Course description
Key facts
-This course is taught by the Academic Division of Midwifery within the School of Human Development.
-The Academic Division of Midwifery offers the course at the Derby Centre. Some of the optional modules may be available at the Nottingham Centre
Midwifery (MSc)
Duration: 2 years
Distance Learning Available
Course Content
The Master of Science in Midwifery course consists of four core modules, one optional module and a further compulsory module. These are:
Compulsory Modules (90 credits)
-Research in Midwifery
-Advancing Midwifery Practice
-Professional Accountability
-Change and Innovation
Optional Modules (30 credits)
-Antenatal screening
-Counselling Skills in Midwifery
-Effective Supervision of Midwives
-Examination of the Neonate for health care practitioners
-Infant feeding and nutrition
-Teaching and learning in health and social care
The MSc course requires students to complete the above modules (five in total) and a compulsory module:
-The dissertation study – this is a 17,000 word research based project or study.
Educational aims of the programme
The course aims to enable experienced midwives to deliver, develop and direct high quality midwifery services in a changing health care context. To achieve this, the Division will foster an environment that emphasises learning, personal development and enables students to develop further the qualities of reflection, critical, independent thought. The students will study in depth the art and science of midwifery and the ethical, political, legal, economic and multi-disciplinary context in which midwifery is practised.
Course Structure
The course commences in October each year.
Part time option: The minimum length of course is 24 months for the Masters course
Full time option: The minimum length of course is 12 months for the Masters course
Full time students will normally be expected to complete the course in 24 months. Part time students will normally complete the course within four years, having the option to complete within 24, 36 or 48 months.
Teaching methods and facitlities used can include: enquiry based leanring, formal lectures, demonstrations and skills workshops, discussion groups, seminars, tutorials, computer assisted learning and portfolio learning.
We also offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery, which shares the same taught components as the MSc but does not have a dissertation requirement.
Curriculum map:
Year 1:
Semester 1: Research in midwifery
Semesters 1 and 2: Advancing midwifery practice
Semester 2: Professional accountability
Year 2:
Semester 1: Change and innovation
Module option x 1
Semester 2: Dissertation