Entry requirements
Selected entry requirements English language: GCSE English grade C or above, or recognised equivalent. A level: Grades BBC. One of these must be in a relevant subject, i.e. Psychology, Sociology, Human biology. Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes. GCSE: A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above including English Language, Mathematics and a science (preferably biological). Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University. Relevant work experience: Midwifery involves many skills and therefore work experience from a range of different areas is relevant. This may include direct experience in a healthcare setting and/or other settings that involve the use of communication and caring skills. Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Course description
Course description
The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work offers a three-year, full- time Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) Degree programme for non-nurses. Successful completion of the programme will lead to professional registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
The course begins in September of each year. Places should be applied for between September and January via UCAS.
The course is split into units of study and the hours are divided equally between theory and practice. Some weeks are spent in University and others in clinical practice but on the whole the week is divided between two days in University and three days in clinical practice. Students will be expected to work alongside their mentors when in practice which would involve working a mixture of early and late shifts and weekends. Periods of night duty are also included within the programme.
Module details
The course is modular in structure and the hours are divided equally between theory and practice. Some weeks are spent in university and others in clinical practice but on the whole the week is divided between two days in university and three days in clinical practice. It is based on a full-time 37.5-hour working week and students are expected to work similar shifts to their mentors when in clinical practice.
The University works with a number of hospital Trusts across Greater Manchester to provide practice placements for the course. In order to gain appropriate experience, students undertake placements at a number of locations. This will involve travel across the whole of Greater Manchester. Placements may include working within a busy inner-city hospital, with community-based or team midwives, or a normal birth unit in a more rural setting.
Course content for year 1
The focus of the first year of the course is on 'normal' midwifery. Students explore a number of key aspects of childbirth, midwifery theory and evidence-based, holistic practice as well as core topics such as microbiology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology and essential communication skills.
Students also gain detailed knowledge and understanding of infant feeding in order to develop skills in assisting women to establish successful breastfeeding or safe artificial feeding practices. Clinical placements in year 1 focus on the development of basic midwifery skills in a range of settings including community, delivery suite and post-natal care.
Course content for year 2
In year 2 students build on the knowledge and skills of normal midwifery acquired in year 1, examining aspects of complex and complicated childbirth and the specific roles, responsibilities and skills of midwives in these areas including the therapeutic use of drugs.
Students also study concepts of transitional care, special care and critical care for neonates and a number of maternal medical conditions which may affect neonatal outcome.
Further knowledge and skills for understanding research provide a sound foundation for critically appraising research studies as a basis for evidence-based approaches to midwifery practice. Progressive models of midwifery led care are examined with a focus on midwifery case holding and caseload management.
Clinical placements in year 2 focus on developing skills in antenatal care, community and delivery suite as well as postnatal, neonatal unit/transitional care. Spoke placements on gynaecological and medical wards are also undertaken.
Course content for year 3
The aim of the third year is to consolidate and extend existing knowledge and skills to equip students ready for the transition to qualified midwife status. This includes further study of evidence-based case holding, knowledge and skills for responding to and managing midwifery emergency situations and the role of the midwife in health promotion and public health.
As part of the preparation for qualified midwifery practice, students also examine key aspects of management, leadership and practice development.
The dissertation component of this year focuses on the application of midwifery and health related research to practice. This involves a considerable piece of work which enables students to demonstrate the ability to study independently under supervision.
A range of clinical placements are available in this final year and may include community (with a focus on parent education and public health strategies), antenatal, delivery and postnatal settings.
