Frequently Asked Questions - Keele University

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I Apply?

All applications must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) by 15 January for applicants wishing to enter the following September/January intakes, or, for those wishing to apply for deferred entry.  Please note that for BMid(Hons) Midwifery, we are unable to consider late applications.  Health Foundation Year programmes should note that the closing date is 15 January (first round) and 30th June (second round).  We are happy to consider second round applications for our Nursing/HeFY programmes to fill any vacancies+.  When completing the UCAS application you should apply to Keele University (K12) and indicate which course you are applying for. For more information and entry requirements please see our information sheets.

Adult Nursing Degree Information Sheet
Children’s Nursing Degree Information Sheet
Learning Disability Nursing Degree Information Sheet
Mental Health Nursing Degree Information Sheet
Midwifery Degree Information Sheet

Please apply through UCAS: www.ucas.com/apply
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What Courses are available?

For 2013 entry we will be offering Degree only programmes in Nursing and Midwifery. For further information please see our prospective student pages.

We also offer the Health Foundation Year (HeFY), which is a transfer course that offers an opportunity for progression to the Nursing or Midwifery principal programme upon successful completion. It is designed for those who do not satisfy entry requirements for the principal programmes and have not studied the requisite science subjects. Applications will not be considered from those who meet the principal programme entry requirements (who have applied for direct entry) and have been unsuccessful. All HeFY applicants who are shortlisted will be invited for interview.  For further information, please contact the Foundation Year Office or visit: Foundation Year
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Do you offer UCAS Xtra?

For those applicants who have been unable to secure an offer of a training place you can opt for UCAS XTRA.  From February to July, we notify UCAS of any programmes which have vacancies.  If you meet or are on track to satisfy our entry requirements and would like to be considered, you will need to opt for XTRA as a 6th choice using UCAS TRACK. A copy of the application form will be referred to Keele University. NB if you are choosing a different programme, we would need you to send a revised, focused personal statement for the course applied for with a clear rationale for the change of direction.
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Do you have any vacancies in Clearing?

If we have any places available then they will be put into Clearing, please check the UCAS website and Keele University main web site for clearing information. Alternatively, if you have not met the academic entry criteria for your Nursing or Midwifery degree programme then you could consider applying for the Health Foundation Year which then leads onto the principal programme. Information on the Health Foundation Year can be found at: Foundation Year
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Can I re-apply?  

If you were unsuccessful at interview then please take notice of any post interview feedback. You may need to ensure that you have developed your interview and communication skills. You can re-apply the following year or consider an alternative programme. We would suggest that those re-applying review their personal statement beforehand and ensure that this is focused on their programme and career / profession.
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Can I transfer from another Nursing or Midwifery School?  

Please note that students who have failed Nursing or Midwifery Degree or Diploma programmes elsewhere will not be considered. If you have successfully completed the pre-registration Nursing Common Foundation Programme then the School of Nursing & Midwifery may consider your request to transfer onto a branch programme, if places are available.
If you have had to withdraw from a previous course for personal reasons, we would be happy to consider an application.
Candidates will need to apply via UCAS indicating in their personal statement that you are applying for a transfer. Your current personal tutor should act as academic referee on the UCAS form.

You will need to provide a transcript from your current UK University indicating your course progress.  Applicants will also need to provide contact details of a second referee. You will also need to meet all of the usual additional entry requirements for the pre-registration programme that you wish to enter. The School will not consider applications for transfer from applicants who have had repeated failures in theory or practice.
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How are Nursing and Midwifery applications assessed?

Your application will be screened by the pre-registration Admissions Office to ensure that you meet the relevant pre-registration programme entrance requirements. Your application is then assessed by our Admissions Tutor/s according to our set criteria, which is reviewed annually. If your application is not shortlisted for interview you may request (in writing) feedback from the Admissions team.
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How are Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) applications assessed?

Please contact the ODP team. Their information can be found on the ODP Pages. 
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Will I be invited for an interview?  

All Nursing and Midwifery applicants who are shortlisted will be invited for interview.  No applicant will be offered a place without a successful interview prior to starting the programme.

N.B. For some programmes, due to high demand, a further sift of applications may be required to determine the final shortlist.  
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What is the Selection Day Like?

Nursing & Midwifery Selection Day: On the day of the interview you will have the opportunity to meet admission staff. The selection interview itself is a formal panel process. Each interview lasts a maximum of 20 minutes.  The interview panel comprises of 2 or 3 interviewers, two academic staff from the School of Nursing and Midwifery with representation from our partner placement organisations where possible. If you have any questions these can be discussed informally outside of the interview with the Admissions Team.
The interview panel, in addition to forming an overall impression of you, will be assessing in particular the following areas:

a) Motivation towards intended career.
Why do you wish to be a nurse / midwife? This is an obvious though vital question. Try to show genuine flair and enthusiasm for your intended career / Health Profession. The panel will expect you to have thought carefully about this and will be expecting you to be able to explain why you have chosen your intended career.

b) Rationale & understanding for choice of programme. Why do you want to study for a Degree in Nursing (branch) /Midwifery? You need to demonstrate a clear focus and understanding of the programme you have applied for. You are expected to be able to talk about why you would like to study the pre- registration programme you have applied for. We will explore if you have any experience of working in a caring role (voluntary/ work or as part of a course). This role need not have been in a hospital / paid care work environment. The interview is an opportunity for you to relate your personal caring experience, not only the facts and details of your role but also your emotional response to it, what it has taught you, and what you have gained from it.

c) Awareness of the demands of being a pre registration student
What is the role of the student nurse / midwife? Being a pre- registration student is demanding and the panel will expect you to have explored this. You will need to demonstrate that you have an understanding of what you are applying for and that theory and practice are important and may cause issues for students. Ensure you have read about the course or spoken to existing students so you can talk about what it might be like and answer any questions from the panel. Think about working shift patterns, clinical & theory hours, assessments, professional behaviour.  If you have had any voluntary / work or work experience then you may be asked to talk about this and how it has helped you to gain awareness of these demands. If an ethical problem is raised for discussion you should be reassured that neither the panel nor the School of Nursing & Midwifery will take a position on any ethical issue. It is not your ethical views that the panel may be interested in but how coherently you express your views.

d) Self-awareness and insight into personal strengths /areas for personal development.
What are you good at and what do you need to develop?
Health professionals need to be self aware and able to identify personal strengths and reflect on areas that need improvement.  What are your interests? You may be asked to talk about your hobbies and interests, and other non-academic pursuits.

e) Effective interpersonal / verbal & non-verbal communication skills.
Communication skills are essential to the practice of almost all aspects of health care. We expect you to be able to express your ideas clearly and coherently.  If you are able to give spontaneous yet well-thought-out answers to questions then this is more likely to impress the interviewers than those just obviously rehearsed and "coached" responses. You will not be asked questions in any of the following areas: gender; sexuality, marital or parental status; race; religion; social background.

At the end of the interview after you have left the room the panel will discuss your interview performance. You will not be informed of the decision of the panel on the day of the interview.

If you have not already satisfied the academic requirements for entry, offers will be conditional upon the achievement of the appropriate standard in forthcoming examinations and on meeting the additional pre-registration entry requirements. All offers are subject to the conditions of meeting the additional pre-registration entry requirements that are clearly outlined in the prospectus.

For Operating Department Practice information please refer to the ODP pages.
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Are late applications considered?

 

We are able to consider applications that are submitted after the 15 January deadline but some of our programmes have limited places and so all applicants are encouraged to meet the deadline where possible. 
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When are the Interviews?

Interviews occur throughout the UCAS cycle and if you have been shortlisted then you will receive a letter indicating the date and time of your interview. Please inform us if you are unable to attend. If a candidate is unable to make the scheduled interview, a second interview will be arranged.  However, if a candidate fails to attend the second interview without notification, no further interview appointments will be offered. 
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Where are the Interviews held?

All pre-registration interviews are held at The School of Nursing and Midwifery, which is based in the Clinical Education Centre on the Hospital Campus. (University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust site):
Contact Us & Location Maps
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What are Visit Days?

Keele University invites all applicants with an offer to attend one of our Visit Days. This is an opportunity for you to view facilities on main campus such as accommodation, before choosing where you wish to study. The School of Nursing and Midwifery will have representatives on main campus during visit days to answer any enquires. You will have previously had the opportunity to view and tour facilities at the Clinical Education Centre at a School of Nursing & Midwifery Open Day. Visit days provide that extra time to explore the main campus at Keele with family and friends. 
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How can I find out further information?

Come and visit us at one of our open events. Bring your friends and family.
Please note: Car Parking fees apply at the Clinical Education Centre.
Also visit the main Keele University web pages for help on finding information: Study at Keele
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How do I find the Clinical Education Centre?

Contact Us & Location Maps  
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How do I Contact You?

Contact Us & Location Maps
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