BSc (Hons) Midwifery

Key details

BSC (HONS) MIDWIFERY

Start Year

2022

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Science

UCAS course code

B720

Entry Requirements

ABB

Duration (years)

Is there anything more amazing than the miracle of life? The first heartbeat. The first gasp for air. The first cry. The physically and emotionally exhausting rollercoaster that parents go through.

Train to be a Midwife, and you’ll be playing a central role in one of the most amazing, and sometimes challenging, journeys in any family’s life. One day you could be celebrating a pregnancy; another you could find yourself consoling a family for the loss of one. It’s a completely unique career that comes loaded with responsibility – and rewards.

About

Balanced between theoretical study and placement-based practice, our Midwifery degree will equip you with all the skills, knowledge and leadership qualities you need to excel as a midwife. You’ll graduate ready to help mothers navigate their pregnancies as their lead practitioner in all normal midwifery care, and able to manage and coordinate more complex care for those in difficult circumstances.

A midwife needs be able to assess every case then make the right judgement. Throughout the course, you’ll study the latest research underpinning current midwifery practices, and develop both your critical analysis and ability to evaluate evidence. You’ll then consolidate your learning by putting it into practice while on placement.

Clinical placements are undertaken regularly during the course and cover every aspect of midwifery practice. You’ll work with professionals from multiple professional disciplines, gaining unique insights into the practices and perspectives of healthcare providers across the board.

Our degree will also help you to develop in-depth knowledge and clinical skills related to the examination of newborns. And you’ll learn how to support new mothers emotionally and physically as they breastfeed and bond with their babies.

Follow UEA's Midwifery Society on Twitter or Instagram.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

You’ll experience a wide range of assessments methods. 

You’ll have frequent opportunities to receive feedback through formative assessments, so you can understand your strengths and the areas you need to focus on to develop your knowledge and skills.

Compulsory Modules

UNDERSTANDING NORMALITY AND PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS

Code HSCW4040A

Credits 20

This module will introduce the students to healthcare and midwifery practice whilst orientating to university and student life. Opportunity will be given for exploration of foundations of all areas of midwifery practice, together with underpinning evidence. The practice element will support the theme of midwifery led care and ‘normality’ and will facilitate student progression from participant observer to supervised participant.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Code HSCW4041A

Credits 20

In this module, alongside module one, the students will be introduced to healthcare and have opportunity to orientate to university and student life. Foundation of midwifery practice features in both modules one and two. An anatomy and physiology workbook will support the learning related anatomy and physiology. This module will enable the students to develop an understanding of the context of Public Health, and primarily ways to promote the health of individuals, families and communities. The module addresses the needs of specific populations and current public health concerns. It will focus on how biophysical, psychological and social elements impact on public health. The module will also examine the role of the midwife in collaboration with other healthcare professionals who may work together to enhance care given to families. The module will examine public health issues such as mental health and emotional wellbeing, obesity, substance misuse, alcohol intake and smoking. The students will review the challenges of implementing change posed by the political, cultural and socio-economic environment within which midwives work. Alongside module one, module two will provide the opportunities to explore the foundation and underpinning evidence of midwifery practice preparing the student for module three in semester two, which focuses on the neonate and infant feeding.

THE NEWBORN AND INFANT FEEDING

Code HSCW4042B

Credits 20

This module will focus on the knowledge of the development of the embryo and adaptation to extra uterine life. The students will develop skills and knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the normal neonate and the role of the midwife in relation to the assessment and care of the neonate. This module addresses some of the more common complications associated with the neonate and their management. For example, thermoregulation and jaundice. The students will develop their knowledge and skills in relation to infant feeding and supporting women in line with the UNICEF Breastfeeding Initiative Standards.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE I

Code HSCW4043Y

Credits 60

This practice module spans an academic year. It uses a flexible and responsive student led approach to placements and covers all three areas of maternity care provision; inpatient services, central delivery suite, the midwifery led birthing unit and community. Students will be expected to seek out additional appropriate learning opportunities including other clinical areas, services, organisations and agencies as well as specialist practitioners. This will enable the students to appreciate and participate in care outside the role of the midwife which will enhance the care women receive in the maternity services. This will also expand their ability to apply theory to practice within the placement areas. Supernumerary status will be maintained throughout the module thus enabling students to work within interdisciplinary teams in order to provide safe, evidence-based care to woman and families from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. The module is supported by the use of the Midwifery Ongoing Record of Achievement assessment of practice document which incorporates all relevant NMC approved proficiencies (NMC 2019).

INTERPROFESSIONAL LEARNING - LEVEL 1

Code HSCI4001Y

Credits 0

Interprofessional collaboration & working is proven to improve outcomes in health & social care. In this module you’ll meet and work with others from across healthcare programmes at UEA in a 2 hour learning event. You will explore how teams can work in different scenarios where the focus is on cognitive impairment & communication difficulties across the lifespan. You’ll begin to reflect on your personal and professional development, and begin to explore how you will collaborate & work with other professions to provide integrated person-centred care. In the 2 hour session you may also have the opportunity to become a Dementia Friend. You may also have the option to complete a Reflective Workbook to guide your foundational learning on Dementia Awareness & Learning Disability Awareness. You will be assessed on this through a set of multiple choice questions.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Assessment for Year 2

You’ll experience a wide range of assessments methods. 

You’ll have frequent opportunities to receive feedback through formative assessments, so you can understand your strengths and the areas you need to focus on to develop your knowledge and skills.

Compulsory Modules

ADVANCED ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NEWBORN

Code HSCW5050A

Credits 20

The module builds on the learning from year one and prepares the student for completing a full systematic examination of the newborn. Content will focus on further developing theoretical and practical skills in providing quality midwifery care together with preparing the student to undertake the full systematic examination of the newborn by developing the students underpinning knowledge & clinical assessment skills. Theory will focus the student’s attention on graduate skills of clinical decision making, national policy guidelines and care pathways. Anatomy & physiology commensurate with the full systematic examination of the newborn will build upon the knowledge gained in modules 1 and 3. This module will cover the genetics, genomics and epigenetics in relation to the newborn and fetal development and will enable the student to begin to recognise, manage and refer the newborn with complications. This builds upon knowledge gained in module 1 and 3 in year 1.

FIRST-LINE ASSESSMENT AND ADDITIONAL CARE OF COMPLICATIONS

Code HSCW5051B

Credits 20

This module runs concurrently with module 6 (Understanding social sciences and childbirth) in the second semester of year 2 of the programme. This module builds on the knowledge gained from module 2 in the first year, of how the medical and social demographics of pregnant women have altered and how midwives are more frequently encountering mothers who have additional needs and comorbidities. The module covers the impact of the most common physical and mental health conditions on pre-conceptual care, pregnancy, childbirth, the postnatal period. It will also focus on the midwife’s role in first-line assessment and management of complications and the provision of ongoing midwifery care as part of the multidisciplinary team. Additional areas of knowledge and skills necessary to manage complications will be covered, such as the impact of public health and socio-economic status, pharmacology and communication skills. Emphasis will be placed on how the midwife can optimise physiological processes, anticipate and prevent complications and work to promote positive outcomes for both mother and baby. Additional areas of knowledge and skills necessary to manage complications will be covered, such as the impact of public health and socio-economic status, pharmacology and communication skills. Emphasis will be placed on how the midwife can optimise physiological processes, anticipate and prevent complications and work to promote positive outcomes for both mother and baby.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE II

Code HSCW5053Y

Credits 60

This practice module spans the academic year. It uses a flexible and responsive student-led approach to placements and covers all three areas of maternity care provision: inpatient services, central delivery suite and the midwifery led birthing unit and community. Students will be encouraged and expected to seek out additional appropriate learning opportunities including other clinical areas, services, organisation's and agencies as well as specialist practitioners. This will enable the students to appreciate and participate in care outside the role of the midwife which will enhance and inform the care women receive in the maternity services. This will also expand the student's ability to apply theory to practice within the placement area. Supernumerary status will be maintained throughout the module thus enabling students to work within interdisciplinary teams in order to provide safe, evidence-based care to woman and families from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. During semester 1 of this year the students will have had the theory that supports the full systematic examination of the newborn. This will prepare them to undertake the practice of full systematic physical examination of the newborn infant throughout the practice module. The module is supported by the use of the Midwifery Ongoing Record of Achievement assessment of practice document which incorporates all relevant NMC approved proficiencies (NMC 2019).

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Important Information

Assessment for Year 3

You’ll experience a wide range of assessments methods. 

You’ll have frequent opportunities to receive feedback through formative assessments, so you can understand your strengths and the areas you need to focus on to develop your knowledge and skills.

Compulsory Modules

RESEARCH FOR INNOVATION

Code HSCW6061B

Credits 20

This module will enable you to synthesise your research knowledge, deepen understanding and apply the skills to 21st century healthcare challenges. You will have an opportunity to explore how to use research skills to evaluate best practice and to apply that knowledge to develop an innovation in maternity care. The module will allow you to show your growing professional skill and creative thinking through development of new and novel ideas to improve the way maternity service is delivered or experienced.

LEADERSHIP AND THE COMPETENT PRACTITIONER

Code HSCW6062B

Credits 20

This final module of the programme enables the student to consolidate the theory and practical knowledge gained during previous modules, whilst continuing the development of skills for lifelong learning. It will develop the students understanding of the meaning and implications of being a midwife.This module develops and enables the students to become competent practitioners at the point of registration with the NMC. The module will consolidate the students'knowledgeand practice skillsand build on the development of leadershipthat the students will have begun to explore in previous modules.It will also develop the students understanding about what it means to bean ambassador for theprofession,how clinical decision making through leadershipand ethical practice is maintained.The students will have the opportunity to analyse how the micro and macro organisation of maternity services influence practice development and how consumer voices can be represented in driving practice forward. Evidence-based content will draw on the use of literature to support innovations in practice. The opportunity to lead and make clinical decisions will be demonstrated at competence level.

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Important Information

Entry Requirements

A Levels

ABB, or BBB with an A in the Extended Project

BTEC

DDM in Health, Care or Science

Access course

Pass with Distinction in 30 credits and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 in a Health, Care or Science subject

International Baccalaureate

32 points

Additional entry requirements

Bachelor's Degree (hons)

2.1, or 2.2 with BBB at A Level

Certificate of Higher Education

60% with BBB at A Level

Diploma of Higher Education

60% or above

European Baccalaureate

75% or above

Foundation Degree

60% or above in a Health, Care or Science subject

Foundation Year

65% or above in a Foundation Year of an undergraduate degree programme at a UK university, in a Health, Care or Science subject, plus BBB at A Level

Irish Leaving Certificate

3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3

NCFE/CACHE Level 3 Diploma

Grade A in Child Care and Education (Early Years Educator)

NCFE/CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma

Grade A in one of the following subjects:

Children's Care, Learning and Development
Children and Young People's Workforce
Health and Social Care (including Technical Level)

Open University

60 credits at 60% or above, in a Health, Care or Science subject

Scottish Advanced Highers

BCC or above

Scottish Highers

AAABB or above

T Levels

Not accepted for 2022 entry

We recognise that some students take a mixture of qualifications. Please email admissions@uea.ac.uk if you would like to check whether any particular combination of qualifications would be suitable for entry to this degree programme, or for any advice on further study that might help you to make a future application to the course.

Please note that we do not consider A Levels in General Studies or Critical Thinking, Apprenticeships, NVQs (any level) or Work-based Level 3 Diplomas (previously NVQs) to meet the minimum academic entry requirements, although these can be used as evidence of recent study. We’ll also be unable to consider you for this course if you’ve obtained an academic fail from a previous health-based degree programme, including where an exit award has been achieved.

If you’ve applied for this course before and have been unsuccessful, please note that we’ll only consider applications for two consecutive cycles. We’d advise that you take a year to consider your options and gain further experience before reapplying for a third time.

GCSE REQUIREMENTS

In addition to all other specified requirements, you’ll need to hold or be working towards GCSE Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4.

We can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics, Essential Skills Wales L2 Application of Number or Essential Skills Northern Ireland L2 Application of Number instead of GCSE Mathematics.

RECENT STUDY

We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If you hold qualifications that meet the entry requirements above, but your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the the course starts, please email admissions@uea.ac.uk to enquire further.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including reading, writing, speaking and listening) at the level of IELTS 7.0 overall (minimum 7.0 in each component). Review our English Language Equivalences for a list of example qualifications that we can accept to meet this requirement.

INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA

Academic English at INTO UEA

Interviews

The strongest applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that meeting (or being predicted to meet) the minimum academic entry requirements will not guarantee that you will be selected for interview.

Interview invitations will be sent by email. Please keep a close eye on all emails from UEA after you submit your UCAS application.

Interview format

All interviews for entry in 2022 will take place online with an academic staff member from the School of Health Sciences, and may also include either a clinician from the profession you are applying for, a health service user or a 3rd year student from the course. The interview will last about 30-40 minutes. For a little bit more information on the interview process, view our Plan Your Visit page and navigate to 'Health Sciences Interviews'.

Note that we do not disclose interview questions, but in general terms the interviews will explore a range of issues, including your suitability for the profession and the NHS values (as reflected in the NHS constitution). We’ll look to consider your motivation to study this course, as well as whether you have an interest in people and a clear understanding of the profession (ideally with relevant voluntary or paid work in healthcare).

Experience of healthcare

We are aware that it is a difficult time to try to gain relevant experience in healthcare. First time applicants to Nursing, Midwifery and the Allied Health Professions will all be in a similar situation. We will take this into account and will adapt our expectations.

Keep in mind that clinical work experience is not generally a requirement for applying to train in healthcare, but it is important to show that you are able to work with people and appreciate the health and social care setting. It is important to remember why we look for work experience in an application; this in turn can help you think of the numerous ways that you might be able to demonstrate how you have acquired relevant experience.

We will want to see that you understand what a career in Health involves. Work experience, and other related experiences, are only as valuable as the way you talk about them and what understanding you take from them. While we will expect you to show some understanding of what it is like to be the professional of your choice, part of this involves demonstrating that you know what it is like to work in a responsible role, particularly with the public.

What type of experience do you need?

Any activity or life experience that helps you to prepare for training to be a healthcare professional will help. This means any activity that allows you to demonstrate that you have:

Had people-focused experience of providing a service, care, support or help to others, and that you understand the realities of working in a caring profession.
Developed some of the values, attitudes and behaviours essential to being a Nurse, Midwife or Allied Health professional such as conscientiousness, effective communication and the ability to interact with a wide variety of people. The values that we are looking for are set out in the NHS Constitution.
A realistic understanding of Health and Social Care and in particular the physical, organisational and emotional demands of the career.

Practical ways to gain experience

Keep a reflective diary on what is happening in the news and online. Listen to what healthcare professionals have to say and reflect on this. All healthcare professionals can be a valuable source of information and experience, not just those that work in the specific profession that you are applying for. Demonstrating that you have a sense of all healthcare professions (and how they work together) will help you in both your personal statement and interview.

Volunteer in your spare time if you can, all forms of voluntary work can provide helpful work experience. Whilst volunteer work in the NHS might be disrupted at this time, other schemes may still be in operation and worth exploring i.e. working with other people in a caring or service role. Voluntary commitments to community groups (for example groups related to the work of churches, mosques and temples, or other groups such as Scouts or Guides) and online community support groups may also provide valuable experience of taking on responsibility, dealing with people and communicating effectively. It is likely that these sorts of volunteering opportunities will start to run again before healthcare related opportunities are available.

Remember: it is what you learn about yourself, about other people and about how effective care is delivered and received that counts. What you did is only a small part of the story; it is how you communicate what you learnt which matters.

PROGRAMME CONDITIONS

Offers to successful applicants will be subject to a successful interview, a satisfactory occupational health check (including evidence of appropriate immunisations), an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two satisfactory references.

PLACEMENTS

During the course, no less than 50% of your time will be spent on practice placement. This might be in a variety of settings that include hospitals, community services, general practice, social services and voluntary or private organisations. Placement allocation occurs throughout the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

As this course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.

Applicants who are under 18 at the start of the course

There is no minimum age requirement to study at UEA, however courses in the School of Health Sciences involve considerable patient contact and placements from year one. In view of this, students who will not be 18 years old at the time that they start the course may wish to consider applying for deferred entry.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. If you intend to apply with deferred entry, please let us know about your gap year plans in your UCAS application.

Progression Requirements

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.