Midwifery / Registered Midwife BSc (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. It is taught at the Kingston Hill campus and the St George's Tooting campus in South London.

Our 2020 curriculum is currently being revised in line with the new NMC standards.

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	B720	2021

Location

Kingston Hill and St George's, University of London

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2020 entry

If you are planning to join this course in September 2020, 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

Reasons to choose Kingston and St George's

Kingston University is ranked No. 1 for nursing and midwifery in London (Guardian league table 2020).
100% of students from this course are in highly-skilled employment or further study six months after graduating (DHLS 2016/17).
St George's, University of London, is the only UK university dedicated entirely to medicine and healthcare sciences.

What you will study

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. 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

Year 3

In Year 1, you will be introduced to midwifery theory and practice focussing on birth as a physiological process.

Core modules

Birth as a Life Event

30 credits

This module will introduce you to the social context of birth as a life and family event. It will also develop your understanding of the role of the midwife in supporting the woman and her family through childbearing.

Introduction to Professional Practice

30 credits

This module will introduce you to midwifery professional practice. It identifies the role of the midwife and locates the responsibilities of the midwife within the scope of midwifery practice. Professional values and culture will also be explored.

Foundation for Biosciences in Childbearing

30 credits

This module will introduce you to the biological basis to underpin the provision of midwifery care in relation to childbearing. It also provides an introduction to pharmacology.

From Embryo to Neonate

30 credits

This module will enable you to explore the continuum from fertilization to the neonate and how this impacts on integration into the family.

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

Women's Health and Illness

30 credits

This module will revisit your knowledge of anatomy whilst facilitating an understanding of physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, therapeutic interventions and clinical assessment related to disease and its implications for pregnancy and childbirth, whilst maintaining a woman centred approach.

Principles of Research and Evidence of Midwifery Practice

30 credits

This module will enable you to appraise practice guidelines and published research. A variety of research methods and the research process will be reviewed, giving you the information required to be able to critique the evidence informing midwifery practice.

Public Health and Childbearing

30 credits

This module will enable you to explore public health issues from both a local and national perspective, and to care for clients holistically. You will also analyse a range of theories and concepts of health promotion and education and discuss how they could be used in relation to health promotion / health education in midwifery practice.

Dimensions of Health and Midwifery Practice

30 credits

This module will enable you to further develop your knowledge and skills in supporting and facilitating pregnancy and childbirth, recognising actual and potential complications for both the mother and the neonate.

Year 3 continues to develop your midwifery knowledge, understanding and skills, preparing you for autonomous practice as a midwife.

Core modules

Facilitating Women-Centred Care

30 credits

This module provides you with the knowledge and skills to provide woman centred care. Key aspects of working with other professional groups are reviewed and related to practice and women's experience of care, so as to help support you in the transition from student to accountable, autonomous practitioner.

The Midwife as a Professional

30 credits

This module aims to prepare you for autonomous practice. Key aspects will include working with other professional groups, understanding professional regulation and local and national governance to promote safe midwifery practice. This will help support you in the transition from student to accountable, autonomous practitioner.

Midwifery and Women's Health: International Perspectives

30 credits

This module will enable you to appreciate the socio-political influences shaping the changing context of maternity services within the NHS, independent practice and from an international perspective. You will be able to examine the variations in childbirth practices around the world and to consider midwifery practice in developed and developing countries. You will have an opportunity to undertake a 2 week elective experience, locally, nationally or internationally to observe childbirth practices.

Improving Practice through Research

30 credits

This module will facilitate you to understand the evidence base underpinning midwifery theory and practice and build on your knowledge of research. The focus is on informing professional practice using relevant evidence and research techniques. The module will enable you to appraise evidence and critically evaluate and contribute to the strategies for improving care through research, audit and clinical governance.

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.

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Entry requirements

Typical offer 2020

The typical requirement for entry for this course is 128 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.

Entry requirements 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, 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

Dr Melania Calestani

Miss Paula-Maria Cummins

Ms Jane Forman

Mrs Angela Frankland

Lindsay Gillman

Dr Tim Harries

Mrs Sima Hay

Mrs Claire Mckellow

Mrs Georgina Sims

Course fees and funding

2021/22 fees for this course

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

* 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.

2020/21 fees for this course

Fee category	Amount
Home (UK and EU students)	£9,250*
International	£15,000

* 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/EU 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.

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

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.

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 Park
St Peters, Chertsey

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

Changes detailed here are for students who will be starting the course in September 2020.

Course information (changes for 2020 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.

If the current pandemic situation continues into the next academic year and beyond, the University may be unable to offer suitable placements which may then impact the length of the course. In these circumstances the University will provide students with appropriate alternative options and ensure that support will be available to them so that they are able to make informed choices.

Entry requirements (changes for 2020 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.

Teaching (changes for 2020 entry)

Changes to teaching and learning activities

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 the way the course will be delivered

Due to the current pandemic the course's teaching and learning activities will be delivered through both online and on-campus methods (blended learning) in 2020/21. In order to provide all students with a comparable on-campus experience, the University has committed to ensuring that all courses provide at least 30% of their teaching and learning activities on-campus.

While physical distancing measures remain in place, you will receive your learning and teaching via a blend of on-campus and on-line activities. Should your circumstances prevent your attendance at on-campus sessions, you will still be able to engage with your course in a way that allows you to progress. Where this is not possible, support will be available to consider what options are open to you.

Changes to locations of on-campus teaching and learning activities

All ‘on campus' activities will be at Kingston Hill. In view of the change to the virtual dissecting room (see above) there are now no planned teaching activities at St George's campus.

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.

In the event of a new lockdown, simulation weeks may need to be rescheduled to later in the course. This will be communicated to students through Canvas and email.

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 year 1 of 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. up to December 2020) should be available by the end of August. 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.

Changes to 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 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 Year 1 of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Staff (changes for 2020 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 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.

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 entry)

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, or to a different 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 the 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 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 entry)

Qualification

No changes will be made to the qualification awarded, e.g. BSc (Hons), 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.

Accreditation

During the pandemic, the University has been working closely with all its associated professional bodies to establish where flexibility/changes can be applied without undermining their professional standards. This will ensure that any changes made to courses which have professional, statutory or regulatory body (PSRB) accreditation do not negatively impact the accreditation status.

In the very exceptional circumstance that professional bodies do not agree with changes proposed, it may be necessary to defer relevant modules until those modules can be delivered as required. Students will be informed of this during the induction period and appropriately supported so that they can consider all options available to them.

Additional changes for 2020 entry

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.

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).