Midwifery - BSc(Hons)

The course mainly emphasises the exploration of all aspects of midwifery care in the contexts of both normality and the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth. These major themes are reflected in the core modules undertaken in each year, with a theory led and a practice based midwifery module in all three years. In addition, there will be modules on communication in a diverse world, inter-professional working, the professional practice of midwifery, using evidence in practice and a dissertation module. Your time will be divided equally between theory and clinical practice, with 50% of the total course time allocated to each element. The first semester (September to December) will be spent at UWE Bristol, with clinical placements starting in the second semester.

The placements will facilitate the linking of theory with practice and you will be exposed to clinical scenarios, problem solving, judgement and decision making in preparation for your role as a practising midwife.

Year one

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Communication in a Diverse World
• Skills for Midwifery Practice 1
• Holistic Midwifery Practice 1
• Clinical Midwifery Practice 1

Year two

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Skills for Midwifery Practice 2
• Holistic Midwifery Practice 2
• Service Improvement - A Collaborative Approach
• Clinical Midwifery Practice 2

Final year

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Clinical Midwifery Practice 3
• Holistic Midwifery Practice 3
• Midwifery Dissertation

Plus one of the following optional modules:

• Newborn Health Assessment
• Negotiated Midwifery module
• Managing Maternal Critical Care
• Public Health and Health Promotion in Midwifery

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

You will gain understanding through lectures and workshops, group work, case studies, projects and IT-based activities. There is a progressive emphasis on being able to develop progressively as an independent, reflective learner throughout the three years of the course.

For more details, see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Computer skills are vital for your academic studies and future employment. At UWE Bristol, computing is an integral part of your course. Many lecturers make notes and materials available via computers, and some modules will require you to use Information Technology (IT) to help you undertake and present your work. IT facilities to do this are available on all campuses. At the main Frenchay Campus, there is 24 hour access to computing facilities and the Department will offer to help and support throughout your course.

Prior to commencing your programme of study, you may find it helpful to familiarise yourself with some core IT skills:

• Basic work processing
• Storing and retrieving files
• Communicating via email
• Searching the web for information (e.g. online shopping, booking a holiday and homework).

There is also a range of information and resources, including interactive exercises to support study skills, on the Department of Nursing and Midwifery web pages.

A variety of assessments are used to assess both theoretical and clinical components of the course. These include unseen examinations, reflective portfolios, objective structured clinical examinations, clinical assessments and a literature based dissertation.

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.