What you will study
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.
Year 1
In Year 1, you will be introduced to midwifery theory and practice focussing on birth as a physiological process.
Core modules
Bodies and Birth 1
30 credits
This module will introduce the biological basis which underpins the provision of midwifery care, including an introduction to pharmacology, genomics and genetics.
This module will enable students to:
- gain a detailed understanding of the underlying concepts related to the normal anatomy and biological function of the human body
- have an in-depth understanding of genetics, epigenetics, genomics and pharmacology applied to midwifery practice
- apply their understanding of the physiological process which occur during pregnancy and childbirth to support participation in effective, evidence-based maternity care
- understand the relationships between the different physiological processes of lactation and the importance of human milk and breastfeeding to public health and well-being.
Social and Political Context of Birth 1
30 credits
This module will introduce the socio-political influences shaping the changing context of maternity care provision.You will develop an understanding of feminist theory, psychology, sociology and public health as it applies to childbearing.
This module will enable you to:
- investigate and critically analyse the social, psychological and political context of birth and childbearing
- understand the principles of public health and maternity care provision in the UK and evaluate the contribution of midwifery to individuals, families and society
- critically analyse the historical and contemporary position of women and birthing people in society
- explore the concepts of evidence-based practice, identify and evaluate sources of authoritative data.
Midwifery Profession and Practice 1A
30 credits
This module introduces the concepts of being a professional midwife. The contemporary role and scope of the midwife is identified and defined. The professional values and culture of midwifery will also be explored.
This module will enable you to:
- begin to understand the role and responsibilities of the midwife in supporting and caring for women / birthing people and their families
- gain an insight into the professional, legislative and cultural context of the midwifery profession
- develop the necessary skills to recognise and respond to vulnerability in self and others
- identify and analyse the best available evidence in order to participate in the provision of evidence-based care.
Midwifery Profession and Practice 1B
30 credits
This module introduces midwifery professional practice. It identifies the role of the midwife and locates the responsibilities of the midwife within the scope of midwifery practice, providing universal care to women and birthing people and their newborn infants. Professional behaviour, values and culture will also be explored.
This module will enable you to:
- participate in the provision of universal midwifery care for women and birthing people and their newborn infants, under close supervision and direction, across the childbearing continuum
- demonstrate an understanding of the professional, legislative and cultural context of the midwifery profession
- identify the regulatory legal and ethical issues affecting midwifery practice.
Year 2
In Year 2, we build on your knowledge and skills gained in Year 1 and introduce the complexities that can occur during pregnancy for some mothers and babies.
Core modules
Bodies and Birth 2
30 credits
This module will enable students to:
- systematically analyse the quality and significance of published literature
- develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of pharmacology and appropriate medicines management across the childbearing continuum
- have a detailed understanding of fetal and neonatal development and be able to identify the normal parameters of systematic newborn examination
- develop systematic knowledge and understanding of human pathophysiology, pathophysiology, genetics, epigenetics and genomics including the physiological processes of lactation, bonding and infant nutrition
Social and Political Context of Birth 2
30 credits
This module will enable students to:
- critically analyse the socio-economic, political and cultural factors which impact on health outcomes
- synthesise the interconnected issues which affect the health and care needs of women and birthing people and their families to generate transformative solutions
- source and systematically analyse authoritative data relating to public health and the socio-political context of maternity care
Midwifery Profession and Practice 2A
30 credits
This module will enable students to:
- optimise normal processes in a variety of contexts even where there may be additional care needs for the woman or birthing person, fetus, and/or newborn infant
- have a systematic understanding of the role and scope of the midwife in order to collaborate with other healthcare practitioners when caring for women and birthing people and/or the newborn infant with additional care considerations and work collaboratively within the team
- critically analyse and synthesise the available evidence to support women and birthing people as they adapt to pregnancy and childbirth, anticipating complications by evaluating findings from assessment, screening and care planning
- apply systematic knowledge and understanding to identify pre-existing, current and emerging complications affecting the women and birthing people, fetus and/or newborn infants.
Midwifery Profession and Practice 2B
30 credits
This module will enable students to:
- protect and promote aspects of normality in a variety of contexts even where there may be additional care needs for the woman or birthing person, fetus, and/or newborn infant
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the role of the midwife and participate in the shared responsibilities of caring for the woman or birthing person, fetus and/or newborn infant in unpredictable and complex situations, alongside other members of the health care team
- use a range of strategies and tools to ensure effective professional communication
Year 3
Year 3 continues to develop your midwifery knowledge, understanding and skills, preparing you for autonomous practice as a midwife.
Core modules
Bodies and Birth 3
30 credits
This module will enable students to:
- have a deep and systematic knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, genomics and genetics to provide universal and additional midwifery care for women, birthing people and babies
- have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of sexual and reproductive health and contraception options
- apply their systematic knowledge of normal physiology to develop innovative strategies to promote physiological childbearing and mitigate the factors in the care environment that can negatively impact these processes
- recognise actual and potential additional care needs for childbearing women, birthing people and babies and initiate first line management of complications that may occur for the woman or birthing person, fetus, neonate or both
Social and Political Context of Birth 3
30 credits
This module will enable students to:
- investigate the historical and socio-political influences related to childbearing and critically analyse how this shapes the way midwives work both within the UK and globally
- critically analyse the local, national and international strategies and initiatives designed to promote equity of access to maternity and women's and birthing people's health services in a variety of contexts and evaluate the extent to which these promote and support individuals' rights, preferences, beliefs and cultures
- critically evaluate the impact of variations in childbirth and midwifery practice in a global context
- source and critically appraise the data relating to human rights and advocacy in maternity care to identify how this shapes their professional practice
Midwifery Profession and Practice 3A
30 credits
This module will enable students to:
- demonstrate confidence and responsibility as an accountable, autonomous, critical and analytical practitioner, fit for employment at the point of registration
- gain a systematic knowledge and understanding of professional and ethical frameworks for midwifery practice
- develop in-depth knowledge of midwifery principles and practice in order to effectively support and advocate for women and birthing people and newborn infants across the childbearing continuum
- implement and evaluate strategies to engage in personal health and wellbeing, ongoing education and professional development
Midwifery Profession and Practice 3B
30 credits
This module will enable students to:
- provide and critically evaluate safe and effective universal care for all childbearing women and birthing people, newborn infants and their families optimising physiological processes and managing common symptoms
- anticipate and prevent complications and take appropriate action when caring for women and birthing people and newborn infants with additional care needs working in partnership with interdisciplinary and multiagency colleagues
- critically analyse and apply evidence-based, best practice approaches across the maternity care continuum, including those which are complex and unpredictable
- provide first line management in emergency situations.
