Midwifery BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  The midwifery degree course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG3 of Good Health and Wellbeing and SDG5 Gender Equality.

  The Midwifery course at the University of Northampton enables support from our Careers and Employability service to ensure our midwifery graduates are well-prepared for employment.

  Our Midwifery teaching staff are enthusiastic, experienced midwives with a wide variety of expertise and are also skilled facilitators of learning. You will work in an environment that fosters key principles of adult learning, as well as individual support for your learning and skills development.

  Our midwifery course provides a structure that allows the course team to deliver a curriculum for the education of student midwives to an appropriate clinical, professional and academic standard.

  We have a clear framework for the learning and teaching of healthcare professional, through this framework we aim to train dynamic, effective and collaborative practitioners.

  Completing the BSc Midwifery degree will give you the following skills and experience:

  • you will be able to confidently lead the role of the midwife, employing a sound knowledge base through engagement with the research process and utilising a range of core and specialist midwifery skills;
  • you will be able to build effective working relationships with other professionals and partnerships with women, pregnant persons and their families;
  • provide holistic, woman-centred midwifery care promoting physiological processes, to include organising care for a small caseload;
  • question and explore current practice to enable the continuous evaluation and development of effective midwifery care.

  Throughout your midwifery course you will develop and enhance your clinical skills within all areas of maternity care (labour ward, home births and birth centres). You will also have the opportunity to experience care in a variety of multi-disciplinary settings and non-maternity settings which could include the special care baby unit (SCBU), Gynaecology, theatres and high dependency units (HDU).

  Placements

  You will have the opportunity to practice your midwifery skills using an active blended learning approach supported by sessions in a simulated environment in our dedicated midwifery clinical skills laboratory.

  Each of the three years of the course comprise periods of theory and applied practice within semesters and you will be placed at one of three NHS Trust sites to gain practical experience:

  • Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
  • Kettering General NHS Foundation Trust
  • Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 

  Placements are organised by a central placements department at the University of Northampton and a designated Midwife at your allocated NHS Trust host site.

  If you are studying the Midwifery course, you can expect to work and study for 37.5 hours per week over 45 weeks of the year 50% of your time will be dedicated to learning in clinical practice and the other 50% will be led by the lecturing team at the University using an active blended learning approach.  This means you will have guided online theoretical study followed by discussion on its application to practice in face-to-face sessions with midwifery lecturers.  There will also be dedicated time for self-directed study and reflection.

  Practice hours when in placement will be on average 30 hours per week but may vary from week to week to accommodate shift patterns and continuity of care working.

  For some placement periods in Years two and three, these may increase to 37.5 hours per week in order to prepare you to meet requirements of the regulator, the NMC, to ensure you are prepared for professional practice.

  Please view the Entry Requirements for information regarding Covid-19 vaccinations and placement.

  List of  modules:

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • Interprofessional Education (IPE)
      Module code: FHS_IPE20

      Status: Compulsory
    • Foundations of Midwifery Care (20 Credits)
      Module code: MID1025

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable the student to understand, apply and consoldiate the principles of individualised care planning within the context of universal midwifery care. Students will apply a person-centred approach considering relevant physiological, psychosocial and cultural factors.
    • Participating in Clinical Midwifery Practice (40 Credits)
      Module code: MID1026P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable the student, under direct supervision and direction, to provide safe universal midwifery care for women, newborns and families in a variety of models of maternity/midwifery care. Students will also begin to participate in the provision of care for women and newborns with additional care needs as part of the wider health and social care team.
    • Cultural perspectives in midwifery (20 Credits)
      Module code: MID1027

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable the student to demonstrate understanding of the culture of midwifery and apply this to the provision of psychosocial and culturally appropriate maternity care.
    • Scholarly practice in midwifery (20 Credits)
      Module code: MID1028

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop the student?s personal, professional and academic skills, including digital and technological literacy. Students will explore appropriate sources of information that underpin the midwife?s role in relation to public health agendas for women, newborns and the wider family.
    • Universal care needs applied to midwifery (20 Credits)
      Module code: MID1029

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop the student?s knowledge and understanding of the underpinning anatomical and physiological systems and principles of pharmacology to support the provision of safe and effective midwifery care.
  • Stage 2
    • Additional care needs applied to midwifery
      Module code: MID2032

      Status: Compulsory
    • Contributing to clinical midwifery practice
      Module code: MID2033P

      Status: Compulsory
    • Cultural competence in midwifery
      Module code: MID2034

      Status: Compulsory
    • Developing Midwifery Care
      Module code: MID2035

      Status: Compulsory
    • Research in Midwifery
      Module code: MID2036

      Status: Compulsory
  • Stage 3
    • EU Directive
      Module code: MID3022

      Status: Compulsory
    • Consolidating Midwifery Practice (40 Credits)
      Module code: MID3024P

      Status: Compulsory
      Contemporary midwifery practice encompasses a wide range of clinical events in various clinical placement areas. The student will work alongside midwives and within the multi-disciplinary team to further develop clinical and leadership skills as they progress towards autonomous midwifery practice. Students will also participate in high dependency care within a critical care environment.
    • Care Planning and Management (30 Credits)
      Module code: MID3025

      Status: Compulsory
      Midwives are required to lead practice in a variety of clinical situations. The focus is to provide individualised care for women and their families, underpinned by contemporary evidence.
    • Becoming a Midwife (10 Credits)
      Module code: MID3026

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for students to understand that all midwives have a responsibility to ensure their practice is contemporary and evidence based and fulfil professional requirements to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
    • Calculation Associated with Medicines (Level 6)
      Module code: MID3027

      Status: Compulsory
    • Project (40 Credits)
      Module code: MID4004

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable the student to consolidate skills relating to the critical evaluation of contemporary evidence by addressing an aspect of midwifery practice through the process of clinical audit.

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• Entry Requirements

  Standard midwifery university entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be for level 3 qualifications to be achieved in one of the following:

  A Level

  • A maximum of 3 A Levels needed with minimum grades of BBC or above.
  • General Studies is not accepted.
  • One A Level must be in a science which includes biology, chemistry, physics, psychology or sociology.
  • The science A level needs to be achieved with a minimum B grade.
  • Please note that AS (A1) levels and extended projects will not contribute to tariff points.

  T Levels

  • M grade in Science

  Access Programmes

  • Access programmes must consist of a minimum of 60 credits in total (15 at Level 2 and 45 at Level 3).
  • Level 3 credits must be achieved at a minimum of 30 at Merit and 15 at Distinction achieved at level 3 in Science.
  • Access programme should have a relevant science or health focus.

  BTEC Studies

  • The award of two Distinctions and one Merit (DDM) or higher must be achieved.
  • Awards must have a science focus, for example health and social care.
  • Distinctions achieved must have a science focus.

  In addition:

  • You must have GCSEs that include Mathematics and English Language at grade C/4 or above or a recognised equivalent. It is not compulsory to have GCSE in Science if you have a Level 3 science qualification, but it is still desirable.
  • Some healthcare work experience is desirable.
  • Accreditation for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is not considered for applicants to the BSc (Hons) Midwifery course.
  • Evidence of completion of at least 12 years of general school education or possession of a certificate attesting success in an examination of an equivalent level, for admission to a midwifery programme.

  We will consider other qualifications that are not listed above, please contact our Admissions team to discuss these on an individual basis.

  Please note that all offers of a place on this course are subject to:

  • successful Occupational Health Screening,
  • satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report, and
  • successful interview by the University.

  For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All applicants whose first language is not English applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 7.0 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Interview Information

  After applying via UCAS and meeting the entry requirements to study midwifery at the university, you will be invited to an interview in person at our Waterside campus. You will have a series of mini interviews, conducted by a variety of people which may include include a Midwifery academic, a Clinician, a student Midwife, a maternity service user or Maternity service user representative.

  You will receive further information and the interview preparation instructions from us by email before your interview. If you have any questions, please email us at: interviews@northampton.ac.uk

  Placements

  We as a university offer placement opportunities at three different NHS Trust practice learning partner sites, please see below. Please visit the relevant hospital websites to ensure you familiarise yourself with the ethos of the hospitals and their geographical location in relation to the University of Northampton. There is a possibility that you will complete the clinical element of your course at any one of these three host sites including the surrounding communities they serve.

  We will ask you your host site preference on the day of your interview. Please note although we try to offer you your preferred site these are not guaranteed.

  • Northampton General Hospital
  • Kettering General Hospital
  • Milton Keynes Hospital

  Interview Preparation

  As part of your interview preparation, look out for health features in national newspapers. We also recommend you keep up to date with current midwifery and health care issues by visiting the following sites:

  • NHS Constitution (2021) explanation video
  • The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) website
  • Ockenden Report
  • Midwifery Continuity of Carer 

  You may also find the following websites interesting:

  • Royal College of Midwives 
  • NHS Constitution
  • BBC Health
  • NHS England
  • Department of Health
  • MIDIRS
  • British Journal of Midwifery 

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• Fees and Funding

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250

  Additional costs

  Examples of additional costs that you may incur during the three years of the programme include:

  • living costs: for example, travel or fuel costs, running a car costs, car parking at NHS Trust host sites (ranging at present from 50 pence per day to £10 per day) and accommodation costs.
  • subscriptions: to a professional body/union, one example being, the Royal College of Midwives Membership (currently £1.67 for student midwives), Professional Midwifery journal(s) (approximately £40.00 annually for per subscription). These costs are optional.
  • purchase of learning resources: stationery.
  • miscellaneous: additional uniforms for clinical practice (approx. £25), fob watch, non-attendance at mandatory training (approx. £85), shoes for practice.

  Financial contribution towards your travel and expenses, in relation to your practice learning opportunities, may be available for you from the NHS Learning Support Fund. Details, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the NHS website.

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• Professional Body

  Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

  

  Our midwifery degree has been approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This means you can be confident that this programme meets the standards of education, training, conduct and performance required for midwifes in the UK.

  After successful completion of this programme, you’ll be awarded an Honours degree and can register as a Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This will allow you to practice in accordance with the NHS Constitution which is underpinned by the core NHS values.

  UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation

  

  Our Midwifery course is also BFI accredited by UNICEF meaning that our students will be equipped with knowledge and understanding of infant feeding to UNICEF UK standards. This standard is internationally recognised as a mark of excellence as one of the top midwifery universities.

  The university of Northampton first achieved UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation in 2016. We were extremely proud to achieve re-accreditation successfully in 2019.  Students who graduate with us have been educated to the high standards of UNICEF BFI which is an appealing attribute when seeking employment as a registrant.

  The baby friendly initiative standards and content is threaded across theory and practice modules.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time Midwifery degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  * UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details)

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• FAQs

  How many hours will I study?

  If you are studying the BSc (Hons) Midwifery course you can expect to work and study for 37.5 hours per week over 45 weeks of the year. The course is divided into modules which run for different lengths across the academic year. Identified theory hours on the course are compulsory and will consist of a mixture of face-to-face contact in University, individual pre-class preparation, group work, blended learning and online activities.

  Practice hours when in placement will be on average 30 – 37.5 hours per week but may vary from week to week to accommodate shift patterns and continuity of care working.

  How will I be assessed?

  A wide range of assessment are used on the BSc (Hons) Midwifery degree including essays, workbooks, projects, both written and spoken examinations, care studies and presentations, many of which will be submitted and marked electronically / online.

  What are the requirements in order to pass a module?

  In order to pass a module a student is required to obtain a minimum grade of ‘D-‘ in all assessments as this is a professional requirement. There is no compensation between assessments or between theory and practice.

  How will I learn?

  The aim of our teaching and learning is to transform lives and inspire change. We want our students to achieve their ambitions and to improve society for the better through the application of their skills and knowledge. Our midwifery course meets national academic standards and in addition is accredited by the NMC.

  At the University of Northampton, our students learn in small groups and through close interaction between staff and students. Our midwifery courses are designed for active learning on and off campus, in digitally rich environments that integrate ‘live’, real-time sessions with activities students can undertake where they like and at the time they choose. We call this approach Active Blended Learning (ABL).

  Characteristics of Active Blended Learning:

  • Close interaction with tutors, small group teaching and team work.
  • Activities that reflect the workplace and accommodate learner needs.
  • A future-focused, digitally rich learning environment.
  • An impressive range of accessible and up-to-date online resources and materials across all subject areas.
  • Access to information and resources that is straightforward, consistent and reassuring.
  • A supportive culture of motivation to progress and succeed, with students’ personal tutors playing a key role.
  • A focus on academic and social belonging opportunities, including mentoring and peer support mechanisms.

  A wide range of assessment is used on the BSc (Hons) Midwifery programme including essays, presentations, written and spoken examinations and projects, many of which will be submitted and marked electronically / online.

  What other opportunities are available?

  Our University is a part of a well-established, professional European network for Nursing and Midwifery. The Florence Network offers opportunities for future health careers and development to staff, academics and students. For more information go to the Florence Network google site.

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Careers and Employability

For those studying midwifery at university, career opportunities are wide ranging upon qualification, within and outside of the NHS.

Initially after a period of preceptorship training and post-registration clinical experience, you can progress into fields such as clinical leadership, specialisms such as bereavement, teenage pregnancy and infant feeding, as well as education and research. Employment opportunities are available both in the UK and abroad.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount .

Successful completion of this course could lead on to one of our postgraduate programmes: MSc Public  Health, MSc Advancing Practice , MSc Advanced Clinical Practice.

At the University of Northampton, we offer a range of short courses and continuing professional development (CPD) programmes. These will enable you to learn new skills, progress into specialisms or take on new responsibilities.