Image depicting a newborn baby being examined with a stethoscope

Professional/Short course Examination of the Newborn

Course code
UZUR14203
Application
University
Level
Professional/Short Course
School
School of Health and Social Wellbeing
Campus
Glenside
Duration
One semester
Delivery
Face-to-face/Online
Module Leader
Jemma Walker

20 credit level 6 or level 7 module

You may be able to study these modules at Level 6 (BSc level) or Level 7 (Masters level) depending on your academic circumstances. Please contact the CPD Team or the Module Leader for advice if you are unsure which level would be best for you.

About

This 20 credit level 6 (UZUR14-20-3) or level 7 (UZUR15-20-M) module, Examination of the Newborn, prepares registered midwives and nurses to undertake the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) aligned to national screening standards.

The module aims to prepare and develop learners understanding and application of both theoretical and practical skills to perform and safe and holistic examination of the newborn.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

At level 6 (undergraduate level)

  • demonstrate competence in performing the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination that meets national NIPE standards in both theory and practice; recognising deviations from normal.    
  • evaluate the evidence base for newborn screening and health promotion, using the newborn examination to engage with women and families through compassionate, sensitive, and effective communication.    
  • demonstrate leadership in newborn care through effective care planning, risk assessment, and timely referral within the multidisciplinary team.

At level 7 (Masters level)

  • demonstrate competence in performing the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination that meets national NIPE standards in both theory and practice; including critical analysis and synthesis of deviations from normal.    
  • critically evaluate the underpinning knowledge and broad evidence base for newborn screening and health promotion, using the newborn examination to engage with women and families through compassionate, sensitive and skilled communication.    
  • demonstrate proficient leadership in newborn care through effective care planning, risk assessment, and timely referral within the multidisciplinary team.

Entry requirements

You must have support and be working in a suitable practice area.

Careers / Further study

This module can contribute towards the PGCert Health and Social Care, MSc Clinical Practice, MSc Advanced Practice and the Professional Development Awards. If you have any queries, please contact the Professional Development team (pd@uwe.ac.uk).

The level 6 (undergraduate level) module can contribute towards:

  • BSc(Hons) Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • BSc(Hons) Health and Social Care
  • MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • MSc Advanced Practice
  • Professional Development Award

The level 7 (Masters level) module can contribute towards:

  • MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • MSc Advanced Practice
  • Professional Development Awards

How to apply

Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

Please note: Priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts.  Places on this module will be limited for applications received outside of this funding.  Please check with your employer as a funded contract place may still be available to support your learning.

For further information

Structure

Content

The course syllabus typically covers the following:

  • Preparation of the holistic examination and assessment of the apparently normal term newborn and the recognition of abnormality, with a focus on pathophysiology and embryological development of the ocular, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and urogenital systems.
  • History taking and identification of risk factors and preparation of the environment for the examination process.
  • Evaluation of evidence and national standards related to newborn screening.
  • Communication skills focusing on multidisciplinary teamwork, referral pathways and communication skills.
  • Health education focusing on teaching and support of parents; health education and health promotion.
  • Ethical-legal issues including accountability and responsibility and applied research studies.

Learning and Teaching

A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be utilised throughout the module including; lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops, and engagement with online and work-based learning.

Independent learning includes hours engaged with essential reading, preparation for taught sessions, assignment preparation and completion etc.

You will also undertake observed neonatal examinations in practice with NIPE practitioners.

Study time

Contact time of 48 hours will also include the use of virtual learning environments (VLEs), multiple learning methods, online and other Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) activities.

Assessment

Assessment for this module comprises a Practical Skills Assessment (45-minutes maximum): an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and supporting documentation (30 minutes maximum), plus critical questioning (15 minutes maximum).

The OSCE and documentation provides students with opportunity to demonstrate ability to undertake an holistic examination of the newborn, to include making appropriate referrals and developing a plan of care aligned to national standards.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Please visit full fee information to see the price brackets for our modules.

Please note: Priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts.  Places on this module will be limited for applications received outside of this funding.  Please check with your employer as a funded contract place may still be available to support your learning.

Dates

Please click on the Apply Now button to view dates.

Features

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Health Professions facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

Page last updated 27 February 2026