Undergraduate Degrees

BSc Midwifery ( B720 )

UCAS Course Code:: B720
Duration:: 3 years
Attendance:: Full Time
Award:: Degree of Bachelor of Science
School of Study:: Nursing Sciences
Brochure:: BSc Midwifery course brochure (PDF)
Typical A-Level Offer:: ABB

Overview
Why Choose Us
Course Profile
Requirements
Fees and Funding
Apply

Why Choose a Midwifery degree?

When you study for a Midwifery BSc at the UEA you are choosing a challenging and fascinating career. Midwifery is unique because it is the only profession that focuses solely on the care of pregnant women and their families throughout the whole childbirth experience - from early conception, through labour and in the early stages of motherhood.

This means you will need a very special set of skills. A midwife is invariably the first healthcare professional a pregnant woman encounters, so it goes without saying that excellent communication skills, sensitivity and a sympathetic approach are essential. You will need to respond effectively to the needs of pregnant women and be a reliable and constant source of care and advice during what is probably the most important time of their lives.

It is also vital that you are adaptable, because midwifery is an ever-changing profession and you will be always be teaching, learning and working in a wide variety of settings. In this demanding role you will need to be highly motivated and committed, with a mature attitude and a team player, but also able to work under your own initiative. It’s a lot to ask, but the rewards are immense.

Midwives are in demand, so your career prospects are excellent. You will have the chance to work in a diverse range of healthcare environments, from clinical settings, hospitals, the community and birth centres. Wherever you go you will have job satisfaction and the enviable role of bringing new life into the world time after time.

There is a government strategy to address the national shortage of midwives, in addition this course is the main source of recruitment of qualified midwives for local Trusts.

On successful completion of the programme, the student will be eligible to apply for entry to the Register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (statutory) and apply for midwifery posts within the EU, in both national organisations such as the NHS and private environments. For experienced graduate midwives committed to developing the midwifery profession opportunities exist for career progression through a range of clinical and managerial roles, increasingly there is scope to move into more specialist leading roles related to childbearing, e.g. lead midwife for diabetes and antenatal assessment.

Midwifery courses at the UEA – bringing your career to life

By studying for a Midwifery degree at the UEA you will be part of a highly competitive course that will prepare you both academically and clinically. We are extremely proud of our teaching methods and our staff are passionate about their subject. It is this commitment to excellence that has earned the UEA Nursing School a place in the Top 10 in the Times and Guardian league table.

Our facilities are second to none, with all the latest interactive, hi-tech equipment, situated on the south side of the campus next to the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. We are especially proud of the support we give our students. You will be assigned your own personal mentor and qualified professional who will be there every step of the way to guide you through the course.

Clinical placements are key to the course to ensure you receive hands-on experience as soon as possible. These are not 9-5 placements and you will be expected to do shift work.

Students will have practice placements at one of three local NHS Trust hospitals based in Kings Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Norwich. A preference to these placement sites will be discussed during the selection process.

Click on the relevant trust below to be taken to their respective website:

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn NHS Trust

James Paget Hospital University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Interprofessional learning forms a compulsory part of our course and highlight the interdependence of various professions in effective healthcare provision. Click here for further information.

We have been placed in the top ten universities in the UK for student satisfaction since the survey began.

Course Organiser:Miss Nicky Hadlett

The School of Nursing Sciences is the perfect place to both start and continue your health career in Nursing, Midwifery or Operating Department Practice. We offer a wide range of both pre- and post-registration courses that will help develop your passion and capability, and give you the skills you need to succeed in a wide range of healthcare environments.

You are provided with the highest standard of academic and clinical education, whether your career choice is Nursing, Midwifery or Operating Department Practice. Our facilities are second to none and with innovative teaching methods and passionate, dedicated staff you will be inspired and challenged throughout your studies.

Students have told us our courses are dynamic and fascinating. That’s because our approach is based on enquiry-based learning, clinical skills acquisition, and early patient contact. The courses include the following elements:

Enquiry Based Learning – Early on in the course you will be given real problems from real patients to solve as both groups and individuals. This ensures you experience how to apply your new knowledge in practice.
Essential Clinical Skills – clinical skills are embedded in the course right from the start. Simulated skills are taught and practiced in the classroom prior to placements and throughout the course.
Clinical Placements – all our placements are monitored so as to meet the quality standards for learning. The School has well established, excellent working relationships with our Clinical Partners, and we work together to ensure the best quality clinical learning environment for our students.
Interprofessional Learning – You will meet and work with students from other health-related disciplines to exchange knowledge, practice and ideas.
Research – The teaching staff are continually involved in research, which means you will benefit from their knowledge of the very latest practices and techniques.
Supportive Culture – Teaching groups are small, which encourages a close-knit student body and a supportive learning culture. You will be assigned your own personal mentor and qualified professional who will be there every step of the way to guide you through the course.
Elective Placements – You will have the opportunity to put into practice what you have learned in the clinical environment of your choice.

This interactive and highly effective approach to teaching and learning means that our School of Nursing Sciences is continually recognised for its excellence and ranks highly in both student surveys and league tables:

The School is 3rd for Nursing and Paramedical Studies (Guardian University Guide 2012).
For five years running the UEA has been placed in the top five universities in the UK for student satisfaction.

The UEA is a fantastic place to study and has a unique atmosphere. You will love being here, learning and making lasting friendships.

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
FOUNDATION FOR PRACTICE	NSCW1M1D	60

PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES	NSCW1M2E	60

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
COMPLICATED CHILDBIRTH	NSCW2U4D	40
Module Aims Expectations of the midwife as a professional 1. Exploration of the ethical, legal and professional framework of accountability for midwifery practice in an intrapartum care context. 2. Examination of the use of technology in the process of information retrieval; patient records and patient care. 3. Explore how midwives make decisions as the lead professional in individual midwifery cases. The application of practice in midwifery 1. Explore strategies for the preparation of women for labour and birth, acknowledging the importance of women’s expectations. 2. Determine the factors that contribute to good interprofessional working in the intrapartum setting. 3. Develop interpersonal skills and psychomotor dexterity in supporting women and their birth partners during labour. Subject knowledge, understanding and associated skills that underpin the education and training of midwives 1. Use knowledge of normal physiology to understand complications of labour and birth and related patho-physiology. 2. Develop further the communication skills used in establishing and meeting women's needs demonstrating a partnership approach to care. 3. Application of evidence base in care delivery to achieve the best possible birth outcomes. 4. Apply numeracy skills to the administration of drugs. 5. Discuss the appropriate use of complementary therapies in intrapartum care. Assessments: Written Assignment (3000 words) and Assessment of Practice
COMPLICATIONS BEFORE AND AFTER BIRTH	NSCW2U6F	40
Module aims Expectations of the midwife as a professional 1. Application of the statutory framework governing midwifery practice to record keeping. 2. Consider the ethical implication of refusal of treatment within a childbearing context. 3. Consider the social and environmental factors that can have a negative impact on health of women and their families. 4. Explore national and international codes and legislation relating to infant feeding and breast milk substitutes. The application of practice in midwifery 1. Develop knowledge and understanding of pathophysiology of the antenatal period which requires referral and intervention. 2. Develop knowledge and understanding to underpin practice in planning, assessing, implementing and evaluating care for women with complicated pregnancies. 3. Develop knowledge and understanding to underpin practice in planning, assessing, implementing and evaluating complex care in the postnatal period for women and babies. Subject knowledge, understanding and associated skills that underpin the education and training of midwives 1. Develop skills in communicating and supporting women in hospital to initiate and maintain breastfeeding. 2. Explore mental ill health and disabilities which may have significance to childbirth and parenting. 3. Exploration of research methods for evidence based midwifery practice. Assessments: Written Examination (2 sections) and Assessment of Practice
THE IMPACT OF ILL HEALTH ON WOMEN	NSCW2U5E	40
Module Aims Expectations of the midwife as a professional 1. Orientate to inter-professional/interagency working in the wider health care context. 2. Develop an in depth understanding of practice within a legal and professional framework of accountability. 3. Explore the use of a range of technology in the process of information retrieval, maintaining patient records and documenting patient care. 4. Identify and initiate appropriate actions in relation to own learning needs in order to develop personally and professionally. The application of practice in midwifery/nursing 1. Using a woman centred approach to care, assess women's individual needs, and then plan implement and evaluate appropriate programmes of care to meet these needs. 2. Across a range of health care situations demonstrate the importance of recognising ill-health and taking the necessary actions regarding referral and immediate management. Subject knowledge, understanding and associated skills that underpin the education and training of midwives 1. Continue to develop knowledge of systematic enquiry to critique and evaluate published materials in relation to gynaecological practice, care in early pregnancy and women’s experiences of gynaecology and maternity services. 2. Develop further reflective skills which involve the ability to examine and reflect upon the effects of care on others. 3. Examine the specific health needs of women and how these may be related to fertility, contraception, sexual health and gynaecological care. 4. Explore the physiology and patho-physiology of chronic conditions that affect the health of women. 5. Explore the psychological and sociological theory that underpin women's responses to conditions that have a negative effect upon health. Assessments: Written Assignment and Assessment of Practice

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
CARE AND SERVICES FOR MOTHER AND BABY	NSCW3U7D	20
Module aims Expectations of the midwife as a professional 1. Developing further knowledge of effective and appropriate record keeping including electronic health records. 2. Discussion of the decision making process in prioritising midwifery. 3. Development of leadership qualities and strategies to support auditing and review of services. 4. Preparation for registration and maintaining and developing competence to retain professional registration. 5. Application of national and local organisation of maternity services to enable clients’ needs to be met. The application of practice in midwifery 1. Develop knowledge of the principles underpinning effective and safe antenatal ward management. 2. Explore the physiology and patho-physiology affecting the fetus and neonate, while also applying this knowledge to the neonatal care setting. 3. Exploration of quality mechanisms to effectively evaluate maternity care. 4. Develop knowledge of pathophysiology, and sequelae of complex pregnancy. 5. Application of national guidelines to evaluate and audit practice. 6. Exploration of programmes of care for women with complex antenatal needs. Subject knowledge, understanding and associated skills that underpin the education and training of midwives 1. Develop knowledge and skills in self management and management of others that may be applied to the clinical setting. 2. Synthesis of evidence surrounding holistic care to improve the effectiveness of maternity services for women and families. 3. Investigation of national and local strategies for understanding women’s, needs, views and opinions of maternity care. 4. Applying project management and learning skills to the preparation and development of the dissertation. 5. Apply knowledge and skills to the role of the midwife in caring for women with complex pregnancies including mental health issues. 6. Critical exploration of models of midwifery led care nationally and internationally to determine effective care and best practice. Assessment: Assessment of Practice
MIDWIVES AND PUBLIC HEALTH	NSCW3U9F	40
Module aims Expectations of the midwife as a professional 1. Explore multi-professional approaches and the midwife’s role in public health, health promotion and health education. 2. Consider government health and social policies that address the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals and communities. 3. Consider the social and environmental factors that can have a negative impact on health of women and their families. 4. Explore international and multicultural issues in midwifery and maternal and child health. The application of practice in midwifery 1. Develop and expand the knowledge base required to undertake emergency procedures and refer to appropriate professional when required 2. Explore through reflection, the effectiveness of personal and professional judgement in ensuring the best outcomes of care for women and their families 3. Implementation of strategies for decision making, and multiprofessional working to effectively manage a caseload Subject knowledge, understanding and associated skills that underpin the education and training of midwives 1. Develop professional knowledge in managing the care of vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals including issues of child protection, domestic violence and sexual abuse. 2. Critical exploration of models of midwifery led care nationally and internationally to determine effective care and best practice. 3. Simulation of midwifery management of emergency situations, which may present in childbearing Assessments: Oral Examination (45 minutes) and Assessment of Practice
QUALITY AND PROFESSIONALISM IN MIDWIFERY	NSCW3U8E	60
Module aims Expectations of the midwife as a professional 1. Preparation for practice within the legal and professional framework for midwifery practice and statutory supervision of midwifery. 2. Development of critical reflection in response to practice progression and personal development. 3. Critically examine issues of ethics and confidentiality in maternity care. 4. Explore the process for development of guidelines at local and national level. The application of practice in midwifery 1. Develop knowledge and understanding to act as lead carer in an intrapartum setting. 2. Develop awareness of the role of the midwife in organisational multiprofessional audit and quality processes. Subject knowledge, understanding and associated skills that underpin the education and training of midwives 1. Develop partnership approaches to assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care during the intrapartum and immediate neonatal period. 2. Developing further appropriate communication skills to provide care that is sensitive to individual culture and preferences in complex situations. 3. Develop skills in managing midwifery emergency situations. 4. Apply knowledge of physiology, patho-physiology and socio-psychological aspects of care to complex intrapartum situations Assessments: Dissertation (8-10,000 words) and Assessment of Practice

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Entry Requirements

A Level:: ABB
International Baccalaureate:: 32 points
Scottish Highers:: ABBBB
Scottish Advanced Highers:: ABB
Irish Leaving Certificate:: AABBBB

Entry Requirement

September 2013 Entry

Our admissions criteria include: a clear understanding of the profession ideally with relevant voluntary or paid work in health care; an interest in people; a strong academic attainment and a broad academic base at GCSE level.

We do not consider Apprenticeships, NVQs (Any Level) or Level 3 Diplomas (Previously NVQs) as meeting the minimum academic entry requrements, although these can be used as evidence of recent study.

School Leavers

The minimum entry requirements for university matriculation and the requirements of the School are five GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English Language or Literature, Mathematics, and a Science subject. General Studies, Critical Thinking and AS-levels are not considered. Offers are usually made on grades not points.

3 A-Levels (no subjects specified)	ABB
Advanced Diploma in Society, Health and Development	ABB
International Baccalaureate	32 points
Scottish Highers	ABBBB
Scottish Advanced Highers	ABB
Irish Leaving Certificate	AABBBB

Other criteria:

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of recent study (within the last 5 years) and be able to provide their original qualifications should they be invited to attend an interview.

Other Candidates

Applications are encouraged from those with non-traditional qualifications. Applicants with the following qualifications are required to demonstrate GCSEs at Grade C or above in English Language or Literature, Mathematics and a Science subject, except the Access to Higher Education which does not require additional GCSE qualifications unless English and Mathematics are not included.

Suitable qualifications would include:

BTEC Extended Diploma in a Health, Care or Science subject	DDM
BTEC National Diploma in Early Years	DDD
CACHE Diploma in Childcare	A
Foundation Degree in a Health, Care or Science subject	Pass
Open University (minimum 60 Credits Level 1) in a Health, Care or Science subject	Pass
Science Foundation Year	70%
Certificate of Higher Education	Pass
Diploma of Higher Education	Pass
Bachelor Degree	2:1 Preferred, 2:2 Accepted
Access to Higher Education Diploma in a Health, Care or Science subject*	Pass with 45 Credits at Level 3 Distinction

Other criteria:

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of recent study (within the last 5 years). Applicants must able to provide their original qualification documents on the day of selection otherwise that they are not eligible for interview, and/or following results day prior to commencing the course.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 7.0 in any component)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 98 overall (minimum 22 in Listening, Reading and Writing components and 23 in Speaking component)
PTE: 70 overall (minimum 70 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Special Entry Requirements

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check, an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and two satisfactory references.

Intakes

September.

Course Offered At

We do not consider International Applicants to study on this course.

Course Open To

Please note that, at this time, we are unable to accept international applications for this course.

Fees and Funding

This Midwifery BSc course is funded by the East of England Strategic Health Authority
https://www.uea.ac.uk/sixthform/2012+Fees/Health+related+courses

Students can also apply to the NHS Student Grants Unit for a means tested bursary. A means tested scheme is also available which operates alongside the NHS Student Bursary Scheme which can provide financial assistance towards Childcare Costs for students who use OFSTED inspected childcare facilities.

For further details about the NHS Student Bursary Scheme or to obtain a Bursary Estimate please visitwww.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students.

Once nominated, all successful candidates should apply for this means tested bursary. Students should also apply to the Student Loans Company in advance of starting their course, if they wish to ensure that they are later eligible to apply for a student loan.

Further information is available from: www.slc.co.uk

How to Apply

Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.

UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:

Undergraduate Admissions Office

Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

request a copy of our latest prospectus and subject brochures
get access to exclusive information personalised to your interests
keep up to date with news and events at UEA.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International webpages.