UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
University of Central Lancashire
3. University School/Centre
School of Community Health and Midwifery
4. External Accreditation
None
5. Title of Final Award
MSc Midwifery
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Part-time
Blended / Distance E-Learning
7. UCAS Code
None
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
NMC (2006) Standards of Proficiency For Nurse and
Midwife Prescribers.
NMC (2008) Standards to Support Learning and
Assessment in Practice
QAA (2010) Master’s Degree Characteristics
9. Other external influences
DH (2004) NSF for Children, Young People and
Maternity Services
DH (2010) Midwifery 2020
Department of Health. (2012) Compassion in Practice,
Nursing, Midwifery and Care Staff- Our Vision and
Strategy.
Francis (2013) Report of the Mid-Staffordshire NHS
Foundation Trust Public Inquiry Executive Summary.
ICM (2013) Global Standards For Midwifery Education.
NMC (2011) The MINT Project
NHS England (2013) Compassion in practice- One year
on.
NMC (2014) Midwives Rules and Standards
WHO (2000) Millennium Development Goals
10. Date of production/revision of
16th March 2015
this form
11. Aims of the Programme
The MSc Midwifery provides a programme of study for UK and internationally qualified midwives
and provides a forum to encourage the synthesis of experience, knowledge and new learning and
to debate contemporary issues within a collaborative online community.

To develop midwives who are able to critically evaluate and develop maternity services in their
own environment, ensuring a humanising, safe experience for mothers and their families.

Provide a cross national/international programme that will promote women’s health and
contribute to a reduction in maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.

To develop midwives who can champion and promote innovative leadership and change within
midwifery practice.

Enable midwives to apply and utilise research skills that will support innovations contributing to
the development of midwifery practice.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
Successful students will be able to:
A1.Critically analyse a range of social, political, cultural and global contexts in the delivery and
effectiveness of maternal and infant care.
A2.Promote evidence based care to women and their families.
A3. Critically appraise and evaluate research for current midwifery practice.
A4. Engage in research into a specific area of the care of women during the process of childbirth
and care of infants.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Postgraduate study requires an emphasis upon both formal and informal methods of learning and
the promotion of independence in the planning and organisation of learning. Students will be able
to critically engage with contemporary social issues and their consequences for maternal and child
health. Key note lectures will provide subject overview and students will be encouraged to engage
within online seminars. Guided independent study will focus upon students working through online
teaching units, directed critical reading, literature searching, case studies, group work and reflective
exercises.
Assessment methods
Formative and summative feedback via tutorials and one to one communication. Written
assignments in the form of essays, reflective accounts, case- based study, research proposal,
dissertation- small scale research or systematic review.
B. Subject-specific skills
Successful students will be able to:
B1. Formulate researchable problems and demonstrate application of alternative approaches to
research.
B2. Critically appraise the impact of research in the context of management, education, practice or
policy of midwifery.
B3. Conduct of research in a manner that is consistent with professional practice and normal
principles of research ethics.
B4.Evaluate strategies designed to contribute to a reduction in maternal mortality and morbidity.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Students will focus on the evidence relevant to their own speciality. Lead lectures, group
discussions, directed reading and computer use are the major teaching strategies. Students learn
by participation in peer group activity designed to illustrate the theoretical principles. E-Learn offer’s
access to additional resources including online teaching units, chat rooms and discussion boards
for critical debate. Scheduled opportunities which provide the student with feedback about their
progress and individual dissertation supervision.
Assessment Methods
Formative and summative feedback via tutorials and one to one communication. Written
assignments in the form of essays, reflective accounts, case- based study, research proposal,
dissertation- small scale research or systematic review.
C. Thinking Skills
Successful students will be able to demonstrate:
C1. Apply autonomous learning and be able to participate in student centred and student lead
activities throughout their period of study.
C2. Challenge contemporary midwifery knowledge and practice and demonstrate a capacity for
independent critical thought and rational inquiry.
C3. Organise and articulate complex ideas through analysis, synthesis and evaluation in a coherent
and creative style appropriate to postgraduate work.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Postgraduate study requires an emphasis upon both formal and informal methods of learning and
the promotion of independence in the planning and organisation of learning. This will include key
note lectures to provide subject overview, online seminars, working through online teaching units,
directed critical reading and literature searching, individual dissertation supervision. E-Learn offer’s
access to additional resources including chat rooms and discussion boards for critical debate.
Scheduled opportunities which provide the student with feedback about their progress towards
meeting the module learning outcomes will be provided through online discussion groups, e-mail
and tutorials.
Assessment methods
Formative and summative feedback via tutorials and one to one communication. Written
assignments in the form of essays, reflective accounts, case- based study, research proposal,
dissertation- small scale research or systematic review.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
Successful students will be able to demonstrate:
D1. Personal development skills ( time management, self- management, self- motivation,
interpersonal skills, problem solving abilities and plans that support lifelong learning).
D2. Research and information technology skills, including the use of appropriate resources,
theories, methods and approaches in a critical and scholarly way.
D3. Reflection on own personal learning to enhance intellectual and personal independence.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Engaging in developing, undertaking and the writing up of a dissertation addresses all aspects of
the UCLan employability and personal development framework. It equips them with the skills to
enable them to develop their careers in new roles such as management, research or higher levels
of practice.
Assessment Methods
Formative and summative feedback via tutorials and one to one communication. Written
assignments in the form of essays, reflective accounts, case- based study, research proposal,
dissertation- small scale research or systematic review.
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Level 7
Core
modules
14. Awards and Credits*
Module
Code
MW4035
Module Title
NU4025
Introduction to Postgraduate
Research.
20
NU4053
Dissertation Module
60
Maternal and Child HealthCulture and Society.
Credit
rating
20
Masters’ Degree Midwifery
Requires 180 credits at Level 7
These must include the following
Core modules:
MW4035 Maternal and Child
Health – Culture and Society (20
credits)
NU4025 Introduction to Post
Graduate Research (20 credits)
NU4053 – Dissertation Module
(60 Credits)
Level 7
EH4100*
Teaching Tool Kit
20
Option
Modules
EH4101*
Teaching, Learning and
Assessment
20
HP4007
Student Initiated Module
20
MW4033
Psycho-social Influences
and Impact on Maternal,
Child and Family Health
20
MW4031
MW4034
Infant and Family Nurture
and Health
Contraception and Sexual
Health Applied To Midwifery
Practice
NU4025 Introduction to Post
Graduate Research (20 credits)
20
20
MW4036
Organisational Leadership
and Management
20
MW4011
Maternal Substance Misuse
20
MW4015
Educational Approaches
Within Health and Social
Care
20
MW4052
Normal Birth – Evidence and
Debate
20
MW4102*
Preparation of Teachers:
Health and Social Care
Professions (NMC
Registered Midwives)
MW4109
Maternal and Infant
Nutrition- Bio-cultural
Perspectives
Exit Award:
Post Graduate Diploma
Midwifery
Requires 120 credits at Level 7
These must include the following
Core modules:
MW4035 Maternal and Child
Health – Culture and Society (20
credits)
20
20
Exit Award:
Post Graduate Certificate
Midwifery
Requires 60 credits at Level 7.
This must include the following
Core module:
MW4036 Maternal and Child
Health – Culture and Society (20
credits)
Exit Award:
*Postgraduate Certificate in
Health and Social care
Education
Requires modules MW4102/
EH4101/ EH4100 and successful
students being eligible for
registration with the Nursing and
Midwifery Council of the UK as
Teachers.
Level 7
Option
Modules
NU4026
Advanced Research Skills
20
MW4062
HIV and Hepatitis
20
NU4086
Applying Methods in Health
Research
20
NU4096 /
NU4097
Multi-professional Support of
Learning and Assessing
Practice
20
HP4006
Research, Ethics and
Governance
Safeguarding of Children in
A Multi-Disciplinary
Environment
Safeguarding Children in an
International Context
20
NU4023*
Non- Medical Prescribing
(V300)
40
PW4003*
Examination of The New
Born
20
NU4021
SW4035
20
20
Modules marked with a * can only be taken by NMC Registered Midwives in the UK with a
current NMC Intention to Practice and no restrictions on their professional practice.
15. Personal Development Planning
According to QAA (2004), PDP is:
 A structured process that is integral to higher level learning
 Concerned with learning in an holistic sense (academic and non-academic)
 Something done with guidance and support
 A process that involves reflection, creation of personal records, planning and monitoring
progress towards achievement of personal objectives
 Intended to improve the capacity of the individual to communicate their learning to others who
are interested in it (academic staff/ employers)
Using the above ideas as a framework to support PDP, students on the MSc Midwifery programme will
develop individual PDP’s as part of their on-going learning and in order to achieve the learning
objectives of this course. This will allow for students to identify individual interests, learning and
development needs. Students will chart their personal progress towards course and personal learning
outcomes with the support of their personal tutor.
UK students seeking a teaching qualification will be required to include as part of the PDP the
production of a portfolio of evidence that reflects the NMC (2008) Standards to Support Learning and
Assessment in Practice for the preparation of teachers of nurses, midwives and specialist community
public health nurses.
Reference
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2004) Recommendations for policy on PDP.
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/progfilehe/summary/pdppolicy_textonly.htm#1
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for
the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
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UK applicants must be a qualified midwife, registered with the NMC in the UK and with a current
NMC intention to practice. There must also be no restrictions on their professional practice.
Overseas applicants- must demonstrate evidence of their qualification /registration as a midwife and
hold a current midwifery licence to practice in their own country.
A recognised Honours degree in a health related subject or equivalent qualification from a
recognised overseas Higher Education Institution. This must have been achieved within the last 10
years, with a minimum lower second classification or above.
Demonstrate evidence of successful academic study at a minimum of Level 6 or equivalent and is
normally within the last 3 years.
Be able to provide two satisfactory references (one must be academic and a further personal
reference from your employing organisation or equivalent.
You must demonstrate written English language ability.
For overseas students you must demonstrate evidence of International English Language Testing
(IELTS). A minimum of 7.0 in all elements of the test must be achieved within the last 2 years.
17. Key sources of information about the programme

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Course Leader: Judith Shaw (01772) 893817 jshaw5@uclan.ac.uk
UCLan Website
Fact Sheet
UCLan Postgraduate Prospectus
Flyer
e.g. LEVEL 7
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Core (C),
Other skills relevant
Compulsory
to employability and
Module
(COMP) or
Knowledge and
personal
Level Code
Module Title
Option (O)
understanding
Subject-specific Skills
Thinking Skills
development
Maternal and Child Health,
MW4035 Culture and Society
Introduction to Postgraduate
NU4025 Research
NU4053 Dissertation
NU4026 Advanced Research Skills
HP4007 Student Initiated Module
NU4023* Non-Medical Prescribing
Safeguarding of Children In a
Multi-Disciplinary
NU4021 Environment
PW4003* Examination of the Newborn
Maternal and Infant Nutrition
MW4109 Bio-Cultural Perspectives
Normal Birth- Evidence and
MW4052 Debate
Maternal Substance Misuse
MW4011
MW4015 Educational Approaches
Within Health & Social Care
Teaching Tool Kit
EH4100*
Teaching, Learning and
EH4101* Assessment
A1
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Preparation of Teachers:
MW4102 Health and Social Care
*
Professions
Psycho-social Influences and
Impact on Maternal, Child
MW4033 and Family Health
Infant, Family, Nurture and
MW4031 Health
Contraception and Sexual
Reproductive Health Applied
MW4034 to Midwifery Practice
Organisational Leadership
MW4036 and Management
MW4062 HIV and Hepatitis
Applying Methods in Health
NU4086 Research
Multi-professional Support of
NU4096/ Learning and Assessing
NU4097 Practice
Research, Ethics and
HP4006 Governance
Safeguarding Children in an
SW4035 International Context
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Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks