Midwifery with Registered Midwife for Registered Nurses (Adult) MMid

Why choose this course?

This two year masters course is ideal for registered adult nurses who have already studied at degree level and wish to gain the knowledge and skills to register as midwives with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). You will study the midwifery profession and practice, research, biological science, social science, public health, law and ethics.

There is an emphasis on clinical skills teaching - more than half the course focuses on developing practical abilities. We aim to ensure your clinical placements reflect the modules you study, enabling you to integrate theory and practice.

NHS Training Grant 

Nursing and Midwifery students on pre-registration courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back, subject to eligibility criteria. For more information please visit the NHS Business Service Authority.

Apply for this course
UCAS code Mode Duration Start date
4J34 Full time 2 years January 2021
4J34 Full time 2 years September 2021
Location Kingston Hill and St George's, University of London
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2020/21 entry

If you are planning to join this course in the academic year 2020/21 (i.e. between August 2020 and July 2021), please view the information about changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19.

Changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19

 

Continuing students

Students who are continuing their studies with Kingston University in 2020/21 should refer to their Course Handbook for information about specific changes that have been, or may be, made to their course or modules being delivered in 2020/21. Course Handbooks are located within the Canvas Course page.

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Kingston University offers this course in partnership with St George's, University of London (SGUL). You will have access to the combined resources of both universities.
  • You will be offered a wide range of clinical experience within local NHS Trusts and the surrounding community.
  • You will use well-equipped skills laboratories, clinical equipment, mannequins and teaching models designed for maternity care.

What you will study

You will be offered clinical experience within local NHS trusts and the surrounding community. We aim to co-ordinate your clinical placements to reflect the modules being studied, integrating theory and practice.

The themes that run through the programme are midwifery profession and practice, research, biological science, social science, health promotion/public health, and law and ethics.

These modules will be subject to change in accordance with the new pre-registration midwifery education standards from the Nursing and Midwifery Council for 2020.

Year 1

Year 2

Your nursing knowledge will be expanded to cover the essentials of midwifery practice. You will learn alongside students in the second year of their three-year midwifery programme.

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 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 mother, 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/or the newborn infant with additional care considerations and work collaboratively within the team
  • critically analyse and synthesise the available evidence to support women 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 woman, fetus and or newborn infant.
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 mother, 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 mother, 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

In your final year, you will continue to develop your midwifery knowledge, understanding and leadership 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 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 and babies and initiate first line management of complications that may occur for the woman, 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 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 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, 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 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.

 

The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

Registration as an Adult Nurse (RNA) on the NMC Professional Register for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors (Parts 1 and 10). Candidates pursuing the PgDip strand must have achieved a BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing at grade 2.2 or above.

International

Non-native speakers who do not have the equivalent of GCSE English at grade 4 (formerly grade C) or an equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2 Literacy) require an Academic IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent overall and at least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7 in the reading, listening and speaking sections.

Interview and selection

Our selection process includes:

  • an interview;
  • Occupational Health clearance; and
  • Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced disclosure check including checks against the Adult and Child Workforce Barring lists.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching includes academic study and clinical practice experience. You will have access to well-equipped skills laboratories and simulation suites where you can use clinical equipment and practise on mannequins and teaching models that are relevant to maternity care.

There is a continuous assessment of theory and practice. This includes extended essays, examinations, reflective journal writing and projects.

Guided independent study

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS – the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services. 

Your workload

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), presentations, clinical assessment and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows:

  • 60% coursework
  • 20% written exams
  • 20% practical exams

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Who teaches this course?

You will be taught by leaders in the field who regularly contribute to research, particularly in the care of the mother and child, before, during and after pregnancy. Our teaching has an extensive focus on practical skills development, in partnership with local NHS Trusts to ensure you are fully equipped and competent to practice.

Sarah Purdy

Sarah Purdy

Course director

Ms Jane Forman

Ms Jane Forman

Admissions tutor

Mrs Suzanne Achilleos

Mrs Suzanne Achilleos

Dr Melania Calestani

Dr Melania Calestani

Dr Kirstie Coxon

Dr Kirstie Coxon

Miss Paula-Maria Cummins

Miss Paula-Maria Cummins

Mrs Angela Frankland

Mrs Angela Frankland

Lindsay Gillman

Lindsay Gillman

Mrs Denise Hall

Mrs Denise Hall

Hazel Ransome

Hazel Ransome

Mrs Georgina Sims

Mrs Georgina Sims

Mrs Tina Woodford

Mrs Tina Woodford

Course fees and funding

2020/21 fees for this course

Home and European Union 2020/21

  • PgDip full time £9,250

Overseas (not EU) 2020/21

  • PgDip full time £14,600

* These fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the results of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Funding

Visit our Fees and funding page to find out about the student funding options available to help you fund your postgraduate studies.

Discounts for Kingston University alumni

Kingston University is pleased to offer a 10% discount on full-time and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees (including PGCE courses) to our alumni. Visit our Alumni discount page to find out more.

NHS Training Grant 

Nursing and Midwifery students on pre-registration courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back, subject to eligibility criteria. For more information please visit the NHS Business Service Authority.

Facilities

Kingston University's unique partnership with St George's, University of London (SGUL), means that health and social care students can access the combined resources of both Kingston University and SGUL.

As a student on this course, you will be based mainly at the Kingston Hill campus and will use the St George's campus for working in the anatomy laboratory.

Kingston University's Kingston Hill campus

Kingston University's Kingston Hill campus offers you modern facilities and include well-equipped laboratories where you can practise within a safe environment.

Our clinical skills laboratories house all the equipment needed to simulate clinical practice.

St George's, University of London campus

The St George's, University of London campus in Tooting is based alongside St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and offers you the specialist teaching environment of a medical school.

After you graduate

Registered midwives can choose to develop their skills and experience in the NHS, or the independent or voluntary sectors. Midwives can elect to work clinically, teach, undertake research or even manage a complete maternity service. Extensive postgraduate study opportunities are also available at Kingston and St George's. 

Career opportunities 

Midwifery today is a highly attractive career with good financial rewards and excellent employment prospects in the UK and overseas. 

The majority of midwives work in the NHS, either in the community working alongside GPs, district nurses and social workers, or in hospital environments in partnership with obstetricians, anaesthetists and neonatologists. Others work in private maternity hospitals or practice independently. 

There are many practice-based roles and also management opportunities in both midwifery and general health care which can enable midwives to develop and support modern midwifery practice. Midwives may also take on consultant roles. 

 

After you graduate

Accreditation

This degree confers both an academic award and a professional qualification in midwifery. On completion of the programme, students are recommended to the Nursing and Midwifery Council or professional registration. 

What our students say

I joined the BSc Midwifery programme as a mature student, having been a primary school teaching assistant for many years whilst raising my own three daughters and after completing a Diploma in Adult Nursing (also at Kingston University).

The course is fast moving, and at times challenging, but the academic and personal support provided by both tutors and colleagues is excellent. There is always someone available if you need to discuss any aspect of your practice or need guidance with academic assignments.

I have enjoyed the course immensely and feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to learn how to professionally support women and their families during the life-changing events of pregnancy, childbirth and adjustment to parenthood.

Rosemarie McLoughlin, Midwifery for registered nurses BSc (Hons)

During the midwifery 18-month programme, I have felt exceptionally well supported by teachers, mentors, clinical facilitators and my personal tutor. As a male student in a midwifery degree, you might expect to face some difficulties. However, with the appropriate support and guidance, it can be seen as a positive experience rather than an inconvenience. Kingston and St George's really care for their students, providing a range of tools and techniques to ensure that students are very well supported and guided during this time.

Nowadays, I am working as a midwife in one of the healthcare trusts where I was trained. This course has not only provided the opportunity to study the midwifery degree, it also provided the means to gain the job that I always wanted. It has been a rewarding experience.

David Diaz Gomez, Midwifery for registered nurses BSc (Hons)

This 18-month programme has been consistently challenging throughout. Varied teaching methods have maintained an upbeat learning environment with each individual's learning capabilities and styles being complimented.

As a student I have experienced a high level of support both on a personal and professional basis with skilled academic and practice mentorship facilitating my grasp of the varied concepts of midwifery care.

Overall, studying midwifery at Kingston University and St George's, University of London has been a life-enhancing experience resulting in my ability to make the transition from nurse to midwife with a broad sphere of confidence and competence in the specialist area of midwifery.

Jo Bécares, Midwifery for registered nurses BSc (Hons)

Links with the health sector

You will do a range of placements in different settings, including hospitals, community settings and continuity of care. We have a range of practice partners for midwifery from the NHS including:

  • Croydon Health Services NHS Trust
  • Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
  • Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Current research in this subject

Many of our staff in the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education are research active, often in partnership with NHS Trusts. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Midwifery research activity focuses around several key areas:

  • Clinical interventions
  • Professional practice
  • Women's experience of maternity care
  • Public health
  • International midwifery

We conduct much of our midwifery research and consultancy either in partnership with or on behalf of maternity services, voluntary sector and independent agencies.

Changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19

Changes detailed here are for students joining this course in the academic year 2020/21 (i.e. between August 2020 and July 2021).

Course information (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Composition of the course

We do not anticipate making any changes to the composition of the course, i.e. number of modules or credits in a year, as a result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to courses as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to the composition of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Modules

We do not anticipate making any changes to module titles and summaries or to the availability of modules as a result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to modules as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to module titles and/or availability of modules will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Length of course

We expect to deliver the course within the planned timescales to enable successful students to progress through and graduate from the course without delay.

In exceptional circumstances the sequence of learning and teaching activities may be changed, e.g. re-sequencing those modules that can be delivered more effectively under the current restrictions with those which would be more difficult to deliver, such as practical modules and placements.

Entry requirements (changes for 2020/21 entry)

We have not changed entry requirements as a result of the pandemic. However, the range of accepted alternatives have increased as has the way in which we select students, which now includes virtual interviews and online portfolios.

Entry requirements for international students

We have not changed entry requirements for international students as a result of the pandemic. However, in response to the pandemic, we now accept a much broader list of English language exams for entry to the course; the level of these exams remain the same.

Occupational health clearance

Students will be expected to complete a COVID-19 personal risk assessment as part of their occupational health clearance.

Teaching (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Changes to the way the course will be delivered

Teaching will be a combination of online and on campus activities. The sessions which were previously scheduled for the dissecting room at St George's will now be hosted virtually.

Changes to teaching in the event of a further lockdown or adjustments in government advice

The University will continue to closely monitor government announcements and advice in relation to the current pandemic and, where required, will take any necessary action in order to comply with such advice.

In the event that a further lockdown is enforced the University will aim to deliver the course fully online. This may require some additional changes being made to planned teaching and learning activities, including assessments. The majority of our courses are prepared to be delivered fully online if the situation requires it. Where the quality of the student experience may be compromised significantly, or the course is unable to be delivered fully online, the University may need to suspend the delivery of that course until a time that it can be delivered appropriately. Students will be supported in these situations to ensure they are able to make the right choices for their particular circumstances.

In the event that the current social distancing restrictions are fully lifted and the University is able to resume normal delivery of teaching and learning activities, courses will assess whether it is in the students' interest to resume normal delivery. In some cases it may be better to continue and complete modules under the planned blended delivery mode.

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for Year 1

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours will not be made as a result of the pandemic. However, it is possible that some adjustments might be made at module level, e.g. a few more scheduled activities, in order to help ensure student engagement with blended learning.

Any changes made to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

'Scheduled teaching' includes teaching that is online either live or recorded / on demand.

Timetable

Your individualised timetable for teaching block 1 (i.e. from September 2020 to December 2020) should be available by the end of August 2020. Timetables for teaching block 2 (i.e. from January 2021) will not be available until the autumn. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 9pm. To accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing, we will need to maximise the time available for teaching. This means, we may have to use Wednesday afternoons and enrichment week for additional teaching slots. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

Sessions delivered on campus will be in small groups to facilitate social distancing. Online class sizes will vary depending on the individual session.

Assessment (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Changes can be made to modules, including how they are assessed, as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our modules up to date with current developments in that subject area. Due to the current restrictions in place, i.e. social distancing, it is anticipated that many formal on-campus examinations, including practical examinations, will be replaced with alternative assessments which can be completed online. These changes will be considered and approved through the University's processes to ensure that student assessments will be able to demonstrate they have achieved the expected learning outcomes. The approval process will also assess whether the change impacts the status of any professional body accreditation the course benefits from.

Any changes to the overall methods of assessment for the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Staff (changes for 2020/21 entry)

No changes are expected to the general level of experience or status of staff involved in delivering the course.

As a result of the social distancing restrictions in place, on-campus teaching activities may need to be split into smaller groups which may require the support of teaching assistants and student mentors, who will be managed by experienced staff.

Fees, funding and additional costs (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Tuition fees

There will be no changes to published tuition fees for 2020/21.

Additional costs (e.g. field trips, materials, equipment, etc.)

As a result of the blended delivery of courses in 2020/21, where a significant proportion of the teaching will be done online, students will need a personal laptop or computer and access to the internet to participate in online teaching and learning activities. Students who are able to travel will have access to computers on campus, however, it should be noted that access to on-campus facilities will be restricted due to social distancing requirements.

The University is considering how best to provide support to students who do not have access to suitable hardware and software requirements and access to the internet. Identifying students who require this type of support is an important milestone for the University in our journey to ensure equity of access while we continue to deliver our blended approach. Information about the support that will be available will be provided to students during the induction period.

As the dissecting room activities will now be delivered online, there will be no need to purchase a laboratory coat for this purpose.

Funding

There will be no changes to any existing University funding arrangements for 2020/21. Currently there are no indications from the UK government that there will be any changes to government funding arrangements.

Fees and funding for international students

There will be no changes to published tuition fees or funding arrangements specifically relating to international students for 2020/21.

Work placements and field trips (changes for 2020/21 entry)

All Trust placements are still available. There is no anticipation that this will change. All changes to course arrangements will be communicated to affected students individually.

Placements (including work and clinical placements) and field trips included as part of the course will go ahead as planned. However, to ensure students are able to gain maximum value from these activities, it may be necessary to reschedule them to later in the year when current restrictions have been lifted. We acknowledge that this year it may be more difficult for students to secure appropriate placements. In those situations, students will be guided and supported through the various options that will be available to them, including switching courses or interrupting their studies until a time when they can complete their placement.

Any proposed changes to placements or field trips would go through University's agreed processes where the impact of the change will be carefully considered. Students will be advised of any changes that may become necessary and appropriate support will be available to students to guide them through the various options that may be available to them.

In the interest of the health and wellbeing of our students, the University will ensure that appropriate risk assessments are made before students are sent on a placement.

Courses which require placements or field trips to be completed in order to pass relevant modules will have contingency plans in place in the event that a placement or field trip cannot be completed due to another lockdown or more stringent social distancing measures.

Voluntary placements or field trips may be rescheduled, or, as a last resort, cancelled if it becomes difficult to deliver them and doing so is in the interest of the health and safety of our staff and students.

Award, qualification and accreditation (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Qualification

No changes will be made to the qualification awarded, e.g. MSc, as a result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to courses, including the qualification awarded (although very rare), as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area. Any changes made to the qualification awarded for the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Additional (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Variations to regulations or other specific requirements for this course

The Nursing and Midwifery Council implemented changes to their Standards and have retained some of these during the recovery period of the pandemic.

  • Theoretical instruction can be replaced with blended learning (mix of online and on campus delivery)
  • Additional risk assessments will be undertaken prior to students commencing practice placements to take account of current, relevant public health guidelines to ensure the health and wellbeing of individual students.

International students

International students should maintain awareness of the UK government's and their home country's government advice on possible travel restrictions. The University will closely monitor advice and guidance published by the UK government and assess its impact on our international students. Appropriate advice and guidance will be provided as and when required.

Students who are unable to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities

The University will ensure students who are unable to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities are able to effectively engage with their studies remotely. For certain courses an inability to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities may not be in the students best interest, as it may impede their chances of succeeding in the course or lead to them receiving a poor learning experience. In such cases students will be advised and guided through the various options available to them, such as deferring their studies until they can engage fully with the course.