BSc (Hons) Midwifery (3 year)

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).

Midwifery as a career

Many graduates take their first posts as qualified practitioners in the NHS Trusts and hospitals where they gained experience during their training. The degree enhances employability through its emphasis on a vocational approach to teaching, leading to a professional qualification and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Most of the roles are in the NHS, although there are opportunities at private hospitals, clinics and abroad. Day-to-day the work can be varied, as midwives have a range of responsibilities. Providing advice to women and their families; diagnosing, monitoring and examining women during pregnancy and coordinating care with other professionals and agencies, are all typical activities. There are also opportunities to enter education in roles such as practice development midwife, midwifery lecturer or lecturer-practitioner, research and management.

Recent graduates have become specialist midwives in teenage pregnancy, HIV, and smoking cessation counselling, whilst others have gone on to work in children's centres or become consultant midwives.

Interpersonal skills and salary

Being able to keep a calm head under pressure is essential, as are excellent people skills and good physical and mental stamina. Due to the nature of the work, many midwives do shift work around the clock, including weekends and bank holidays. Salaries for newly qualified midwives are set at Band 5, which starts at £24, 907 – with band 6 midwives earning between £31, 365 to £37, 890. Midwives working at a senior level Band 7, can earn in the region of £38, 890 to £44, 503 with consultant midwives earning from £51, 168 to £73, 664.

Professional Development

As a graduate from this course, you will be able to apply for further study at postgraduate level. Find out more about postgraduate study through our online CPPD prospectus.

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

The Midwifery academic team is made up of qualified midwives with a wealth of experience and knowledge of the midwifery profession. Team members hold professional teaching qualifications, Masters and PhDs, which enable a more rich and invigorating learning experience, and enhance their ability to adapt to new and innovative teaching and learning methods.

Students will also have input from midwifery placement facilitators, specialist clinicians and practice educators who hold joint appointments between the university and the Trusts.

LSBU prides itself on the support that is offered to the students in university and placement and are committed and dedicated to ensuring all students have an excellent learning experience to enhance their professional development.

Personal tutoring

As a Health and Social Care student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU.  The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University. They should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have appointments with your personal tutor at least once a semester for 45-60 minutes throughout your course. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or phone.

Applicants to this course will need to meet the following entry criteria:

• 120 UCAS points
• A Level BBB and 5 GCSEs A*-C including Maths, English and Science or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above); or;
• BTEC National Diploma DDM and GCSEs Maths, English and Science A*-C (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) or equivalent; or;
• Access to HE qualifications with 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits and GCSEs Maths, English and Science A*-C (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) or equivalent; or;
• NVQ Level 3 in Care with at least one year of relevant work experience and GCSEs Maths, English and Science A*-C (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) or equivalent; or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 120 UCAS points and GCSEs Maths, English and Science A*-C (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) or equivalent.

Recognition of prior learning is not permitted for pre-registration midwifery programmes (NMC 2019)

English Language
If English is not your first language, you must achieve a minimum score of 7.0 overall or equivalent, with not less than 7.0 in the listening and reading sections, and not less than 7.0 in the writing and speaking sections, for the International English Language Test Score (IELTS) at the time of application.

Foundation Year
Been out of study for a long time? Or maybe you haven’t met the entry requirements of your chosen degree? Our entry year acts as a bridge to degree-level studies.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations; read notices of PhD studentships.