the modules undertaken building from the first year where the focus is very much on normality, the second year on complexities, culminating in the midwife’s role as a colleague, scholar, and leader in the third year.

Learning in Practice Level 4 - Participation Universal care, Continuity of care, Relationship building, Infant feeding, Communication, Public health, Medicines administration, Record keeping

Learning in practice Level 5 & level 6 - Contribution Universal care, Continuity of care, Relationship building, Infant feeding, Communication, Public health, Medicines administration, Record keeping. In addition - Interdisciplinary working and Additional and emergency care Supervision and delegation, Management, Responding to vulnerability

Practice skills teaching, learning and assessment are a key focus of the curriculum and continue to be enhanced and developed. The Standards for student supervision and assessment (NMC 2018) and NMC Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes (2019) provide the framework on which the strategy for practice skills learning, teaching and assessment is built. This dictates that all skills in Domain 6 will be assessed in practice and have been incorporated in the MORA.

Assessment

Assessment methods are specified in each module descriptor with details in the individual module guides; these are designed to test the module and course learning outcomes. These are mapped to the professional standards outlined in the Future midwife: Standards of proficiency for midwives (NMC, 2019) and will be assessed through either coursework and/or clinical proficiencies.

The types of assessments adopted include:

• Written assignments: such as narrative and reflective essay, case study, evidence-based scenarios and critical analysis assignments, to develop integration of theory and practice and to critically examine selected aspects of care and suggest strategies for quality improvement..
• Care studies: to develop skills in articulating knowledge and decision-making processes.
• Oral and poster presentations: to enable the student to demonstrate their ability to identify relevant information and articulate practice focused decisions based on their assessment and interpretation.
• Literature searching and critical appraisal: to identify and examine the evidence for quality of midwifery care.
• Examinations: to test underpinning knowledge and decision making.

A variety of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills. These include:

• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), modified viva, practice scenarios to provide a simulated experience in which knowledge and skills can be demonstrated.
• Case reviews, history taking and assessment skills.
• The achievement of identified proficiencies is assessed in practice with the use of the practice assessment document - Midwifery On-going Record of Achievement (MORA).

Facilities

SimBaby and SimMom

The nursing and midwifery wards have simulator mannequins: SimBaby and SimMom. These life-size mannequins are computer controlled and can be programmed with various clinical conditions. These are operated by a computer in real-time and so respond to a student's actions. They also allow students to see the outcome of specific interventions in certain scenarios, which could make the client better or deteriorate quite quickly. They can be set up to simulate the range of delivery environments available to labouring women. The students can rehearse dealing with emergencies in a simulated setting.

The mannequins are used to teach students how to recognise clinical signs, and to also associate those clinical signs with the actions they are taking to care for the patient. SimMom has fully accurate anatomy and can breathe, blink, sweat, speak and groan in pain as well as have a pulse.

Facilities

SimBaby and SimMom

The nursing and midwifery wards have simulator mannequins: SimBaby and SimMom. These life-size mannequins are computer controlled and can be programmed with various clinical conditions. These are operated by a computer in real-time and so respond to a student's actions. They also allow students to see the outcome of specific interventions in certain scenarios, which could make the client better or deteriorate quite quickly. They can be set up to simulate the range of delivery environments available to labouring women. The students can rehearse dealing with emergencies in a simulated setting.

The mannequins are used to teach students how to recognise clinical signs, and to also associate those clinical signs with the actions they are taking to care for the patient. SimMom has fully accurate anatomy and can breathe, blink, sweat, speak and groan in pain as well as have a pulse.