Midwifery Studies
Factfile
| Typical Entry Requirements | A level grades ABB-BBB (320-300 points) |
|---|---|
| Required Subjects | A relevant science A level is desirable. |
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent for non-native-English-speaking applicants is normally required. |
| Other Entry Requirements | Admission to this programme is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) Section 4 (2) (Exemptions) Order 1975 and DHSS Circular HC (88)9 guidelines regarding police checks and child protection. Offers are conditional upon satisfactory health and fitness for practice screening, references, successful Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance, and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) clearance. Admission is also subject to eligibility for an NHS bursary. International students should contact the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences to check their eligibility for the NHS bursary. Proof of eligibility is normally required prior to interview. Information is available online: www.nhsba.nhs.uk/students Candidates should have the ability to follow a shift pattern covering 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and be able to meet travel requirements. Candidates are encouraged to gain practical work experience in a care setting prior to undertaking the programme. All programmes and places are subject to commissioning numbers from the local Strategic Health Authority. All applicants should be able to demonstrate evidence of study within the last five years. The Department of Health requires all midwifery students to be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C during induction week. Those testing positive would not be cleared for entry to the programme. |
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| Other Suitable Qualifications | A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis such as BTEC National Diploma (in a health-related subject), HNC/HND, International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish qualifications, Access Diplomas and Foundation courses (science or health-related). Evidence of GCSE English, Mathematics and a science at grade C or above (or equivalent) is required. We do not include General Studies in our offers. |
| Selection Process | NHS midwifery staff, as well as University staff, are involved in selection. Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview and selection day which will include literacy and numeracy tests. Successful completion of these tests is required as a condition of entry. Applications from mature students are welcomed. |
At the University of Surrey you will have the opportunity to gain both an academic and a professional qualification within three years. The programme combines theory and practice in supportive and stimulating learning environments and offers a variety of contexts for clinical placements. You will be taught by experienced midwives who are actively engaged in research activities and are closely involved with midwifery colleagues in practice.
As a student midwife at Surrey, you will have all the benefits of studying in one of the UK’s leading universities, as well as those which result from joining one of our local NHS Trusts for your practice experience.
Further information
Degree Programme
BSc (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Midwifery Studies - Registered Midwife | B711 | 3 years |
Our Degree
Our degree programme leads to professional midwife registration. It is equally divided between academic study and practical experience. Students are taught to critically evaluate the evidence-based learning and research findings within their practice as a dissertation.
We also offer a shortened programme at degree level of 18 months, aimed at qualified nurses. Please contact us for details.
You will study a broad range of scientific and midwifery topics in the first part of the programme and pursue these topics in more depth in your second and third years. As a midwifery student, you will gain experience of delivering care to individual women and their families throughout the prenatal, labour and postnatal period.
You will work with qualified midwives, acquiring skills essential for the provision of the highest quality care to women in a range of practice settings. You will be supported by clinical and academic staff throughout each placement. Very positive experiences in practice often lead many of our students to obtain employment in their Trusts at the end of the programme.
Programme dates and holidays
The programme commences in September and runs over 45 weeks each year with seven weeks’ holiday, usually at Christmas, Easter and during the summer. The length of the programme year, and the holiday entitlement, is a requirement of the professional regulation for midwifery education.
Programme Overview
Midwives work in partnership with women and their families to provide care and support during pregnancy and childbirth. Using their evidence-based knowledge, midwives offer women the information and guidance to enable them to make informed choices regarding their care provision. Following qualification, a midwife can elect to work in NHS Trusts offering differing models of care delivery. The opportunity to develop specialist skills in maternity care is also available. The introduction of the consultant midwife enables an experienced practitioner to further utilise their knowledge, skills and considerable experience to best effect, in order to influence change and improve care for women and their families.
Our programme allows you to develop a responsive attitude to the needs of childbearing women and their families, reflected in your capacity to assess needs, make judgements and plan, implement and evaluate care.
We aim to develop competent midwives able to utilise evidence-based practice and will ensure that you are prepared to practise safely and effectively, within the proficiencies laid down by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. By delivering a sound underpinning of theoretical knowledge that informs your practice, our teaching facilitates your understanding of knowledge and skills developed through critical thinking, problem solving and reflection on midwifery practice. As a result you will develop the capacity to contribute to the wider healthcare agenda of clinical effectiveness, clinical governance and public health.
Professional Training
We are proud of the range and quality of practical experiences our students encounter. The midwifery programme is made up of a balance between theory and practice, with placements in hospital and community settings.
You will be allocated a ‘home’ NHS Trust in Surrey or West Sussex where you obtain your practice experience. You will be prepared within our simulation suite before going out into midwifery practice, to ensure that you have the confidence to perform well on placement.
During each placement experience you will work with qualified midwives over a range of shifts, acquiring skills essential for you to provide the highest quality care. You will be supported by clinical and academic staff throughout each placement. These experiences lead to potential employment opportunities for students within their ‘home’ Trust.
Ten reasons to study Midwifery Studies at Surrey
- We are a leading UK academic centre for the education of health professionals
- Our state-of-the-art academic building is one of the country’s best equipped educational centres
- Our purpose-designed simulation suite facilitates a range of teaching and learning techniques
- We provide high-quality teaching and research
- You will gain theoretical and practical knowledge to become a competent midwife
- Strong scientific and clinical foundations prepare you to practise with confidence
- Our programmes lead to career opportunities in a variety of health care settings
- University accommodation is normally available for all first-year students
- Placements will be in both hospital and community settings
- A mixture of continuous assessment and examinations is used for both theoretical and practical experience
Top for Jobs
Our Midwifery graduates and diplomates have excellent prospects of employment after programme completion.
Career Opportunities
There are numerous employment opportunities for qualified midwives. Many of our graduates are initially employed by the NHS Trust where they had their practice experiences, before going on to further studies and employment opportunities.
Surrey graduates are employed all over the world and many are leaders in midwifery education and practice.
Midwives can choose to work in both community and hospital settings and can further their careers by developing specialist expertise in a range of areas, such as family planning and managing pregnancy in women with HIV. There are also opportunities in education and mentoring, management and research to improve midwifery practice.
For more information about careers, visit:
Teaching
A variety of teaching methods is employed including lectures, computer-assisted learning, enquiry-based learning, small group work, simulation and directed reading. Learning also plays a part in the practice setting, facilitated by mentors.
Assessment
A mixture of continuous assessment and examinations is used for both theoretical work and practical experience throughout the programme. Over the three years you will build up a portfolio of your achievements and progress, reflecting your fitness for practice. Your learning is supported by our well-equipped Library and computer facilities, and you will be allocated your own personal tutor for support and guidance.
Contact Details
T: 0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681681
What our students say
Graduate Profile: Jackie Day
BSc Midwifery Studies - Registered Midwife
Whilst working as a maternity support worker, I discussed with my midwifery colleagues where they studied and trained, and Surrey was constantly mentioned. The deciding factors for me were the enthusiasm of the lecturers and the support offered to students both at the University and out in practice.
The Library offers excellent resources and the staff are always willing to assist you. There is a relaxed and friendly feel on campus and everything a student needs is available.
I enjoyed all aspects of Midwifery lectures, particularly the practical sessions in the labs. Putting the skills we learnt in lectures into practice was challenging but extremely satisfying and I received superb support from all my mentors and personal tutors. Having the opportunity to care for women, babies and their families from all walks of life was the most rewarding part of the course for me – that and qualifying!
My observation, listening, problem-solving and communication skills have all been challenged during my training and have developed and improved as a result. Above all, my training has taught me not to be judgmental: all women must be cared for sensitively and with compassion. All these attributes are vital to be a supportive and professional midwife.
