Midwifery (Shortened programme)

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Midwifery MSc (shortened) programme, applicants must hold a First degree at 2.2 or above and must already be a Registered Nurse with at least 12 months experience working as an adult nurse in an appropriate setting.

Months of entry

March

Course content

This exciting programme, provided in partnership with NHS England, has been developed to enable Registered Nurses (Adult) with one year experience to complete a two-year course leading to accredited registration as a Midwife. You are taught utilising a combination of distance learning and short designated on-site learning opportunities. This is complemented by practice learning in a range of midwifery settings whilst studying towards a Masters level qualification.

Our curriculum allows you to understand, cope with and value your transformative journey within an appreciative and supportive community in both practice and university settings. You are, therefore, prepared to emerge as midwives capable of providing physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritually safe care for women, babies and their families during a significant life event.

Successful applicants will qualify for NHSE funding to include salary support and tuition fees. See the ‘Costs’ tab for further information.

Key features

• This course is for NMC Registered adult nurses who want to become NMC Registered Midwives and earn a level 7 qualification
• The duration of this course is 2 academic years consisting of 45 weeks per year and 7 weeks annual leave
• Designated, flexible online distance learning theory weeks and specific onsite learning and consolidation periods during the programme to enhance learning and skill development as part of a blended learning programme
• This programme has been developed in partnership with students, service users, practice partners, academic support teams and members of the midwifery teaching team
• Opportunity to complete a systematic examination of the newborn (NIPE) module within the programme

Teaching

A key feature of our programme is that students are taught utilising a combination of distance learning and short designated on-site learning opportunities. This unique feature enables qualified nurses to access high quality teaching resources facilitated by an expert midwifery lecturing team using flexible and student-centred approaches with innovative virtual learning experiences. The online experiences include a combination of interactive workshops, lead lectures, tutorials and small group activities.

Students will also be able to consolidate learning related to midwifery philosophies and skills within the traditional university campus setting, including access to state of the art skills laboratories during the onsite learning and consolidation days. The flexibility of distance learning will be supported by regular opportunities to connect with lecturers, midwives and other students either virtually or during the onsite learning experiences.

At the beginning of the programme, you will be allocated a Personal Academic Tutor. You will have the opportunity to meet with your personal academic tutor, as a minimum, at two scheduled group meetings in the first year to ensure you are settling into university life, to sign-post you to any university services you may need and to provide academic support. These will be complemented with 2 individual meetings. During the second year to reflect growing confidence, you will be able to meet with your personal academic tutor in a group once and individually for two meetings.

During each year of your programme, you will also be allocated an Academic Assessor (AA). The AA is a Registered Midwife who collates and confirms your achievement in the academic environment for each year of the programme. They work with a nominated practice assessor to make recommendations for progression for each student they are assigned to.

Practice based learning opportunities will run in blocks across the year usually preceded by on onsite residential weekend learning and consolidation days. You will utilise a nationally approved practice record to support your learning and assessment within maternity settings, whilst being supported by Practice Supervisors and Practice Assessors in your learning within the clinical setting.

Careers

Achievement of the MSc Midwifery (Shortened) normally indicates a student’s Fitness to Practice and eligibility to enter the NMC professional register, permitting use the title Registered Midwife. As a level 7 qualification this course offers opportunities for employment in specialist midwifery roles, research and midwifery consultancy.

First destination data shows that midwifery students from the University enjoy high levels of employment with 95% of students employed within 6 months of graduation.