Faculty of Health Studies
Programme Specification
Programme title: BSc (Hons) Midwifery Studies
Academic Year:
2015-16
Degree Awarding Body:
University of Bradford
Partner(s), delivery
organisation or support
provider (if appropriate):
Final and interim award(s):
BSc (Honours)
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
(FHEQ) level 6]
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
(FHEQ) level 6]
Diploma of Higher Education
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
(FHEQ) level 5]
Certificate of Higher Education
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
(FHEQ) level 4]
Programme accredited by (if
appropriate):
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
Programme duration:
3 Years
UCAS code:
B720 BSc/M
QAA Subject benchmark
statement(s):
Midwifery (2001)
Date of Senate Approval:
Date last confirmed and/or
minor modification approved
by Faculty Board
August 2014
Introduction
Bradford is a friendly multicultural city, where you will meet families from diverse
ethnic backgrounds and all socio-economic levels. It is also the home of the Born in
Bradford project, which is studying 13,000 Bradford babies over the next 20 years
to learn more about the determinants of health. In Bradford there are many
specialist services and community projects working to meet particular health needs.
This rich diversity of experience will enhance your learning to be a health
profession.
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This three year undergraduate midwifery studies programme offers you a rich
practice-based learning experience, which will prepare you to meet the University
criteria for an Honours Degree and the National and European requirements for
midwifery registration (NMC 2009). You will be prepared to engage in an ethical,
informed and skilled manner in contemporary midwifery practice. You will also be
equipped with self-development skills to continue to learn, develop on a personal
level and meet new challenges throughout your midwifery career as an autonomous
learner using the principles of Problem Based Learning (PBL). The philosophy of
Problem Based Learning (PBL), whereby students learn in a participative and
collaborative way, through the consideration of a series of midwifery-based
problems or enigmas informed by real life situations, is fundamental to this
programme.
Midwives are key professionals supporting women and their families through their
pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal period to achieve safe and life enhancing
outcomes. They are also an evolving professional group preparing to take a greater
lead in co-ordinating maternity care, promoting normality and working with other
groups to improve public health (DH 2010, Midwifery 2020 UK Programme 2010)).
The demand for midwifery graduates remains strong both locally and nationally.
The University has strong links with local maternity care providers to facilitate
excellent placement learning and most of our graduates begin their midwifery
careers locally as staff midwives in Bradford or Airedale.
The lecturers are committed to innovative teaching and learning practices, which
enhance the student experience and develop autonomous learners. We have
developed a curriculum based on the principles of active collaborative learning. If
you are committed to a midwifery career but are also open to learning
collaboratively in groups with peers, and to using technology to enhance your
learning, then you should consider applying for Midwifery Studies at the University
of Bradford.
At the end of the programme the Lead Midwife for Education at the University of
Bradford is responsible for signing a supporting declaration of good health and
good character for the purposes of registration with the Nursing and Midwifery
Council (NMC, 2009 p.8). Evidence of good character and good health will be
gathered as part of the selection process and during the programme to facilitate
appropriate sign off at the completion of the programme.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:

A1
Develop the skills and knowledge commensurate with a
graduate which will enable you to meet National and European
requirements for professional registration;

A2
Develop the skills and knowledge which will enable you to
engage in an ethical, informed and skilled manner in contemporary
midwifery practice and to live and work in a globally sustainable way.

A3
Develop the skills and knowledge which will enable you to meet
the lifelong learning demands of working as autonomous practitioners
within multi-professional teams and dynamic environments.
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Programme Learning Outcomes
To be eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education at FHEQ level 4,
students will be able to:
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LO1
Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles
associated with your area of study and an ability to evaluate and
interpret these within the context of health.
LO2
Demonstrate an ability to present, evaluate and interpret
qualitative and quantitative data to develop lines of argument
and make sound judgments in accordance with basic theories
and concepts relevant to health.
LO3
Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving
problems related to health.
LO4
Communicate the results of your study/work accurately and reliably,
and with structured and coherent arguments.
LO5
Have the skills and understanding to undertake further training
and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment.
LO6
Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for
employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.
Additionally, to be eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education at FHEQ
level 5, students will be able to:
LO7
Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of
health and the way in which these have developed.
LO8
Demonstrate an ability to apply underlying concepts and principles
outside the context in which they were first studied, including the
application of those principles in an employment context.
LO9
Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in health,
and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different
approaches to solving problems in health.
LO10
Demonstrate an understanding of the limits of your knowledge and
how this impacts on your analyses and interpretations of that
knowledge.
LO11
Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical
analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising
from that analysis.
LO12
Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a
variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and deploy
key techniques of the discipline effectively.
Additionally, to be eligible for the award of Honours Degree of Bachelor at FHEQ
level 6, students will be able to:
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LO13
Evaluate and interpret midwifery clinical situations on the basis of
sound knowledge of physiological concepts and the evidence base of
midwifery practice.
LO14
Apply and critically evaluate research evidence to inform the quality of
care and practice development.
LO15
Apply knowledge of professional, political and ethical principles to
sustainable global midwifery practice. Promoting wellbeing through a
social model of birth, and placing the woman and her family at the
centre of care.
LO16
Communicate, effectively and professionally, information, problems or
solutions, to diverse audiences.
LO17
Reflect on decision-making, demonstrating initiative and personal
responsibility and accountability in midwifery practice.
LO18
Assess and manage own learning and contribute to self and peer
development through collaborative working and learning in both
midwifery and multi-disciplinary groups.
Curriculum
Stage 1
FHEQ
Level
Module Title
Type
(Core/
option/
elective)
Credits
Semester
(s)
Module
Code
4
Midwifery 1a (Ward/Community)
core
30
1
HM4027T
4
Midwifery 1b (Ward/Community)
core
30
2
HM4028T
4
Applied anatomy and physiology
core
20
linked
HM4028L
4
Society, Health and Wellbeing 1
core
20
linked
HM4027L
4
Principles of Collaborative Professional
Practice
core
20
linked
HEA4012
L
At the end of stage 1, students will be eligible to exit with the award of Certificate
of Higher Education if they have successfully completed at least 120 credits and
achieved the award learning outcomes.
THIS AWARD DOES NOT CONFER ELIGIBILITY TO REGISTER WITH NMC.
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Stage 2
FHEQ
Level
Module Title
Core/
Option
(Approved
Ordinary
route)
Core/
Option
(Honours)
Credits
Semester
(s)
Module
Code
5
Midwifery 2a (Labour Ward)
NA
core
30
1
HM5000U
5
Midwifery 2b (Labour Ward)
NA
core
30
2
HM5001U
5
Applied Pathology
NA
core
20
linked
HM5003L
5
Society, Health and Wellbeing 2
NA
core
20
linked
HM5002L
5
Evidencing Professional Practice
NA
core
20
linked
HEA500
0L
At the end of stage 2, students will be eligible to exit with the award of Diploma of
Higher Education if they have successfully completed at least 240 credits and
achieved the award learning outcomes.
THIS AWARD DOES NOT CONFER ELIGIBILITY TO REGISTER WITH NMC.
Stage 3
FHEQ
Level
Semester
(s)
Module
Code
30
1
HM6000T
core
30
2
HM6001U
NA
core
20
linked
HEA600
0L
Midwifery Practice Project
NA
core
20
linked
HM6002D
Development for Midwifery
Practice
NA
core
20
linked
HM6003L
Core/
Option
(Approved
Ordinary
route)
Core/
Option
(Honours)
Midwifery 3a (Community &
Ward)
Midwifery 3b (Community Based
Caseload)
NA
core
NA
6
Research for Advancing
Professional Practice
6
6
6
6
Module Title
Credits
Students will be eligible for the award of Honours Degree of Bachelor if they have
successfully completed at least 360 credits and achieved the award learning
outcomes.
THIS AWARD CONFERS ELIGIBILITY TO REGISTER WITH NMC.
Placement and/or Study Abroad
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This programme provides the option for students to undertake a work placement or
period of study abroad at the end of stage 3 as part of the Development for
Midwifery Practice module.
For further information about study abroad opportunities please refer to
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/international/erasmus-and-international-exchanges/
Learning and Teaching Strategy
In this programme placement and university based learning work in tandem to
ensure you have opportunities to develop, and are assessed in, all programme
learning outcomes.
In the university setting all module content is integrated using the PBL process. This
means that you will work in a learning group to study midwifery-based enigmas,
identify your own learning needs and work collaboratively in the group to address
these (programme learning outcome 6). The enigmas are informed by real life
situations which are designed to stimulate holistic thinking about midwifery issues
in diverse contexts. Enigmas are reviewed annually to reflect any changes in health
and social care agendas thus maintaining the contemporary nature of the
programme for example we may use early findings of the Born in Bradford project
to highlight issues around neonatal health.
As a group, facilitated by a lecturer, you will identify issues arising from enigmas
and share the knowledge you already have (programme learning outcome 4). This
process will highlight the areas where you need further understanding. This
understanding will then be developed for example through lecturers, workshops,
seminars and independent study (programme learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3). Your
learning will be shared in a web-based format for example group WIKI accessed via
the university’s virtual learning environment. Your understanding will be
consolidated by full discussion of what has been learnt in facilitated PBL feedback
sessions (programme learning outcome 4).
As you progress through each stage of the programme you will be guided to
develop analytical skills enabling you to access an increasingly complex range of
resources. This will support your ability to integrate and apply theory and practice
knowledge (programme outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 5).
Assessment Strategy
University based assessment strategies are varied to develop a range of
communication, team working, and presentation skills (programme learning
outcome 4), and assess the knowledge base required for informed practice
(programme learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 5). They include seen and unseen
examinations but most assessments are forms of individual and group programme
work for example presentations, essays, e-Portfolio (see module descriptors for
further detail). For each assessment you are required to self-assess your own
achievement, thus developing your autonomous learning and self-evaluation skills
(programme learning outcome 6). You will have access to a Personal Academic
Tutor (PAT) throughout the Programme. The role of the PAT is to provide advice and
formative feedback on your academic progress.
Your clinical placement learning will focus on the development of the NMC clinical
competencies necessary for registration. Prior to each placement you will have
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participated in clinical skills workshops which are designed to simulate practice
skills. During stage 2 and 3 you will participate in simulated obstetric emergencies
and practice drills using bespoke clinical skills teaching facilities. (Programme
learning outcomes 1 and 5).
Once on placement, you will be supported by a Link Lecturer who will advise on the
completion of your e-Portfolio and by a Clinical Mentor, who will facilitate learning
opportunities, provide feedback, and undertake the assessment of both essential
clinical skills and the overall competencies required (programme outcomes 1, 2, 3,
4, 5 and 6). You will be expected to spend at least 40% of your time on placement
with your allocated Clinical Mentor.
Fifty percent of your assessment is related to direct hands on care in clinical
practice, for which you will be awarded a grade (NMC, 2009 p.18). This consists of
continuous assessment of your overall performance by your clinical mentor, and the
completion of your clinical portfolio record using an online personal learning
system. Clinical assessment will also include feedback from service users i.e. the
women in your care. You are encouraged to make full use of the online personal
learning system to support your studies. Reflective writing about your learning
experiences is promoted in all modules as a strategy to consolidate your learning
and develop analytical thinking.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations which
are available at the link below;
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
However, there are 3 exceptions to these regulations as listed below:
1. Progression between stages to be 120 credits at 40.0% of which all
component parts of an assessment must be achieved at a minimum of 40.0%.
2. Modules that include Clinical Practice will only be offered a single
supplementary assessment and that where the requisite mark is not
achieved, students will be required to withdraw from the programme or
transfer to an non-professionally accredited programme within the University.
3. To complete outstanding modules within 12 weeks of the progression point.
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students and most
important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s
potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this
particular programme.
Consideration of applications will be based on a
combination of formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
The minimum entry requirements for the programme are as follows:
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above to include:

English Language

Mathematics

Biology or Combined Science
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AND

320 UCAS points, from 3 full A levels (or vocational awards of equal depth
and volume)

A Health or Science-related BTEC Extended Diploma qualification (Distinction,
Distinction, Merit)
OR
Non-Standard Entry
Our non-standard offer is:

An Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health Professions or Science
Those studying on Access Programmes will be asked to obtain 30 level 3
credits at Distinction (to include 15 credits in Biology) and 15 level 3 credits
at Merit.
The UCAS tariff applicable may vary and is published here
Applications are welcome from students with non-standard qualifications or mature
students (those over 21 years of age on entry).
Our non-standard offer is:

An Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health Professions or Science
Those studying on Access Programmes will be asked to obtain 30 level 3
credits at Distinction (to include 15 credits in Biology) and 15 level 3 credits
at Merit.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If applicants have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may
be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate
and recognise this learning in order to provide applicants with exemptions from
specified modules or parts of the programme.
Minor Modification Schedule
Version
Number
Brief description of Modification
Date of Approval
(Faculty Board)
1
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