Midwifery with Registered Midwife BMid (Hons)

Why choose this course?

This three-year course prepares you for a career in midwifery. You need to have good interpersonal skills and empathy, as you'll be providing holistic, personal care to women and their families from all parts of society.

The course is part of a unique joint faculty between Kingston University and St George's, University of London, the only UK university dedicated to medicine and healthcare sciences, giving you excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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.

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Attendance	UCAS code	Year of entry
3 years full time	B727	2021 2022

Location

Kingston Hill

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2021 entry

If you are planning to join this course in the academic year 2021/22 (i.e. between September 2021 and August 2022), please view the information about changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19.

Changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19

Continuing students

Students who are continuing their studies with Kingston University in 2021/22 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 2021/22. Course Handbooks are located within the Canvas course page.

Reasons to choose Kingston

Kingston University is ranked No.1 for nursing and midwifery in London (Guardian league tables 2021).
We have a new dedicated midwifery simulation suite where you can practise your clinical skills.
100% of students from this course are in highly-skilled employment or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE 2016/17).

What you will study

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. These modules have been updated in accordance with the new pre-registration midwifery education standards from the Nursing and Midwifery Council for 2020.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

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 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 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 new born 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 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.

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 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

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 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.

What our students say

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2022

UCAS tariff points: 128–144

GSCEs at grade C/4 including English, Mathematics and Science. Enhanced DBS check and Occupational Health Clearance. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

The typical requirement for entry for this course is 128–144 UCAS points, Health and Science subjects preferred:

A-levels ABB (General Studies not accepted)
BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Distinction Merit
Access to HE course to value of 128 UCAS points normally achieved with 33 Distinctions and 9 Merits.

Typical offer 2021

UCAS tariff points: 128

GSCEs at grade C/4 including English, Mathematics and Science. Enhanced DBS check and Occupational Health Clearance. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

Additional requirements

GCSE at grade 4 or above (or grade C or above for GCSEs taken before 2017) in English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject or equivalent qualification e.g. Functional/Key skills level 2 in numeracy and literacy; Level 2 Applied Science. GCSE Science grade 4 or above (formerly A*-C) is not required from Access students undertaking a science or health based access course.
Wherever possible candidates are encouraged to gain practical work experience in a care setting prior to undertaking the programme.

Alternative routes

We welcome a wide range of qualifications and qualification combinations to the value of 128 UCAS points. We assess each application individually, taking in to account any experience and skills you may have in your chosen field.

Typical other routes include:

Foundation degree in related programmes 65%
International Baccalaureate 28 points
FETAC Level 5 Distinction in all modules

Selection process

Our selection process includes an interview. Admission is subject to Occupational Health screening and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including checks against the Adult and Child Workforce Barring lists if you are offered and accept a place on the course.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. Non-native speakers who do not have the equivalent of GCSE English at grade 4 (formerly grade C) (eg. Functional Skills Level 2 Literacy) require an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with 6.5 in writing and 7.0 in all other elements.

Nursing and Midwifery interview tips

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, written and oral examinations, reflective journal writing and project.

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.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1

Scheduled teaching: 384 hours
Guided independent study: 96 hours
Clinical Practice: 720 hours

Year 2

Scheduled teaching: 384 hours
Guided independent study: 96 hours
Clinical Practice: 720 hours

Year 3

Scheduled teaching: 384 hours
Guided independent study: 96 hours
Clinical Practice: 720 hours

Year 1 - 32% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
Year 2 - 32% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
Year 3 - 32% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

How you will be assessed

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

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1

Coursework: 50%
Exam: 25%
Practical Exam: 25%

Year 2

Coursework: 62%
Exam: 20%
Practical exam: 18%

Year 3

Coursework: 62%
Exam: 0%
Practical exam: 38%

Feedback summary

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

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. 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 6pm. For undergraduate students Wednesday afternoon are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

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

Mrs Suzanne Achilleos

Dr Melania Calestani

Dr Kirstie Coxon

Miss Paula-Maria Cummins

Ms Jane Forman

Mrs Angela Frankland

Lindsay Gillman

Mrs Denise Hall

Mrs Claire Mckellow

Hazel Ransome

Mrs Georgina Sims

Mrs Tina Woodford

Course fees and funding

2022/23 fees for this course

Fee category	Amount
Home (UK students)	£9,250*
International	Year 1 (2022/23): £15,900 Year 2 (2023/24): £16,200 Year 3 (2024/25): £16,500

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

2021/22 fees for this course

Fee category	Amount
Home (UK students)	£9,250*
International	£15,450

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials, security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses.

Printing

In the majority of cases coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel

Travel costs are not included so you will need to budget how you will travel to university, and to placements. You may be able to claim reimbursement of some of your expenses for travel to practice placements each day for costs incurred over and above your usual daily travel costs to attend university. Visit here for more details.

Funding

NHS Training Grant

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies for 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting in 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

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.

Kingston University's Kingston Hill campus offers you modern facilities and include well-equipped laboratories where you can practise within a safe environment. Our new simulation suite houses all the equipment needed to develop clinical practice skills.

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.

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.

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 for professional registration.

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
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Ashford and St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19

Course information (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Composition of the course

Unless government advice instructs otherwise, Study Abroad programmes will take place in 2021/22. The safety of all our students is paramount, therefore, as per normal practice, all Study Abroad activities must also be approved by the University's insurers to ensure that students are adequately protected during their period abroad. We will provide updates as the pandemic situation stabilises and/or further government advice is released.

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 in response to feedback from students and other key stakeholders. Any such changes made to the composition of the course will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

Modules

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, module summaries and/or availability of modules will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

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 in 2021/22, e.g. moving those modules which can be delivered more effectively to the first teaching block and moving back those – such as practical modules and placements – which may be more difficult to deliver due to some ongoing restrictions.

In some cases, it may be necessary to delay placement modules which may then impact the length of the course. In these circumstances the University will guide students through the appropriate options available to ensure students are able to make informed choices.

Entry requirements (changes for 2021/22 entry)

We have not changed entry requirements as a direct result of the pandemic.

Entry requirements for international students

We have not changed entry requirements for international students as a direct result of the pandemic.

Teaching (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Changes to the way the course will be delivered

As we transition from the pandemic restrictions, we expect to steadily increase the proportion of on-campus teaching. We will continue to provide a proportion of online learning, as experience has shown that this enriches and supports the student learning experience.

If the pandemic affects teaching and learning activities in 2021/22 more than we currently anticipate, the proportion of online learning will increase. However, unless a lockdown is enforced, we will ensure that all courses provide a reasonable percentage of their teaching and learning activities on campus.

Should your circumstances prevent your attendance at on-campus sessions, you should still be able to engage with your course remotely in a way that allows you to progress. Where this is not possible, for example on courses with high practical content, your course team will be able to advise you on the options available to you.

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 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 in 2021/22 the University will aim to deliver the course fully online once more. 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, 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. Students will be supported in these situations to ensure they are able to make the right choices for their particular circumstances.

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 learning and teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours were not and will not be made as a direct result of the pandemic.

‘Scheduled learning and teaching' includes teaching delivered online, either live or recorded/on demand.

Timetable

Your individualised timetable for teaching block 1 (i.e. up to December 2021) should be available by the end of August. Timetables for teaching block 2 (i.e. from January 2022) will not be available until the autumn. We make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible.

In 2020/21 it was agreed that scheduled learning and teaching could take place on any day of the week between 9am and 9pm, to maximise the time available for teaching in order to accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing. This meant we sometimes had to use Wednesday afternoons and enrichment week for additional teaching slots. If we need to accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing in 2021/22 we expect to adopt a similar approach. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Assessment (changes for 2021/22 entry)

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and, therefore, do not anticipate having to make any further changes to the course, i.e. to the overall methods of assessments, in response to issues arising from the pandemic. However, if this becomes necessary, the changes will be highlighted to students via email before enrolment.

Changes are made to modules, including how they are assessed, as part of normal enhancement processes to keep our modules up to date with current developments in that subject area and in response to feedback received from students and other key stakeholders. Any changes to the overall methods of assessment for Year 1 of the course will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

If social distancing or lockdown restrictions are in place in 2021/22, online alternative options to formal on-campus examinations, including practical examinations, will be made available to students where possible.

Staff (changes for 2021/22 entry)

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

Staff are engaged in Continuous Professional Development activities to develop their teaching expertise, as part of the normal enhancement processes, to ensure that course teams have the required breadth of expertise.

Fees, funding and additional costs (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Tuition fees

There will be no changes to published tuition fees for 2021/22.

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

As we transition from the pandemic restrictions, we expect to be able to increase student access to on-campus facilities. Students will therefore have access to University computers and library facilities.

If, due to an increase in social distancing requirements or the enforcing of a lockdown, it becomes necessary to significantly increase the proportion of teaching delivered 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 might be restricted if social distancing requirements are enforced.

The University is committed to supporting students who are unable to access suitable technology to ensure equity of access in a blended delivery mode.

Funding

There will be no changes to any existing University funding arrangements for 2021/22. 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 2021/22.

Work placements and field trips (changes for 2021/22 entry)

We are anticipating that placements (including work and clinical placements) and field trips included as part of the course will go ahead in 2021/22. However, to ensure students gain maximum value from placement activities, it may be necessary to reschedule them to later in the year, when any impacts from the pandemic restrictions are minimised.

Any proposed changes to placements or field trips would go through the University's agreed processes where the impact of the change will be carefully considered.

In the interests of the health and wellbeing of our students, all placement arrangements must be approved by the University's insurers and the appropriate risk assessments 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.

Award, qualification and accreditation (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Qualification

No changes will be made to the qualification awarded, e.g. BSc (Hons), MSc, etc., as a direct 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 by email before enrolment.

Accreditation

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and in accordance with any professional body requirements. We do not anticipate making any further changes to courses in response to any issues arising from the pandemic and which would put at risk any professional body accreditation status.

Additional (changes for 2021/22 entry)

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.

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).