Health and Social Care (Maternal and Neonatal Health)

FdSc

The programme responds to the Government agenda to address the needs of women and their families. It recognises there are currently many support workers that enable the midwives to care. Birth rate projections increasing to 3% (or higher depending on region) year on year evidences the demand for skilled Support Workers. This is one of the key principles within the 'Midwifery 2020' document produced by Government. It clearly identifies the scope, role, capabilities and career pathway for the development of Maternity Support Workers.

A key aim is 'achieving improvements in health and social outcomes by giving more people, particularly women and children, better life chances.'

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding

Course level

Undergraduate

Modes of study

Full time

Attendance

Two years full-time for the Foundation Degree or one year full-time for the Certificate in Health and Social Care or ten weeks per individual module studied. Students attend University for two days per week, for the remainder of the week study takes place in the practice setting (minimum 15 hours).

Location

Park Campus

Entry requirements

Applicants must have 80-120 UCAS tariff points, for example one A level at grade E or above or NVQ level 3 (or equivalent qualification) plus GCSE English grade C or above (or equivalent qualification).

Length of study

Two years full-time for the Foundation Degree or one year full-time for the Certificate in Health and Social Care.

Start date

Intakes in September and March

School

School of Health

Course content

This programme provides a unique opportunity for support workers currently employed in a health or social care setting to achieve a relevant qualification that matches their own personal and professional development needs. The programme also aims to support students in developing their own higher level thinking skills such as essay writing, analytical and research skills.

This is a two year programme designed to formalise and accredit the significant contribution of the Maternity Support Worker, providing the skills and knowledge to respond to the requirements of the Assistant Practitioner role within maternity services.

Stage one

This provides foundation knowledge with core modules in graduate skills, work-based learning and interprofessional learning. Students also undertake foundation studies in child birth.

Stage two

This stage provides detailed knowledge with core modules in evidence-based practice, advanced work-based learning and health and well-being. Students examine postnatal care and adaption to parenthood.

Special course features

The design of this programme is highly flexible in terms of the study pathways and qualification routes that it offers. Students have the option to study for the full Foundation Degree or the Certificate in Health and Social Care. Alternatively, they may study for individual modules.

Typical modules

Graduate Skills
Effective Work-based Practice
Evidence Based Practice
Safeguarding
Foundation Studies in Childbirth
Foundations of Mental Health
Current Issues within Public Health
Postnatal Care and Adaption to Parenthood
Care of the Neonate and Infant
Body Matters
Contemporary Issues in Healthcare

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are utilised including case studies, presentations, portfolios, examinations and essays.

Facilities available

The School has a state-of-the-art Midwifery clinical skills laboratory, library facilities and information services support.

Methods of study

A variety of study approaches are utilised within this programme: lectures, self-directed learning, seminars, group work, clinical study, e-learning.

Career opportunities

Maternity Support Worker, Maternity Care Assistant and the skills and knowledge to undertake the Assistant Practitioner Role within the maternity care team. From a long term strategic perspective 'Midwifery 2020,' acknowledges that the development of the Maternity Support Worker could result in wider entry criteria to Midwifery.