Midwifery Studies

At a glance

Course Details

Overview

Midwives work both in community and hospital environments and require excellent communication skills, and the ability to respond to the socio-economic, cultural, spiritual, educational, physical and psychological needs of women and their families. The role of the midwife is constantly developing, providing improved maternity services in a range of settings.

A structured programme of clinical experiences at Bradford or Airedale will facilitate your development as a skilled midwifery practitioner, sensitive and responsive to the needs of all women in a multicultural society.

Successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Midwifery Studies enables eligibility for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Our programmes aim to prepare midwives who will be able to demonstrate high standards of research-based innovative care, and take responsibility for their own practice. The team of lecturers in the Division of Midwifery and Reproductive Health are all experienced, registered midwives.

The curriculum is based on the philosophy of problem-based learning - this is an integrated teaching and learning strategy that puts students at the centre of learning. The lecturers' research interests include student learning, management of labour, postnatal care, and pregnancy outcomes.

Special Features

• Gain skills and knowledge to enable registration as a professional midwife
• Experience a wide range of midwifery clinical placements across all three years of the course
• Learn about the multicultural context of maternity services delivery
• Study alongside students following other healthcare professional courses in the School of Health Studies

Aims

Our full-time three-year BSc (Hons) degree programme allows students to gain midwifery skills and knowledge on which to build and gain the competencies required of a midwife. Students experience the multicultural context of local maternity services.

The programme consists of three units of learning of 45 programmed weeks each year and consists of 50% theory and 50% practice.

The aim of the course is to enable students to function both independently and within a multidisciplinary healthcare team providing safe, sensitive, ethical care meeting the physical, psychological, spiritual, cultural and religious needs of women and their families.

UK and EC nationals are currently eligible for NHS funding to cover tuition fees. Students meeting UK residency requirements are also eligible to apply for NHS student bursaries. Please note that this scheme is subject to change.

The latest information can be found at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students (external link)

Career Outcome

Career prospects for graduates are very good. On qualifying, our graduates apply for posts as midwives in the NHS, and some have gone into independent practice

Entrance Requirements

To be considered for this course, applicants must demonstrate awareness of midwifery practice and appropriate motivation and aptitude in their UCAS application.

Our minimum offer is 300 UCAS points to include 200 points from 2 full A Levels (or vocational awards of equal depth and volume).

You must also have a minimum of 5 GCSEs including English, Science and Mathematics at GCSE grade C (or Key Skills Literacy and Numeracy Level 2).

Those studying on an Access course should follow a programme in Health Professions or Science and will be asked to obtain at least one distinction in a science-based subject and to pass the remainder of their modules at merit level. If you study an Access course, the GCSE requirements may be included within your programme of study, although this will vary depending on the further education institution you study at.

Applicants from the Bradford Foundation Year or other appropriate science foundation year need to achieve a minimum of 65% in their course.

As clinical work will involve patients who may be vulnerable including children, babies and people with learning disabilities, offers will be subject to a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure and an Occupational Health check. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed and will be asked to demonstrate motivation and understanding of midwifery as a career at the interview.

Bradford Foundation Year

Those without the required qualifications or experience can consider undertaking the Bradford Foundation Year. Progression from this is not guaranteed, and is dependent on module choices and overall achievement on the programme.

Placements Available?

Clinical placements are an essential component of the midwifery course, and you will gain experience of working in hospital and community settings across the Bradford and Airedale geographical areas.

Full-time Study

All applications, including Foundation Degrees, must be submitted via UCAS's (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) online facility.

Your school or college will be able to advise you about making your application. Alternatively, full instructions can be found at: www.ucas.com

UCAS also provides a comprehensive guide called Applying Online which can be downloaded from the same web address.

If you are not currently at school or college, or have difficulty obtaining relevant literature, UCAS can be contacted directly:

• Tel: 0871 468 0468
• Email: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
• Website: www.ucas.com