Only Social Work applicants need to pay for their DBS. It costs £46 and can be purchased on our online store.
Overview
Fit for practice
The BSc (Hons) Midwifery course aims to:
- Develop midwives who meet the Standards of proficiency for midwives (NMC 2019) and become eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- Develop midwives who will act as leaders and change agents, aware of the significance of innovation, creativity and best available evidence in the evaluation and development of woman-centred care and the maternity services.
- Promote collaborative working with service users, interdisciplinary and multiagency teams in contemporary midwifery practice.
- Develop midwives who recognise their own strengths and exercise responsibility for their own professional and career development.
This course is newly approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). It is designed in partnership with healthcare providers, current students, service users and commissioners; based around the framework of NMC standards and the Lancet series to ensure the highest quality care for women and their families and an excellent quality of education for the student midwives.
Students will have an opportunity to support and provide care for women and their families through the continuum of childbirth including those who require additional care. You'll have an opportunity to develop your practice skills, applying your learning in a variety of maternity settings.
Key features
- The programme leads to registration with the NMC with very high employability for successful students.
- The programme philosophy acknowledges and celebrates equality, diversity and inclusion across education and practice environments and embraces cultural safety as a fundamental feature of midwifery education.
- Students are given opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge and understanding to enhance their clinical skills by participating in innovative annual peer-supported clinical skills weeks, facilitated by academic and clinical practice midwives.
- Students are given the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of midwifery issues by selecting a local, national, international or specialist elective placement opportunity during the final year of the programme.
- Students are given the opportunity to gain a Certificate in Enterprise during the programme.
- A variety of assessment methods used to tailor for a diverse learning style and ensure all students are facilitated to excel.
Why Midwifery at LSBU?
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- Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
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- We have professional links with world-renowned teaching hospitals and Trusts in London and the South East.
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- Ranked 2nd amongst London competitors for Graduate Prospects in Nursing and Midwifery (Complete University Guide 2023)
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- Our course is split between 50% theory and 50% practice, meaning you’ll spend half of the course working with a range of health professionals in clinical situations in leading NHS Trusts, community placements, independent sector and voluntary sector organisations.
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- We have a real-time labour ward that is set up to simulate the range of delivery environments available during labour.
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- LSBU Nursing & Midwifery graduates are the highest paid amongst all London Modern university graduates, and fifth highest in the UK one year after graduating (DfE LEO data 2022).
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- Students on this course could be eligible to receive a non-repayable amount of up to £11,000 per academic year with the NHS Learning Support Fund.
| ModeFull-time | Duration3 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeB720 | Application method UCAS |
Course Accreditations
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NMC
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
Applicants to this course will need to meet the following entry criteria:
- 120 - 128 UCAS points
- A Level BBB and GCSEs A*-C Maths, English and Science or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above); or;
- BTEC National Diploma DDM and GCSEs Maths, English and Science A*-C (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) or equivalent; or;
- Access to HE qualifications with 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits and GCSEs Maths, English A*-C (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) or equivalent; or;
- NVQ Level 3 in Care with at least one year of relevant work experience and GCSEs Maths, English and Science A*-C (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) or equivalent; or;
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 120 UCAS points and GCSEs Maths, English and Science A*-C (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) or equivalent.
Recognition of prior learning is not permitted for pre-registration midwifery programmes (NMC 2019)
English Language
If English is not your first language, you must achieve a minimum score of 7.0 overall or equivalent, with not less than 7.0 in the listening and reading sections, and not less than 7.0 in the writing and speaking sections, for the International English Language Test Score (IELTS) at the time of application.
Foundation Year
Been out of study for a long time? Or maybe you haven’t met the entry requirements of your chosen degree? Our entry year acts as a bridge to degree-level studies.
Choose your country
Select country here:
Select a state
Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
United Kingdom
£9250
Tuition fees for home students
International
£
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.
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Full-time
full-time
BSc (Hons) Midwifery (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 3644 Session code: 1FS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £27750 BSc (Hons) Midwifery (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 3644 Session code: 2FS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £27750 BSc (Hons) Midwifery (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 3644 Session code: 3FS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £27750
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home
| Mode Full-time | Duration 3 years | Start date September | Application code B720 | Application method UCAS |
Please send your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) using our institution code L75. UCAS is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK.
Remember that you need your GCSE Science, Maths and English qualifications before you apply.
See our How to apply page for further details.
Personal statement
See our top tips for writing your personal statement.
Interview
As part of the selection process you'll be expected to attend an MMI interview. Find out more.
International applicants
If you’re an International student (non-EU national) the application process may involve further steps. Contact the International Office as soon as possible to discuss the admissions steps and the immigration requirements: internat@lsbu.ac.uk or +44 (0) 20 7815 6189.
Results
If you are unsuccessful in your application to LSBU for this year you cannot apply through UCAS Extra or Clearing. However you can apply for the following year. It is important that you read the comments in the results statement so that you are prepared for any other interviews you may have.
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Home/EU postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system.
Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
International applicants should use our international application system. Full details can be found on our How to apply section for international students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
Prepare to start
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)
All pre-registration students need to be DBS cleared before going on placement. You’ll need to have an enhanced DBS check even if you have had one before and will not be able to go on placement until this is complete.
The DBS process is not difficult but can take some time so it's best to get started as soon as you receive your email. You will receive the email during Summer 2023.
DBS update service
If you're part of the DBS update service, your subscription is up to date and you already have a DBS certificate, please bring in your original green DBS certificate for the document check. To take advantage of the update service, your certificate needs to be classified as 'Enhanced' and workforce must be listed as 'Adult and Child'. If you have any queries, please email us at hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.
How to complete your DBS
Our DBS supplier, Verifile, will send you an email with all the details you need to complete your DBS.
Verifile will give you instructions to log into their system and complete your personal details and information. To complete the process, you'll need your passport or driving licence and 5-year address history including dates when you moved in/out.
You can use your application number to track the progress of your DBS.
When you've finished, your Disclosure Statement will be mailed to the most recent address in your submission, so please make sure it's correct. We don't automatically receive a copy of this Statement, which is why we need you to bring it in as part of the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to declare on my DBS?
Please include any and all major and minor, spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warning and reprimands, even if they relate to juvenile offences or seem trivial or unimportant. Some minor offences will not prevent you from going on placement or being offered a place on your course, but still need to be reviewed so it’s best to be honest and include everything. Also, the more information you include about any offences can help reduce the time it takes to assess them.
I’ve applied for/had a DBS in past. Do I need to do it again?
Yes, you do. You need to have an up-to-date DBS. Once you have received the email from our DBS supplier make sure you start the process straight away. All details of how to do this will be outlined in the email. If you don’t complete your DBS in the timeframe given, we may withdraw your offer even if term has already started. So it’s important that you get started as soon as you receive the email.
Why do I need an enhanced DBS check?
Government legislation requires all Higher Education Institutions who offer courses where students may come into unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults to have this check. These checks also help us to ensure duty of care to our students, and create a safer environment for patients seen by our students.
Who reviews my DBS?
As part of the University’s admissions process, declarations of any offence may be referred to a virtual panel made up of senior managers from partner NHS Trusts and/or other sectors within Health and Social Care. Any DBS that is considered by the panel will be anonymised. The panel members then deliberate and make a recommendation whether the application be rejected, accepted or request further information or documents.
When will I hear back from the panel about my DBS?
If you have declared an offence, we might ask for more information from you in writing which will help the panel make a decision. Once your declaration has been referred to the panel it can take up to 28 working days to be processed.
Which address do I use?
You need to put your current address on your DBS application because this is where your Statement will be mailed. If you’ve moved house between submitting and receiving your DBS, make sure you have mail forwarding set up so that you’ll receive your statement. If you’ve moved recently, make sure you have proof of your new address (such as a new bank statement) to bring for your document checks.
I’ve lost my statement. What do I do?
If you’ve lost your statement you will need to pay £46 to purchase a new one.
I’ve had my application rejected due to my DBS declaration/disclosure. Can I appeal the decision?
Yes. If your application has been rejected due to your DSB declaration/discloser, you will be sent a letter to confirm this. There will be instructions in the letter about how you can appeal and which supporting information you need to provide. Once a decision has been made you will receive a letter from the School Executive Team.
Document check
Once you have completed the online part of the DBS process, you will need to produce three accepted documents from this list (PDF File 248 KB) to be verified.
Document check on campus
Southwark: Southwark Student Help Desk in the K2 building Monday – Friday between 9am-11am or 1pm-4pm
Havering: come to reception at Havering Monday – Friday between 8:30-10:30am, 12-2pm, 4-5pm
Document check at the Post Office
If you’re not able to come to campus, you can get your documents checked and certified at the Post Office for a fee of £10.50. To do this, make photocopies of your three accepted ID documents and take your DBS form, copies and originals of your documents to the Post Office. The Post Office will stamp the form and photocopies and given them back to you. Email your post office receipt, stamped form and stamped documents to hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.
Occupational Health (OH)
An exciting part of many of our Health and Social Care courses is the opportunity to learn off-campus and work with patients, clients and/or service users. Before you start, we need to make sure that you have the correct levels of immunisations.
Questionnaire
Once you have enrolled, students will be asked to complete an occupational health check, the first part is completing an online questionnaire sent from our occupational health provider.
GP appointment
The second part of your occupational health check is to get any inoculations that you may need from your GP. When attending your GP appointment, please take printed copies of these two documents with you.
Vaccination Screening Advisory Letter (PDF File 126 KB)
GP Vaccination and Screening History (PDF File 117 KB)
Occupational Health appointment
After these steps are complete you will receive an email from OHWorks Ltd inviting you to attend an appointment on-campus with an Occupational Health Nurse. These appointments take place during the week and sometimes when your classes have already started.
The OH team have prepared this guide (PDF File 588 KB) which outlines what to expect at each stage. If you have queries or concerns about your Occupational Health clearance or inoculations please contact the Occupational Health team.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be double vaccinated?
Yes - government legislation advises that everyone must be double vaccinated to work in a health care setting with effect from 1 April 2022.
My local GP doesn’t have my vaccination history. What should I do?
Contact the OH team at lsbu@ohworks.co.uk who will be able to advise you.
What if I can’t make my OH appointment?
Please contact the OH team to reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Remember that you won’t be able to go on placement until you’re cleared.
I’ve already registered with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit (DDS). Do I still need to tell the OH Nurse about my condition?
Yes. Tell the OH Nurse about all conditions including specific learning difficulties even if you’ve declared these in the past. This will allow us to make reasonable adjustments whilst you’re on placement.
If I’ve declared a condition to the OH Nurse, do I need to register with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit as well?
The information you share with the OH Nurse will be treated with confidence, meaning that it won’t be automatically shared with the DDS team. The DDS team can help you to receive support for your lectures, assignments and exams so it’s worth to register with them and provide evidence of your condition if you need this support.
Numeracy practice
Before starting your course, you may want to check or practice your numeracy skills. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free online tool that helps you learn, revise and quiz your essential numeracy skills. You’ll also be able to get a certificate to show your efforts.
Enrolment and Welcome Week
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our new students pages.
Uniforms
Most placements and some practical sessions in our skills laboratories will require you to wear a uniform and name badge. You will be measured for uniforms specific to your course as part of your Welcome Week activities after enrolment. In the meantime, we have prepared answers to frequently asked questions that you might find useful.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a uniform for when I go on placement?
Yes, LSBU will supply you with uniforms for your placement with the exception of Social Work and Health and Social Care BSc students who are not required to wear uniforms for their placements.
Which uniforms will I receive?
Nursing and midwifery students will receive two pairs of trousers, three tunics and a name badge. Polo shirts will be issued instead of tunics for students studying mental health nursing, physiotherapy, chiropractic and sport rehabilitation. ODP students will receive one set of scrubs top and trousers.
How long do the uniforms need to last?
The items are to last for the duration of your programme of study.
How do I know what size I am?
A measuring and distribution service will be available by the uniform provider at both Southwark and Havering campuses. As garments are fitted for work purposes they need to allow for flexibility of movement so it’s best to have the uniform provider measure you up.
Am I able to request a longer tunic?
You can request a longer tunic for religious or medical reasons. To do this, you should advise the uniform supplier at the measuring session. These tunics are 2 inches longer and sleeves finish just above the elbows. Due to infection control, full length sleeves are not permitted.
Can I use a preferred name or a nickname on my name badge?
Name badges are professional and need to include your formal names.
What do I do if I lose or damage my name badge?
You can order a replacement name badge direct with the uniform provider. Badges need to be worn at all times when you are at placement.
Can I order more uniforms?
You are welcome to purchase additional items at Work in Style. You will need to log in using your student ID and then follow the step-by-step instruction. Please note that dresses are not available.
Can I try on my uniforms?
You should try on your uniforms the day you receive them so that the staff at the measuring service can help arrange any size exchanges. If you choose not to try on your uniforms and require different sizes at a later date you will need to purchase these through the uniform provider’s online portal at your own cost.
What do I do with my uniform after I complete my studies?
They are yours to keep – you do not need to return the garments.
Practice placements
Most health and social care courses’ practice placements will operate outside normal working hours e.g. evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Holidays
Your holiday periods will not follow the normal University timetable because of placements. You’ll receive more details once you start your course.
The main focus of the course is the promotion of normality, i.e. the framing of childbirth as a normal physiological process which the majority of women will undergo in their lifetime. The course also acknowledges that a number of women have more complex needs where technological help will be needed.
You are expected to achieve the theoretical and practice standards stipulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to enable you to perform the role and responsibilities of the Midwife within the context of promoting normality, using preventative measures, detecting complications, accessing appropriate assistance and carrying out emergency measures in the absence of medical aid.
Year 1
- Foundation science, knowledge and practice
This module provides the student with an introduction to the functioning of the human body and focuses on the structure and function of all systems at a preliminary level. It presents an opportunity to explore essential concepts such as the organisation of the body, homeostasis, anatomy and physiology, necessary to underpin midwifery practice and as a basis for learning the fundamentals of pharmacology. This module equips students with the necessary science base to inform the performance of clinical skills which will be further developed throughout the programme. - Contemporary professional midwifery
The module will introduce the student to the principles of professionalism, including the role of the midwife and the role of the NMC in the regulation of midwifery. The student will be introduced to the key concepts of professionalism within contemporary midwifery, with a key focus on role and responsibilities of the midwife. Concepts such as critical thinking, decision-making, reflection and the use of evidence will be introduced within the context of innovation. This module will enable the student to engage with the importance of maintaining their own wellbeing as professionals and understand the issues of wellbeing and resilience alongside the provision of support. - Normal physiological childbirth and universal care
This module will enable the student to develop an understanding of physiological childbirth and the principles and provision of holistic midwifery care applied across pregnancy and the childbirth continuum. Detailed anatomy and physiology as applied to pregnancy, labour and birth and the postnatal/neonatal period is included. The module will introduce the student to the newborn physical examination, which forms part of Public Health England’s newborn and infant screening programme. The professional role of the midwife will be explored and applied to the development of core midwifery knowledge and skills, professional behaviour, and effective communication skills essential to support the student’s practice learning experience. - Public health, health promotion and health protection
This module introduces the epidemiological principles and current evidence and data on public health strategies, health promotion, health protection, and safeguarding. The student will use this evidence to inform conversations with women, their partners, and families, as appropriate to their needs and preferences. - Introduction to midwifery practice (Year 1 Practice)
This is a work-based module designed to introduce students to aspects of practice assessment and their use of the Midwifery On-going Record of Achievement (MORA). Students are supported to accurately document evidence of achievement of required skills and proficiencies for the completion of the first year of the programme as directed by the NMC (2019) Standards of Proficiency for Midwives. This module will enable the student to understand expectations of professional behaviour and the development of academic knowledge and skills specific to the first year of practice. A focus is placed on supporting the student to understand the use of reflection and the self-assessment of progress within practice learning. The acquisition of skills and proficiencies is under the supervision of practice assessors and practice supervisors.
Year 2
- Understanding and applying evidence in practice
This module considers the nature of evidence to support the provision of safe and effective midwifery care for women, newborn infants and families. Students will be introduced to key research terms and given the opportunity to develop their knowledge of research methodologies and the processes involved in planning and conducting ethical research and the use of evidence. The module will equip students with the skills to appraise evidence and assess its appropriateness for implementation to support evidence informed midwifery practice. - Altered maternal health, childbearing and the midwife
This module prepares the student to care for women with altered health during pregnancy and women with pre-existing conditions. Students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to recognise deviations from the norm, signs of compromise and deterioration and plan, escalate and coordinate care to ensure that women achieve an optimum outcome. The principles of evidence based best practice for the first line management of complications and additional needs of women will be provided. - Maternal mental health and psychological issues
This module will enable the student to explore mental health disorders that develop during the perinatal period and gain an understanding of the care of women with pre-existing maternal mental health conditions. It will present the student with an opportunity to examine how socio-cultural, obstetric and psychological factors may increase women’s vulnerability to mental distress and the development of anxiety, depression and psychosis during pregnancy and childbearing period. The importance of assessment in the provision of appropriate care and support of women and in the recognition of deterioration of women’s mental health state will be discussed. An exploration of the mental health support services that are available for women and their families both locally and nationally will be explored. The impact of maternal mental ill health on family relationships and the importance of supporting attachment and bonding will be discussed and explored in the context of safeguarding, and the role of interdisciplinary and interagency working. - Developing competent midwifery practice (Year 2 Practice)
This module will focus upon the application of women centred care and the benchmarks used to describe normality in everyday practice. The woman’s journey with her family will be considered during other non-midwifery pathways and the influence of the medical model on childbirth. The student will reflect on the concept of physiological childbirth and the role of the midwife in recognising how physiological deviation from the normal can impact on the promotion of women centred care. The student will begin to consolidate the importance of communication with the family through caseloading and the interdisciplinary, multiagency and interprofessional teams and the contribution of the role of the midwife.
Year 3
- Quality improvement in practice
This module provides the student with an opportunity to explore the theoretical underpinnings of quality improvement in the maternity services. Students are enabled to critically explore the contribution of risk and evidence as interrelated factors which play a part in the promotion of a safe and effective maternity service. An opportunity will be provided for students to participate in identifying issues of concern, engage in the process of investigation and disseminate findings to facilitate change. This module will enable the student to recognise the role of the midwife as a key change agent in the process of quality assurance and improvement, working with service users and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, to improve the safety and effectiveness of care. - Midwifery management of maternal and neonatal emergencies
This module equips the student to implement first-line emergency management of complications and/or additional care needs for the woman, the foetus, and newborn infant when signs of compromise and deterioration or emergencies occur with the input of the multidisciplinary team. - The systematic examination of the newborn infant
This module will provide the student with the opportunity to consolidate previous knowledge and build upon knowledge and skills relating to the newborn infant. This includes aspects relating to the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE). The successful student will acquire the necessary in-depth knowledge and skills to conduct a systematic examination of the newborn. - Promoting excellence in midwifery practice
This module enables the student to consider the key aspects in the transition to professional practice and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. A focus on the midwife as a scholar, leader and colleague, encompasses the areas of teaching and supervision of students, management skills and professional development. - Proficient midwifery practice (Year 3 Practice)
This is a work-based module which focuses on the consolidation of learning in preparation for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. This module supports the achievement of key aspects within the MORA which focus on decision making, accountability and autonomy in caseload midwifery. This includes planning care, responding to need and optimising the normal processes where possible. The module will focus on the empowerment of women through evidence-based practice which will include priorities of care for a diverse population, the promotion of physiological birth and the management of complex situations. Students will be encouraged to develop their own skills in managing individual caseloads and liaising with the interdisciplinary team under the direction of a practice supervisor.
Structure
- Students are expected to be in theory block 50% and practice block 50% each year.
- Modules vary from 0 credits to 40 credits.
- Students will be expected to work a variety of shifts including, evenings, weekends, bank holidays and night shifts.
- Students must have occupational health and Enhanced DBS clearance prior to starting placement.
Some compulsory skills sessions may take place in the evening depending on capacity of rooms and resources.
Expectation from students to complete:
- Minimum 2300 hours of clinical practice over the length of the programme.
- Estimated 10 hours per 1 credit value of a module which includes blended learning, face to face, online and self-directed learning as adult learners.
Note all clinical and theory hours will be accounted for.
Key Topics and Skills
The proficiencies expected for each year reflect the theme for the learning and teaching for the modules undertaken building from the first year where the focus is very much on normality, the second year on complexities, culminating in the midwife’s role as a colleague, scholar, and leader in the third year.
Learning in Practice Level 4 - Participation Universal care, Continuity of care, Relationship building, Infant feeding, Communication, Public health, Medicines administration, Record keeping
Learning in practice Level 5 & level 6 - Contribution Universal care, Continuity of care, Relationship building, Infant feeding, Communication, Public health, Medicines administration, Record keeping. In addition - Interdisciplinary working and Additional and emergency care Supervision and delegation, Management, Responding to vulnerability
Practice skills teaching, learning and assessment are a key focus of the curriculum and continue to be enhanced and developed. The Standards for student supervision and assessment (NMC 2018) and NMC Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes (2019) provide the framework on which the strategy for practice skills learning, teaching and assessment is built. This dictates that all skills in Domain 6 will be assessed in practice and have been incorporated in the MORA.
Assessment
Assessment methods are specified in each module descriptor with details in the individual module guides; these are designed to test the module and course learning outcomes. These are mapped to the professional standards outlined in the Future midwife: Standards of proficiency for midwives (NMC, 2019) and will be assessed through either coursework and/or clinical proficiencies.
The types of assessments adopted include:
- Written assignments: such as narrative and reflective essay, case study, evidence-based scenarios and critical analysis assignments, to develop integration of theory and practice and to critically examine selected aspects of care and suggest strategies for quality improvement..
- Care studies: to develop skills in articulating knowledge and decision-making processes.
- Oral and poster presentations: to enable the student to demonstrate their ability to identify relevant information and articulate practice focused decisions based on their assessment and interpretation.
- Literature searching and critical appraisal: to identify and examine the evidence for quality of midwifery care.
- Examinations: to test underpinning knowledge and decision making.
A variety of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills. These include:
- Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), modified viva, practice scenarios to provide a simulated experience in which knowledge and skills can be demonstrated.
- Case reviews, history taking and assessment skills.
- The achievement of identified proficiencies is assessed in practice with the use of the practice assessment document - Midwifery On-going Record of Achievement (MORA).
Facilities
SimBaby and SimMom
The nursing and midwifery wards have simulator mannequins: SimBaby and SimMom. These life-size mannequins are computer controlled and can be programmed with various clinical conditions. These are operated by a computer in real-time and so respond to a student's actions. They also allow students to see the outcome of specific interventions in certain scenarios, which could make the client better or deteriorate quite quickly. They can be set up to simulate the range of delivery environments available to labouring women. The students can rehearse dealing with emergencies in a simulated setting.
The mannequins are used to teach students how to recognise clinical signs, and to also associate those clinical signs with the actions they are taking to care for the patient. SimMom has fully accurate anatomy and can breathe, blink, sweat, speak and groan in pain as well as have a pulse.
Facilities
SimBaby and SimMom
The nursing and midwifery wards have simulator mannequins: SimBaby and SimMom. These life-size mannequins are computer controlled and can be programmed with various clinical conditions. These are operated by a computer in real-time and so respond to a student's actions. They also allow students to see the outcome of specific interventions in certain scenarios, which could make the client better or deteriorate quite quickly. They can be set up to simulate the range of delivery environments available to labouring women. The students can rehearse dealing with emergencies in a simulated setting.
The mannequins are used to teach students how to recognise clinical signs, and to also associate those clinical signs with the actions they are taking to care for the patient. SimMom has fully accurate anatomy and can breathe, blink, sweat, speak and groan in pain as well as have a pulse.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Midwifery as a career
Many graduates take their first posts as qualified practitioners in the NHS Trusts and hospitals where they gained experience during their training. The degree enhances employability through its emphasis on a vocational approach to teaching, leading to a professional qualification and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Most of the roles are in the NHS, although there are opportunities at private hospitals, clinics and abroad. Day-to-day the work can be varied, as midwives have a range of responsibilities. Providing advice to women and their families; diagnosing, monitoring and examining women during pregnancy and coordinating care with other professionals and agencies, are all typical activities. There are also opportunities to enter education in roles such as practice development midwife, midwifery lecturer or lecturer-practitioner, research and management.
Recent graduates have become specialist midwives in teenage pregnancy, HIV, and smoking cessation counselling, whilst others have gone on to work in children's centres or become consultant midwives.
Interpersonal skills and salary
Being able to keep a calm head under pressure is essential, as are excellent people skills and good physical and mental stamina. Due to the nature of the work, many midwives do shift work around the clock, including weekends and bank holidays. Salaries for newly qualified midwives are set at Band 5, which starts at £24, 907 – with band 6 midwives earning between £31, 365 to £37, 890. Midwives working at a senior level Band 7, can earn in the region of £38, 890 to £44, 503 with consultant midwives earning from £51, 168 to £73, 664.
Professional Development
As a graduate from this course, you will be able to apply for further study at postgraduate level. Find out more about postgraduate study through our online CPPD prospectus.
The programme has been jointly validated by LSBU and the NMC. On completion of the course, you are eligible to be placed on the NMC professional register.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council regulates nurses and midwives in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Islands.
Placements
During the course you will spend 50% of your time involved in academic study and 50% in clinical practice within a broad variety of healthcare settings. A clinical practice placement allows you to put theory into practice by working with a range of health professionals in clinical situations to develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to become a competent midwife. Although sometimes initially challenging, practice learning is one of the most interesting and exciting aspects of learning to be a midwife where you can apply theory to practice.
Clinical settings
We are proud to partner with:
- University College London Hospitals
- Queen's Hospital - Barking , Havering and Redbridge Trust
- Whipps Cross Hospital
- Royal London Hospital
- Newham General Hospital
- Guys & St Thomas' Hospital (GSTT)
- Croydon University Hospital
- Frimley Park Hospital
- Homerton Hospital
Support in Practice
Whilst in the clinical placement we ensure our midwifery students receive continuous support and guidance from a dedicated midwifery placement facilitators and other supervisors and assessors made up of registered midwives and other health practitioners. This is strengthened by the support of academics who help bridge the gap between university and practice such as Link lecturer, personal tutor and Academic assessor roles.
Skills week
Our midwifery students have an opportunity to participate in a skills week once a year which encourages inter-cohort working and learning to simulate real scenarios and provide a realistic perspective for students.
Simulation
A range of high fidelity and low fidelity equipment is used to simulate practice and support students to consolidate their skills.
Teaching and Assessment
The Midwifery academic team is made up of qualified midwives with a wealth of experience and knowledge of the midwifery profession. Team members hold professional teaching qualifications, Masters and PhDs, which enable a more rich and invigorating learning experience, and enhance their ability to adapt to new and innovative teaching and learning methods.
Students will also have input from midwifery placement facilitators, specialist clinicians and practice educators who hold joint appointments between the university and the Trusts.
LSBU prides itself on the support that is offered to the students in university and placement and are committed and dedicated to ensuring all students have an excellent learning experience to enhance their professional development.
Personal tutoring
As a Health and Social Care student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.
Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University. They should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.
You will have appointments with your personal tutor at least once a semester for 45-60 minutes throughout your course. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or phone.
People profiles
