ObjectivesThe aim of this programme is to equip you with an understanding of international, political, social and ethical issues of reproduction, and a scientific basis for examining maternity policy and practice. You will gain knowledge and understanding of the social and political context of reproduction and maternal health policy, evidence-based practice and research methods.
Entry requirementsFor specialist pathways, applicants must normally be working in a practice role, which involves regular patient/client contact.
Academic titleMSc, PG Dip, PG Cert Advanced Practice (Midwifery)
Course descriptionProgramme description
- Tuition from leading experts.
- Seminars and lectures given by leaders in healthcare from around the world.
- A multi-faculty environment providing interprofessional learning.
Students undertake core modules in the social and political context of reproduction, evidence-based practice and healthcare research. In addition students select options from a range of areas including:
- Clinical specialities
- Education
- Leadership
- Professional development and organisational change
- Health economics
- Health policy and NHS reform
Other options from our BSc programme and modules from the MSc in Medical Ultrasound may also be available. Students who have already studied clinically focused modules at undergraduate or graduate level at King’s may be able incorporate this study into the programme, provided that the credits have not already contributed to an award. Modules studied elsewhere may be incorporated through accreditation of prior certificated learning (subject to a successful accreditation claim). Students progressing to the MSc undertake a substantial research or service development project relevant to their own area of practice.
Programme format and assessment
The majority of assessment is by coursework; some courses are also assessed by one examination.
Programme modules for MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert Advanced Practice (Midwifery)
Dissertation (Healthcare)
Project work continues for 12 months, with 30 days assigned for contact with academic staff. Additional time is needed for data collection during the course of the students work. The relevant interests and expertise of both students and supervisors determine the nature of projects. Careful design and measurement is emphasised. In addition to individual supervision, regular seminars and tutorials are offered to encourage and support students and these sessions are used by the students to present ideas for their projects and to facilitate discussion of problems encountered. A report of no more than 20,000 words must be submitted. It should include critical evaluation of the existing literature in the area and an appropriate presentation of the students work. Sucessful completion of taught MSc elements (postgraduate diploma) is a pre-requisite for this module.
Evidence-based Decision Making in Healthcare
This course aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to identify best evidence for your practice. It focuses on searching for, appraising and synthesising evidence from health care research. You are introduced to a range of electronic databases for accessing evidence and the principles of systematic review. Learning is facilitated through lectures, workshops and a student-directed search for evidence to address a question emerging from your own practice. Issues surrounding research implementation and evidence at the level of the individual practitioner and the health care organisation are addressed. Assessment is by means of a review of literature which answers a focussed question utilising explicit methods.
Health Economics for Practice
This course enables you to develop analytical understanding of core concepts in health economics, health care financing, and the economic appraisal of health care interventions. Learning is facilitated by means of lectures, student-led seminars, and workshops, which serve to emphasise the practical application of this material to real-world clinical and research issues.
Issues in the Conduct of Healthcare Research
This course aims to raise awareness of issues that arise inthe conduct of research, from writing research proposals to the publication of findings. It will be useful for students embarking on a research or service development project, for new researchers wishing to develop their skills, and for healthcare professionals seeking to evaluate healthcare services. Issues covered in the course include gaining funding, managing research schedules, involving users in the research process, working with external agencies, addressing ethical and political issues in research, and managing aspects of the data collection process - for example overcoming poor response rates and managing group dynamics in focus group research. Learning is facilitated through lectures, recommended reading and seminars. The seminars provide a series of How to... sessions that facilitate application of concepts learnt during the Principal Methods for Healthcare Research course. For example: How to develop an interview schedule, or How to run a focus group. These seminars enable students to gain a practical understanding of the research process.
Principal Methods for Healthcare Research
This introductory course aims to provide students a broad knowledge of research approaches and techniques used in healthcare research. It intends to promote students understanding of, and enhance skills for critiquing research articles. Further it aims to promote the development of skills required to undertake a research-based project in the future. The course is essential for students who have not previously studied research methods or who would benefit from revision of this knowledge. It will consider philosophical bases for research, traditions and features of qualitative and quantitative research designs, data collection tools used in qualitative and qauntitative research and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. This course is a precursor for the second research methods course, Issues in the Conduct of Healthcare Research.
Progressing midwifery led care
The NSF for Maternity Services supports the development of maternity services (including midwife led birth centres and caseload midwifery) that are women centred, avoid unnecessary intervention and provide appropriate care pathways for vulnerable women. This course will facilitate the acquisition of in-depth knowledge and specific clinical and management skills, in order to enhance the midwife's role in the provision of midwifery led care.
Public health for community practice
This course aims to equip qualified nurses, midwives, health visitors and other community health practitioners with the fundamental concepts and tools required to understand public health and implement public health approaches in their practice. Students will learn about: -the concepts underpinning public health in community practice -the use of techniques involved in surveillance and assessing the population's health and well-being -the ethical issues involved in managing self, people and resources to reduce health inequalities and improve health and well being -the concepts and tools required to develop quality and risk management within an evaluative culture Runs one whole day a week May-July, plus a one-week summer school.
Social and political context of reproduction
This course aims to provide midwives with a critical understanding of current issues in the politics of reproduction, maternity policy and practice from a national and international perspective. You will be able to: critically review and analyse local, national and international policy iniatives, critically examine the evidence base for maternity policy and practice, discuss and debate ethical and political processes relevant to reproduction. Learning is facilitated through lectures, discussions, tutorials, student led seminars and group work. Assessment is by a presentation and an essay.
Theories & Perspectives of Supervision in Midwifery
This course aims to prepare midwives nominated by a Local Supervising Authority for their role as appointed Supervisors of Midwives. The NMC requires each nominated midwife to successfully complete a programme of preparation before embarking on the role as an appointed Supervisor of Midwives. This course will enable you to evaluate professional issues and legislation relating to supervision as well as analyse the supervisor's role in supporting midwifery practice and professional development. In addition the course will enable midwives to raise the profile of midwifery supervision locally and nationally and to evalutate the impact and effectiveness of local supervision. Learning is facilitated through lectures, discussion, student-led seminars and use of the NMC resource 'Preparation of Supervisors of Midwives'. The course is assessed by means of a portfolio.