Midwifery
Type: UG
Programme: BSc Midwifery (3 year)
UCAS Code: B720
Mode of Study & Duration: 3 Years Full Time
UCAS Institution Code: L23
Year of Entry: 2014/15
Programme Leader: Lesley Daniels
What is a Midwife?
A midwife is an evidence-based healthcare practitioner who is there to provide a safe, respectful, caring and personalised service to women, their babies and families. The Midwife provides care throughout the antenatal, intrapartum and post partum period. She/he does more than deliver babies or work with small children; she/he helps women make informed decisions and choices regarding the variety of options for care that are available.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have:
5 GCSE’s at grade C or above to include maths, English and science: normally maths and English at grade B
PLUS
EITHER 3 A levels at grade ABB (which must include Biology)
OR
a QCF BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to old BTEC National Diploma) at Distinction/Distinction/Distinction
OR
an Access to Higher Education Course in Nursing Pathway or Health Sciences with a minimum of 45 level 3 credits passed at distinction. 18-24 credits should be in biology.
International Baccalaureate - we require the awarding of the IB Diploma with a minimum of 30 points, this must include a minimum of 3 x grade 5 in the 3 HL (higher level) subjects to include Biology.
Other qualifications commensurate with A2 level study will be given consideration as will applicants with a wide range of educational backgrounds to ensure that educational opportunities are accessible to all sectors of society.
Additional Requirements
-The applicant must have completed at least the first 10 years of General School Education.
- Two satisfactory references, one academic and one a character reference.
- Satisfactory performance at a selection event including the satisfactory completion of the on-line maths numeracy test.
- Satisfactory health clearance.
- Satisfactory outcome of an CRB enhanced disclosure. International applicants must be resident within the UK for a minimum of three years and be able to provide a CRB disclosure from their country of origin.
- Applicants will be asked to demonstrate evidence of successful, recent academic study normally within the last 5 years.
- Experience of a caring environment desirable.
- Commitment to a career in Midwifery.
- Eligible for a NHS funding either via the means tested Bursary or secondment.
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.
Why Study
The University of Leeds is a world class University, with Midwifery lecturers who are committed to providing inspirational research led teaching. The lecturers are committed to the provision of a dynamic learning environment, assisting students to develop the competence required to be fit for practice, award and purpose. Student Midwives on the programme have access to a range of vibrant clinical areas in both regional and district maternity units.
What you Study
The majority of modules contain midwifery theory and practice in which 40% of the module mark is the grade achieved in practice. This contributes to the overall degree classification. The modules have been designed to integrate research led teaching, ethics and key midwifery themes across the programme. Part of the content will be through the medium of inquiry-based learning.
In year 1 half the credits are two trans-disciplinary modules called Learning Together Working Together and Biological Knowledge for Practice and one 60 credit midwifery theory and practice module called Fundamental Principles of Midwifery Practice. The content of these three modules will facilitate development of basic professional values, clinical skills, woman centred midwifery care in the antenatal and postnatal periods, biology, sociology and psychology and study and research skills. There is a greater balance of theory to practice in this year and a mixture of community and hospital placements.
In year 2 there are three 40 credit midwifery theory and practice modules where midwifery theory expands to include the care of women in the inter-partum period and more complex childbearing in a range of physical, psychological/emotional and social contexts. There is an equal split between theory and practice. This year is hospital based.
In year 3 there is a greater balance of practice to theory in two 40 credit midwifery theory and practice modules called Preparing for Midwifery Practice and Becoming a Midwife. Students will hone skills in higher risk emergency care and take greater responsibility in a final community placement where they will care for a small caseload of women under indirect supervision. A two week exposure to adult nursing in high dependency environments is undertaken. Critical skills will be developed as students reflect on the maternity services and aspects of care delivery. Alongside this is a 30 credit 10,000 word dissertation module where students choose to address a specific midwifery related question in depth. A range of 10 credit modules are available as options from which one will be selected by the student.
Learning and Assessment
There are a range of assessment methods from presentations, group assessments, unseen examinations, OSCE’s in level 1 and 3, essays and a final oral examination and the grading of clinical practice.
Students are assessed through a variety of assessment, including:
- demonstrating the knowledge and application of standard concepts, information and techniques relevant to the discipline
- work that covers a restricted area of the discipline
- demonstrating emerging abilities, skills and competencies
- demonstrating the knowledge and application of standard concepts, information and techniques relevant to the discipline
- work that covers a restricted area of the discipline
- demonstrating emerging abilities, skills and competencies
- demonstrating the ability top apply a broad range of aspects of the discipline
- work that draws on a wide variety of material
- the ability to evaluate and criticise received opinion
- evidence of an ability to conduct independent, in depth enquiry within the discipline
- work that is typically both evaluative and creative.
Current Modules Taught: click here for the programme catalogue entry
Professional Accreditation
On completion of this programme you will be able to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
What Facilities are Available
Students have access to all University of Leeds facilities including The Edge sports centre and pool, excellent libraries especially the Healthcare Library, an award winning Student Union and support services and the attractions of the city of Leeds. Support is offered through personal tutoring system incorporating Leeds for Life, academic supervisors, liaison lecturers and clinical mentors. There is a large clinical skills area in the School and a dedicated midwifery skills area is under development with a range of electronic and physical teaching aids.
Work Placement Opportunities
Midwifery programmes are 50% academic work and 50% Clinical practice. Students rotate through all the clinical aspects of Midwifery practice – Community, Hospital wards :- Antenatal and Postnatal care, transitional care and working on the Delivery Suite. Students have the opportunity to work in a large regional unit and a smaller Distinct Unit.
Students will gain exposure to adult nursing in year 3.
Study Abroad Opportunities
There is a two week elective opportunity which may be international or national in year 3 negotiated by the student.
Career Opportunities
On successful completion of the programme students are eligible to Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Midwife. There are many opportunities for Midwives – from rotational posts in Hospital/Community to Specialist Practitioner and Management roles. Post Registration Professional development includes progressing to Masters and PhD level of study.
Fees
All tuition fees are paid by the NHS. All applicants must be eligible for NHS funding.
Scholarships & Bursaries
The University of Leeds has one of the most comprehensive financial support packages available. One in four students qualifies for a bursary and in addition we have a series of scholarships. For further information about scholarships available and other types of financial support click here. Applicants for the degree in midwifery are eligible to apply for a NHS means tested bursary. They are not eligible to apply for the University Of Leeds Scholarship or bursary. Information on NHS bursaries can be found here.
How to Apply
All full time undergraduate applications must be made through the online Universities and Colleges Admissions Service by the 2014/15 deadline (see the UCAS website for more details). The School of Healthcare does not normally participate in the UCAS Extra scheme for entry onto the Adult nursing degree course. Direct applications are not accepted and students applying directly will not normally be considered. As required by UCAS, applicants must complete the UCAS application form, providing a personal statement; a list of all qualifications undertaken and those pending; and an appropriate referee’s statement. In addition they must declare if they wish to defer entry and they must declare any prior criminal conviction.
Entry / Admissions Tests
Selection event and on-line maths test.
Selection Principles
Applicants are shortlisted against agreed criteria and they must meet the academic entry requirement for the programme at application or within the academic cycle. The academic background of the applicant plus the personal statement on the UCAS form helps us to assess the nature of the applicant’s interest in the academic subject and is an important part of the selection process. Additionally the reference provided on the UCAS form must be supportive of the applicant. The School will only shortlist on the information supplied on the form at the time of submissions.
Successful applicants who have been shortlisted will normally be invited to a selection event at the School of Healthcare between November and April. This event is an opportunity for applicants to find out more about the BSc Midwifery programme, to meet the academic staff and students and to look at the facilities within the School of Healthcare and wider university campus.
Contact for Further Information
For further information please contact:
Admissions,
School of Healthcare,
University of Leeds,
Baines Wing,
Leeds LS2 9UT
Tel: 0113 343 1347
Email: admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk
To View the programme catalogue for further information on these courses, see the Module Catalogue, search by school 'School of Healthcare' and enter the course subject in 'search by Keyword'
