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BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Pre-registration, Shortened)

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Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
Find out more

Entry requirements
Professional accreditations

As a graduate with a BSc (Hons) Degree you are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a midwife.
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Why choose this course?

the BSc (Hons) Pre-registration Midwifery (Shortened) course is for qualified nurses (adult) who want to become midwives
the programme provides an innovative student-centered approach to learning which fosters independent and transformational thinking
it uses blended learning and teaching, which includes e-learning with campus-based study to strengthen practice-based skills
graduates develop the necessary skills for a career in midwifery such as independence, initiative, the ability to work with others, ability to research scientific literature, critical enquiry and problem-solving skills
the inclusion of the newborn infant physical examination (NIPE) competency will provide students with advanced knowledge when caring for mothers and their babies
an elective placement offers an exciting opportunity to gain experience in another maternity setting within the UK or globally
the midwifery lecturing team are committed to achieving UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Accreditation for their midwifery programmes
there is an active Midwifery Society that has produced outstanding work in organising events for its members, to which they have been highly commended for Society Committee of the Year in 2017
our midwifery team won the prestigious Royal College of Midwives Annual Award for Excellence in Midwifery Education in January 2012.

What's the course about?

This is an innovative, flexible, work-based course for qualified nurses looking to become midwives. It will develop your skills and knowledge so that you can become a responsive, confident midwife able to care for women and their babies. Focusing on holistic care, you will gain a sound knowledge of what is normal and healthy in childbearing women, enabling you to recognise and manage problems they might face.

The programme consists of 86 weeks in total, with eight study block weeks, and reading and professional development time included within the programme. During your clinical placements, you will be supported through online resources, discussions, group working and reflection sessions. Each week comprises 40 hours and is a combination of practice and theory.

When in placement, the clinical hours will be 30 hours per week, with 10 hours of theory. There are two routes of study: degree or masters. For the master of midwifery route, you will need to have achieved a minimum of 2:1 for your first degree. Please see entry requirements for further details.

What will I study?

The BSc (Hons) Pre-registration Midwifery (Shortened) programme is delivered using a blend of teaching and learning strategies, primarily utilising e-learning, but also facilitating blocks of study to strengthen the implementation of practice skills learning and an enquiry-based approach. Students are encouraged to critically think, analyse and challenge practice, thereby enabling them to respond well to the dynamic practice environment.

Experiential learning within the clinical area through the mentor-student partnership, learning through simulation, self-directed work and reflection sessions are vital components of the programmes. Students have access to a virtual learning environment where there are electronic course materials to support learning; a variety of formats may be used such as online activities and tutorials, narrated PowerPoints, videos, quizzes, blogs, podcasts and group discussions.

Effective online learning requires a high level of responsibility and organisation on the part of students and a reduction of the teacher-student power differential. Open learning attracts self-disciplined and motivated students who can direct the pace of learning to suit their personal circumstances and commitments. There is a diversity of teaching, learning and assessment approaches throughout the curriculum, giving all students the chance to flourish regardless of their preferred learning style. For example, each year includes a combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies.

The support for students and the student experience is fundamental not only to this programme but to the University as a whole. Academic, pastoral and practice placement support are provided, and a welcoming environment is nurtured, so that students feel comfortable in coming forward to discuss any areas of concern that may potentially affect their performance and be supported so they may progress successfully.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Principles of Midwifery Care	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module considers the development, health and well-being of the childbearing woman and child during the preconception, antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods. The role of the midwife in providing holistic care and in referring to appropriate professionals and agencies is analysed. How to support women in a variety of birth settings, working collaboratively with other professionals and justifying the need for any intervention, will be addressed. The module will reflect current best evidence and students will gain experience in practice to support and enhance their learning on this module. The module also considers promoting normality and assessing risk during the antenatal and intrapartum period, including preparing student midwives to become autonomous, competent, confident practitioners, with problem solving skills who work in partnership with women and their families. Transferable knowledge and skills from nursing practice will be enhanced through their application to midwifery, which will include anatomy, physiology, and communication skills.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Examination of the Newborn (Pre-reg 6 Shortened)	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students will critically explore and evaluate the behavioural, psychological, and physical attributes of the newborn infant. The full physical examination of the newborn is approached in a holistic manner, but particular emphasis will be given to the cardio-vascular and respiratory systems; the testes; eyes and hip stability. The use of contemporary evidence and local/national standards will be interrelated within the development of practice skills. Oral feedback on progress is provided in order to develop personal and professional practice. The critical review of knowledge gained will be related in practice to professional responsibility and accountability and the acquisition of new skills within the scope of midwifery practice.
Investigating Midwifery Practice (shortened)	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module enables students to investigate a chosen aspect of midwifery practice and suggest a change proposal associated with their findings. Students will develop literature searching abilities and will conduct a critical review of the literature, including professional and political influences, on their chosen topic. Alongside independent working, students will share ideas within small groups, supported by a facilitator and will be encouraged to communicate using the University s Virtual Learning Environment. Guidance will be offered on the choice of topic area
The Professional Midwife	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explore the key drivers and influences affecting the provision of maternity services. A variety of quality improvement and governance initiatives will be explored and evaluated. Professional and organisational support mechanisms will be reviewed and analysed in the context of the midwifery profession. Knowledge and skills will be utilised to promote advocacy, to personalise care and promote normality to enhance women s experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. Students will be equipped with knowledge and skills to work within contemporary midwifery practice
Complex Midwifery	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the management of emergency and complex situations within themidwife s sphere of practice, including the decision- making processes necessary for students to provide effective care for women. The recognition and management of emergencies and complexity during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium is linked to known pathophysiology. Initial management of emergencies are considered, along with appropriate referral and delegation to others within the multidisciplinary team. Therecognition of how high-risk cases may necessitate individual midwifery care pathways to support women and families, is linked to current evidence base and the necessary interpersonal skills. A key focus of the module is the midwife as part of a multidisciplinary team to minimise risk and improve safety for all service users. Students will also develop the skills needed to explain the rationale influencing their judgements and decision making in a complex and challenging situation.
Risk Recognition and Midwifery Management	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the student s ability to identify and evaluate deviations in the health of the mother and newborn baby. Students will be required to demonstrate understanding and application of the assessment of risk, timely intervention and management to optimise outcomes and prevent further deterioration. The relationship between maternal conditions and how these impact on neonatal outcomes, neonatal conditions that develop irrespective of maternal health, and infant feeding, will be evaluated. The options for management are considered within an inter-professional pathway alongside best evidence, national and international guidance and known pathophysiology. The recognition and management of how these conditions may necessitate individual midwifery and/or neonatal care plans to support women, their babies and families, is linked to current evidence. The content is delivered in the context of the role of the midwife.
Transition to Parenthood	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology applied to the postnatal care of the woman and her baby. Work based learning enhances the application of knowledge to skills, alongside safe learning conducted within simulated clinical environments. Students will develop the practical and communicative skills that are requisite for effective and sensitive postnatal care in relation to the mother, baby and family, as well as gaining a comprehensive understanding of the impact that physiological, psychological and sociological issues may have on the provision of care. The application and understanding of the evidence that underpins infant nutrition will be explored and, the skills required that assist the initiation and continuing support of breastfeeding during the postnatal period. Emotional support in the postnatal period, family dynamics and building a close mother-baby relationship are a key focus. The role of the professional midwife in relation to postpartum care and interprofessional communication will be examined
Public Health and Global issues in Midwifery Practice	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will cover a range of cultural, social, physical, and psychological lifestyle issues that may pre-exist or may present for the first-time during pregnancy. Students will be introduced to these life diversities as they affect the health of women in the childbearing period. Predisposing factors and evidence around inequalities in health for childbearing women will be linked to current local, national, and global guidelines and policies including government agendas and drivers aimed at improvements in outcomes. As an aspect of the midwife s role, students will be encouraged to define and investigate strategies that promote physical and psychological health for the women and families, and a strong mother-infant relationship. Students will gain experience in practice to support and enhance their learning on this module, applying the knowledge gained as an evidence base for their midwifery practice

Work placement
Midwifery practice makes up 50% of the BSc (Hons) Pre-registration Midwifery (Shortened) programme and is based mainly in the East of England NHS Trusts and one London Trust. Please note that you will also need to apply to the Trust for contract purposes.

You will work alongside a registered midwife gaining hands-on experience from your first day of practice. Practice sites for midwifery students are allocated according to preference and availability. The sites are:
- East & North Herts NHS Trust (Lister Hospital, Stevenage)
- West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust (Watford Hospital)
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (Barnet Hospital)
- The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (Harlow),
- Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Luton)
- Bedford NHS Trust
- Northwest Anglia Foundation Trust
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn
- Mid-Essex Partnership Trusts
You are also required to undertake a small caseload during your studies, enabling you to provide continuity of care throughout the whole spectrum of childbirth.

What's next for my career?

This course prepares you to become a registered midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). It also gives you a foundation to specialise in aspects of care, such as teenage pregnancy, parent education, infant feeding and bereavement support.

Some graduates have gone to further study with Midwifery and Women's Health course.

Most midwives graduating from this course find employment in local NHS Trusts, but some choose to move further afield. Many of our former students now have positions in management, research and education.

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Pre-registration, Shortened)	Download
BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Pre-registration, Shortened)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Pre-registration, Shortened)	Download
BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Pre-registration, Shortened)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	No
Course length	Full Time, 20 Months
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

2023

Start Date	End Date	Link
08/01/2024	30/09/2024	Apply online (Full Time)

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
08/01/2025	30/09/2025	Apply online (Full Time)

Fees and funding
Fees 2023
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2023/2024 academic year
All students (Since 1 August 2018) are required to pay tuition fees and will have access to the standard student support system provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC) to cover the cost of their tuition fees (once assessed). Students will also be provided with salary support from the Trust that they are contracted to. Students are not entitled to enhancements unless specified by the Trust.

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Pre-registration, Shortened)

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Exclusive content to help you through Clearing

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

What will I study?

2023

2024

Fees 2023

UK Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation