Midwifery BSc Welcome Pack
Welcome to BSc (Hons) Midwifery – September 2026.
I am delighted to welcome you to our midwifery community at the University of Northampton. You are joining a profession that is both deeply rewarding and profoundly impactful, where you will have the privilege of supporting childbearing women, birthing people and families during some of life’s most significant moments.
From the outset, you will join an inclusive student community, supported by an experienced and approachable academic team. In your first week, you will meet your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who will provide academic and pastoral support throughout your time on the course. You will also have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with our beautiful campus and explore the range of university services available.
Throughout your course, you will experience an engaging learning environment that connects theory with clinical practice. The curriculum is based on the Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards for pre-registration midwifery education with UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) Standards embedded throughout. Teaching is delivered through a blend of online, face-to-face sessions, simulation, interprofessional learning and practice placements, helping you to develop confidence, compassion and clinical competence. A range of interactive approaches, including group work, clinical skills, case-based discussions and reflection, will support your development in evidence-informed decision-making, cultural humility and person-centred care. As the course progresses, you will spend significant time in practice, working with midwives and interprofessional teams to apply your learning.
Our aim is to prepare you to meet Nursing and Midwifery Council standards and become a safe, compassionate midwife.
Your Course Leader
Tracy La Penna
Senior Lecturer in Midwifery and Baby Friendly Initiative Lead. MSc, PGCAP, FHEA, PGDip SCPHN (HV), BSc (Hons) Midwifery.
Tracy.lapenna@northampton.ac.uk
As Course Leader I have oversight of the Midwifery course and can help with timetabling, assessments and clinical placements. I am also happy to help with signposting if you need support from our central services, or any feedback to help improve the course and individual modules.
Additional staff
- Kimberley Morris, Lead Midwife for Education
- Dr John Pendleton, Senior Lecturer
- Alison Power, Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching
- Hollie Townley, Lecturer
- Fatima Ghaouch, Lecturer
- Hauwa Hamza, Lecturer
- Emily Knowles, Senior Lecturer
- Kim Ebbs, Senior Lecturer
Welcome and Induction
Your timetable will be provided on your first day at university.
Welcome and Induction
When you arrive at the University of Northampton, there’s plenty to get involved with during Welcome Week. However, there are specific sessions taking place as part of your course induction that’ll help you settle in and prepare for teaching to start:
Course Welcome and Meet the Midwifery Team
- Date: 28 September 2026
- Time: 9am – 4pm
- Location: TBC
Introduction to BFI, Student Union and Get to know you cohort and Personal Academic Tutors
- Date: 29 September 2026
- Time: 9 – 4pm
- Location: TBC
Equipment
When starting your Midwifery degree at the University of Northampton, there is no expectation to purchase expensive textbooks or equipment before you arrive.
In preparation for you commencing the midwifery course we recommend all students to start to familiarise themselves with the Standards of proficiency for midwives (2019), the NMC Code (2018) and UNICEF Baby Friendly Standards.
Midwifery students wear a uniform when attending clinical placements and participating in clinical skills sessions at university. You will receive guidance on how to order your uniform once you start the course. Your first set of uniform (excluding shoes) is provided free of charge, although any additional or replacement items can be purchased if needed. You will also be required to wear flat, black shoes that you will need to buy at your own expense.
At the start of your first term, you will be able to choose a welcome offer such as a free laptop or £500 off halls accommodation. We strongly recommend selecting the laptop, as it will be required for teaching sessions and used throughout your midwifery degree.
There is no reading list before you arrive, although it would be beneficial to familiarise yourself with key midwifery documents as previously mentioned. Once you start the course each module will, however, include a recommended reading list to support your learning, with all resources accessible either online or through the university library.
