Midwifery
B720The BSc (Hons) Midwifery programme aims to develop inclusive, compassionate midwives who can safely provide high quality midwifery care and are equipped with the skills to flourish within modern health care systems. Following successful completion of this course you will be eligible to register as a midwife with the NMC.
Course overview
The course adopts a spiralling approach and will build upon your knowledge and understanding, professional skills, values, capabilities, and transferable skills as you progress through the course. Your time is split equally between learning theory on campus and applying your knowledge during placements alongside experienced professionals.
The importance of developing strategies for self-care and emotional agility are important components threaded throughout the course and we are committed to providing a value driven, safe and supportive learning environment, equipping you with the foundations to thrive and innovate within modern healthcare systems.
Accreditation
What you need to know
Course start date
January
Location
Winchester campus and placement
Course length
- 3 years full-time
Apply
B720
Typical offer
120-128 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Teaching and learning is linked with practice. Simulation weeks before placement blocks enable you to practice your skills and build confidence for placement
- You will have a variety of assessment options to demonstrate your learning and employability skills
- You will have opportunity to develop leadership, coaching, problem solving and decision-making skills
- Opportunities to participate in university-wide wellbeing activities and inter-professional learning
- A well-established infrastructure of academic and wellbeing support within the University
- You will study within an inclusive, friendly and welcoming environment with passionate, supportive lecturers
Course details
Work placements
Work placements are a core part of this course and account for approximately 50% of the programme.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars, you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Digital Literacy
Digital and technological literacy is a requirement for entry to all Midwifery programmes. In healthcare it is now seen as a vital tool and is used for managing patient records, assessment, research and education. It is also the most common and the preferred way we communicate with students on our programmes.
Applicants are required to apply through the UCAS system and all information exchange until the starting the programme (such as interview arrangements, responding to offers and pre-course preparation) will be via digital platforms. The prospective student’s engagement in this activity will reflect the fundamental digital literacy requirements, which will then be developed through the programme itself. Students will be supported in the university to access learning opportunities using online and blended learning, as well as utilising digital platforms to prepare for and submit assignments. The University of Winchester provides 24 hour access to its library and IT facilities and all students will be allocated a university email address. Further support and information can be found via the student handbook.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity. The following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester and on placement.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 378 hours
Independent learning: 559.5 hours (including 150 hours of consolidation and retrieval)
Placement: 750 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 378 hours
Independent learning: 559.5 hours (including 150 hours of consolidation and retrieval)
Placement: 750 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 357 hours
Independent learning: 520.5 hours (including 150 hours of consolidation and retrieval)
Placement: 810 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are usually kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
50% coursework
16% written exams
34% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
50% coursework
16% written exams
34% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
66% coursework
0% written exams
34% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
Students will apply and demonstrate professional and theoretical knowledge of the midwife’s role in optimising physiological processes during the pregnancy journey. Students will apply their understanding of related anatomy and physiology to the midwife’s role in public health and health promotion and demonstrate skills to support women, birthing people and their families with psychosocial and cultural needs.
This module introduces you to foundation principles, concepts and skills required to develop evidence-based scholarly work. You will develop your knowledge of the principles of professional-ethical behaviour and identify and develop strategies for self-care, health and wellbeing.
During this module you will acquire and demonstrate professional and theoretical knowledge of the midwife's role in the provision of safe personalised care which optimises physiological processes, promoting health and wellbeing during labour and the postnatal period. You will develop your understanding of psychosocial and cultural requirements of women and birthing people and apply established frameworks for effective midwifery care and professional reflection.
You will be supported in placement to meet the year one requirements within the Midwifery Ongoing Record of Achievement (MORA) for progression into the second year of the course. You will be assessed in a range of placements as part of a continuous assessment process and undertake an OSCE and professional conversation.
This module engages you with the basis of health promotion and builds on your learning in relation to the behavioural sciences. Determinants of health and needs analysis will then progress into the study of health and social care policy, epidemiology and public health, education and influencing health behaviour and the challenges for implementing health promotion activities for different people groups. The behavioural sciences will encompass models of behaviour change, effective communication, social stress, support and caring. The module will enable you to recognise different styles of leadership and begin to identify your own within a group learning environment. You will also undertake the Lean Foundations Yellow Belt 1-day course.
Modules
Within this module you will develop knowledge and apply understanding of person-centred midwifery practice and care planning for diverse individuals and families with a range of complex and additional care needs, including health promotion and protection.
You will develop your understanding of professional behaviour to enhance partnership working with women, birthing people, families and within multiprofessional teams. You will develop skills in sourcing and using a range of principles to analyse, evaluate, organise and communicate information to promote informed choice, professional practice and evidence-based midwifery care.
You will develop your knowledge and understanding of pre-existing, current and emerging complications that effect women, birthing people and newborn infants. You will gain the knowledge and critical understanding of complications of pregnancy to enable the provision of safe effective care to individuals, newborn infants and their families.
You will achieve the year two MORA requirements through a range of placements and continuous assessment with supervision appropriate to your level of learning. You will apply theoretical knowledge and understanding to complex simulated or theoretical cases, including numeracy and pharmacology.
Modules
Your will consolidate your knowledge and understanding of safe personalised midwifery care to optimise physiological processes and rationalise and justify decision-making as an autonomous practitioner within a multi-professional team.
You will develop in-depth critical knowledge and understanding, informing decision-making, as well as skills required to safely manage emergencies around childbirth. There is an emphasis on early recognition, self-awareness, human factors, patient safety and effective multi-professional management of the emergency.
You will complete a literature based dissertation and develop a service improvement plan. The dissertation is an independent study that allows you to undertake a review of the published research literature around a topic of your choice and designed by yourself under supervision.
You will have achieved all of the proficiencies and requirements within the MORA through a range of placements and continuous assessment with supervision appropriate to your level of learning. You will demonstrate your professional development though effective teamworking, working effectively with other students and other members of the multiprofessional team as leader or member.
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points). A science based subject at grade C or above, or equivalent, is required. Biology or human biology are preferred, but other sciences are acceptable. Level 3 BTEC science qualifications graded merit or above are considered on an individual basis
O-Level/GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4/C+ or Level 2 Education. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative.
BTEC/CTEC: DDM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications. National Extended Certificate/ Foundation Diploma/ Technical Diploma/ Extended Diplomas in Applied Science.
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 will be considered as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Health checks are required prior to enrolment if you are offered a place on this course.
Relevant Experience
We will look for evidence within your application of a commitment to the midwifery profession and that your personal values align with the NHS Constitution NHS Constitution for England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk), NMC Code The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (nmc.org.uk) and the University. Also desirable, is prior care experience in a paid or voluntary capacity to demonstrate an informed decision to embark on a career in midwifery.
Midwifery Interview
Successfully shortlisted applicants to this course are normally expected to attend an interview at the University. Interviews will be scheduled to last 3-4 hours and applicants are asked to ensure they allow enough time for this. You will be sent an interview pack ahead of the interview. Please make sure you read this carefully to ensure you are as prepared as possible.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 7.0 overall with writing at a minimum of 6.5 (no other element below 7.0) for year 1 entry.
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
2024 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £19,300 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £19,300 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £19,300 |
| Total | £27,750 | £57,900 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2024, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the optional costs for this course:
Mandatory
Disclosure and Barring Service
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check is required prior to the commencement of the course. The indicative cost is £40.
Occupational Health Check
The University will pay for an occupational health assessment; however, you may need to pay for immunisations if they are not covered by your GP. Once applicants accept their offer of a place, we will send instructions on how to submit your health declaration information and what is required.
Uniform
A full set of uniforms will be provided by the University at the beginning of the program, but you will need to meet the costs for appropriate footware.
Travel
There may also be travel costs associated with periods of practice element.
Optional
Placement
If you choose to take an elective opportunity at the end of year three this must be funded by yourself and should you choose to travel abroad for placement, there may be additional vaccination costs.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
As a midwifery student you will be eligible to apply for the You are eligible to apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund including a training grant of £5000 NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) | NHSBSA .
You may also qualify for additional financial support and can find out more at Financial support at university | Health Careers
The University of Winchester also have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Following successful completion of the course you can apply to join the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) register as a midwife and gain employment as a midwife working within a wide range of National Health Service (NHS) and non-NHS health care settings which include: within the community, in a hospital, as part of a case loading team, within the private sector.
On successful completion of the programme successful students will have five years to apply to register with the NMC if they wish to use this qualification. In the event of a student failing to register their qualification within five years they will have to undertake additional education and training or gain such experience as specified in the NMC standards.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
We look forward to working with this first Midwifery cohort
