About this course
Introduction
Midwives face major challenges which include meeting government targets for developing women-centred services. The programme is designed to produce competent and reflective midwives able to provide and assume responsibility for effective and good quality midwifery care in a variety of settings.
The programme is delivered in a multidisciplinary environment so that midwifery students benefit from studying alongside students from other health care disciplines in the Department.
Please note that if you are an existing registered nurse looking for a change of career into midwifery you should apply for the BSc(Hons) Midwifery (Conversion)
(Photo by Stuart Miles)
Student's view
"I liked being out on placement and gained a useful insight into what life as a midwife would be like. I have thoroughly enjoyed my training and can't wait to be qualified!" 3rd Year Midwifery student.
Structure
Content
The main emphasis during the course is the exploration of all aspects of midwifery care in the contexts of both normality and the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth. These major themes are reflected in the core modules undertaken in each year with a theory led and a practice based midwifery module in all three years. In addition, there will be modules on communication in a diverse world, inter-professional working, the professional practice of midwifery, using evidence in practice and a dissertation module. The time will be divided equally between theory and clinical practice with 50 per cent of the total course time allocated to each element. The first semester (September to December) will be spent at university, with clinical placements starting in the second semester.
The placements facilitate the linking of theory with practice and students will be exposed to clinical scenarios, problem solving, judgement and decision making in preparation for their role as a practising midwife.
Teaching and learning
Modules offered through the programme include:
Year 1
- Communication in a diverse world
- Fundamentals of midwifery
- Introducing midwifery practice
- Professional development in midwifery
Year 2
- Complexities of midwifery care
- Developing midwifery practice
- Inter-professional working
- Evidence based practice
Year 3
- Meeting the contemporary challenges in midwifery
- Consolidating midwifery practice
- Inter-professional working
- Dissertation
Study time
Computer skills are vital for your academic studies and future employment. At the University of the West of England computing is an integral part of your programme/course - many lecturers make lecture notes and materials available via computers, and some modules will require you to use Information Technology (IT) to help you undertake and present your work. IT facilities to do this are available on all campuses, at the main Frenchay Campus there is 24 hour access to computing facilities, and the Department offers to help and support throughout your course/programme.
Prior to commencing your programme of study you may find it helpful to familiarise yourself with some core IT skills:
- Basic work processing
- Storing and retrieving files
- Communicating via e-mail
- Searching the web for information, e.g. online shopping, booking a holiday, homework.
There is also a range of information and resources that includes interactive exercises to support study skills on the Department of Nursing and Midwifery website.
Assessment
A variety of assessments are used in the programme to assess both theoretical and clinical components of the programme. These include unseen examinations, reflective portfolios, objective structured clinical examinations, clinical assessments and a literature based dissertation.
Special Features
Placements
Clinical placements are available in the following NHS Trusts:
- Bath
- North Bristol
- United Bristol Health Care Trusts
- Cheltenham and Gloucester
- Swindon
When applying for the programme you will be asked to state a preference for one or two of these areas at interview so that you can be 'zoned' for clinical placements. Most placements will then be undertaken in this chosen zone.
Experience in high risk and low risk midwifery will be gained by working in major midwifery units, midwifery led units and alongside community midwives. There is an expectation that all students will be available for shift work, weekend working and some night work during the three year programme so that experience can be gained in the 24 hour nature of midwifery. These experiences are designed to help prepare future midwives for the diversity of approaches to midwifery practice within today's society.
The practice part of the programme is provided by National Health Service (NHS) Trusts and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), and other organisations in the Strategic Health Authority region. Please click here for further information.
What is a placement?
A placement is a period of time within your programme that is to be spent in a practice setting. The type of placement you will go on will depend on your personal profile and on which module you are currently studying. The intention of placement practice is to build on the knowledge you gain at the University, to acquire or develop new knowledge and to apply it in the practice environment.
You will have an identified mentor in each placement who will advise, counsel and provide feedback on progress when working with patients/clients and health care professionals.
The practice modules form a compulsory part of your programme, and provide you with the unique opportunity to integrate theory and practice.
Where are the placements?
The placements used for student clinical practice are primarily spread across the South West of England but occasionally, due to placement shortages, it may be necessary for you to travel further afield. It is not usually possible for students to request particular placements however if there are exceptional reasons for a request the Practice Learning Unit will endeavour to respond accordingly. A positive response cannot always be guaranteed as allocations depend on placement availability, curriculum and personal profiling requirements
Study facilities
The Department is superbly equipped with an extensive range of teaching and learning resources.
The Library on the Glenside Campus is one of the best health care libraries in England with a huge selection of books, journals and audio-visual materials including access to specialist health and social care software packages.
The Interprofessional Simulation Suite provides excellent opportunities for the demonstration and practice of professional competences for all health and social care students.
Information Technology provision is in the form of multimedia laboratories. Remote Access links with some placement areas, Smart boards and innovative projects such as 'multicasting' are used to deliver teaching material.
High quality residences are situated on both the Glenside and surrounding Campuses. For further information please take a look at the University's Accommodation Services page. Alternatively call 0870 901 0773 or e-mail accommodation@uwe.ac.uk
Careers/further study
Having a midwifery qualification can open up a potentially satisfying and exciting future career. Graduates usually practice midwifery in a hospital, low risk midwifery unit or community team setting initially. Midwives may then follow a number of routes, becoming either expert or consultant clinical practitioners in midwifery, developing management skills or becoming lecturers and/or researchers in midwifery. Clinical placements allow students to gain valuable practical experience in a range of settings.
Following initial practice, midwives may follow a number of routes, becoming either expert or consultant clinical practitioners in midwifery, developing management skills or becoming lecturers and/or researchers in midwifery. Others may choose to work abroad, using their professional qualification in a variety of ways. There is also encouragement for each midwife to continue her/his professional development, and the Department of Nursing and Midwifery has an extensive range of post-qualifying programmes to support this.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Key employer partnerships
We work closely with the NHS as the main employer for our graduates. See NHS Careers for more information about becoming a midwife in the NHS.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Hear how Amy's experience of studying Midwifery at UWE will prepare her for her future career.
A day in the life of a Midwife
Useful links
UWE Careers - Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting
Midwives Information and Resource Service
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: Normally 320 minimum
- GCSE: A minimum of five subjects at grade C or above including English Language, Mathematics and Science.
- A-level subjects: At GCE A2 level - grade C or equivalent in a Science or Social Science
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of 30 Level 3 credits at merit, of which 15 credits must be in a Science or Social Science; achievement of Level 2 credits giving GCSE equivalence in English Language, Mathematics and Science.
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about
entry requirements.
Entry requirements
We require evidence of recent assessed academic study within the last three years.
Because of funding arrangements we are unfortunately unable to accept applications from international students (overseas fee status) for this course.
Students who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements but have significant life and/or work experience will be considered on an individual basis, but should have evidence of recent study in a science/health related subject area recognised as equivalent academic level by Academic Board.
We frequently accept the completion of further or adult education courses as an appropriate entry qualification. Completing an Access or Foundation course (please take a look at the Department's Foundation courses) may be a good move for people who have been away from formal education for a number of years.
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with 7.0 in each section of the examination. Full details of this language test can be obtained from the British Council. Please note the University's published list of alternative English Language qualifications does not apply to this course.
Additional Selection Criteria
As well as meeting the academic entry requirements, applicants should meet the following selection criteria:
Health Assessment/Declaration - applicants must be in good health. Those offered a place are required to complete a questionnaire and be prepared to undergo a medical examination if necessary.
Disclosure of Criminal Background - the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 does not apply and all convictions, including those which are spent, must be disclosed. Applicants who are offered a place must undergo a Criminal Record Bureau check and will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form. All information will be treated in confidence and only taken into account when absolutely necessary.
Questionnaire - shortlisted applicants may be required to complete a biographical questionnaire.
Interview - shortlisted applicants may be interviewed.
Completing the Application Form - We will be looking for applicants committed to a career in Midwifery. You should clearly demonstrate in the 'personal statement' section of the application form your commitment to the programme by saying why you want to study Midwifery and any relevant work experience gained to date.
Fees
Bursary
Applicants accepted for a full-time NHS funded place are eligible to apply for an NHS income-assessed bursary. The University will initiate this process on your behalf. The NHS bursary is split into different sections; tuition fees, maintenance (cost of living) allowance, additional allowances. The NHS will pay your tuition fees, your income and that of you parents or your spouse will be taken into account when calculating your maintenance (cost of living) allowance and there are additional allowances that can be applied for: extra weeks attendance; initial expenses; dependences; disabled students; hardship support; parents learning; practice placement; two homes; students entering from care.
NB: Even if you do not think you will be eligible for an income-assessed NHS bursary we recommend that you still apply for one. This will entitle you to apply for placement travel expenses at a later date. You cannot apply retrospectively for a income-assessed NHS bursary.
EU nationals may be eligible for part of an income-assessed NHS bursary. Students may have their tuition fees paid but will not qualify for a maintenance (cost of living) allowance or the additional allowances.
If you do not fall into either of the above categories you may be liable for the full cost of the tuition and placement fees in addition to your cost of living expenses.
If you have any questions please take a look at our NHS-funded pages.
Alternatively for more information contact: Student Grants Unit, Telephone: +44 (0)845 358 6655 or email: eligibility@nhspa.gov.uk
Student Loan - In addition, applicants who have been accepted should apply to Student Finance - England in advance of starting their programme in order to be eligible for a Student Loan if required.
EU/Overseas Applicants
Please contact Admissions and International Development for further information:
Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
E-mail: Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011