Course content

You will develop into independent learners through a programme of study which combines classroom-based, directed and self-directed learning with full engagement in clinical care, under supervision, to women during their childbirth experience.

In the first year, you will develop the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, psychological, social, and public health dimensions of normal pregnancy and childbirth. You will gain insight into the importance of communication for effective caring and professional relationships and begin to explore research evidence as the basis for providing optimal care.

This initial foundation will be built on as the course progresses and knowledge is developed about conditions that may complicate pregnancy, the impact of these on women, babies, and other family members and the skills and the multidisciplinary teamwork required to manage them effectively. The final part of the programme will prepare you for assuming full responsibility as a qualified midwife.

Modules for 2019/2020 entrants are yet to be confirmed. Details of the modules that ran for entrants in 2018 are shown below. These can be used as an indication of the modules you will study. Once modules for 2019/20 are confirmed they will be published here.

Course structure

Our degree courses are organised into modules. Each module is usually a self-contained unit of study and each is usually assessed separately with the award of credits on the basis of 1 credit = 10 hours of student effort. An outline of the structure of the programme is provided in the tables below.

There are three types of module delivered as part of this programme. They are:

• Compulsory modules: a module that you are required to study on this course;
• Optional modules: these allow you some limited choice of what to study from a list of modules;
• Elective modules: a free choice of modules that count towards the overall credit requirement but not the number of subject-related credits.

There are three mandatory modules each one year long – see table 8.1 for the programme structure within each module and table 8.2 for the visual overall programme plan.

Optional elements within the programme are concentrated within the provision of a four-week long consolidation period in each module. The consolidation period can be used for theory and practice based activities, depending on your individual requirements and/or preferences and options available. There must be a minimum one week non-assessed practice placement in an area of your choice within the placement circuit to ensure fulfilment of programme hours requirements. The arrangements of the four weeks vary such that in module 1 the four consolidation weeks are arranged in a one week and a set of three week’s model. Module 2 adopts the same model as module 1 with a one week and a set of three weeks. Year 3 is different with a four week consolidation period towards the end of the module. The difference between the arrangements is based on students’ experience in previous cohorts and managing progression through the programme. Priorities for use of the time within the consolidation weeks are:

1. There must be a mandatory minimum one week non-assessed practice placement in an area of your choice to ensure fulfilment of programme hours requirements.  
2. For resubmission any theory or practice assessments not achieved at the first attempt within the year;
3. To make up time lost to the programme due to sickness/absence and ensure programme hours are achieved;
4. Particularly in your third year to complete the EU requirements;
5. In your second and third year to participate and complete the optional Newborn and Infant Physical Examination study component;

If all theory and practice assessments have been successfully passed, there is no need to make-up time lost to the programme, you can choose how you wish to use the consolidation weeks. Some suggestions are:

• Undertake project  work  in  an  area/topic  of  interest  which  will  benefit  your development as a midwife
• Prepare an article for publication
• Engage with the work of a voluntary group connected with the maternity services
• Undertake a period of observational experience in another institution. This will require planning ahead and must be discussed well in advance with the personal tutor
• Consolidate an aspect of clinical practice (not assessed)
• Visit different areas of clinical practice

You will be required to submit to your Personal Tutor a detailed personal learning plan well in advance of the consolidation period. The plan will specify intended learning outcomes and the evidence to be used to validate their achievement including programme hours. The learning plan will have to be discussed with and approved by the Personal Tutor prior to arrangements being confirmed.

Year 1 (Level 4)

YEAR 1 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION TO MIDWIFERY

45 weeks (1524 hrs) in length plus 7 weeks annual leave –

120 credits @ level 4 (certificate) Theory based learning: 23 weeks (644hrs @28hrs/week) Practice based learning: 18 weeks (720hrs @ 40hrs/week) Consolidation weeks: 4 (160hrs @40hrs/week)

Year 2 (Level 5)

YEAR 2 MODULE 2 DEVELOPING AS A MIDWIFE

45 weeks (1524hrs) in length plus 7 weeks annual leave

120 credits @ level 5 (intermediate) Theory based learning: 23 weeks(644hrs @28hrs/week) Practice based learning: 18 weeks(720hrs @ 40hrs/week) Consolidation weeks: 4 weeks(160hrs @40hrs/week)

Year 3 (Level 6)

YEAR 3 MODULE 3 BECOMING A MIDWIFE

45 weeks (1560hrs) in length plus 7 weeks annual leave

120 credits@ level 6 ( Honours) Theory based learning: 20 weeks (560hrs @ 28hrs/week) Practice based learning: 21 weeks (840hrs @28hrs/week) Consolidation: 4 weeks (160hrs @ 40hrs/week)

The module details given above are indicative and will give you a good idea of the range of subjects that we teach. We regularly review our teaching to ensure that the modules we offer are up-to-date; therefore, the modules available to study are liable to change.

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.

UK / EU ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

GCSEs: GCSE English and Maths at grade C (or 4) or above or equivalent qualifications (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2 / Key Skills Level 2)

If English is not your first language, normally applicants will have IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 7.0, including least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking sections.The University may be able to accept alternative English Language qualifications from applicants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) on a case by case basis in line with the appropriate Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) guidelines.

Plus one of the following level 3 qualifications:

Qualification	Required A level Grade Profile	Further Information
A­Levels (Full A2)	ABB	The applicant must hold Biology, Human Biology, Health and Social care, Psychology or Sociology as one of the A2 subjects. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. For applicants taking the reformed A levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics in England, we will require a pass in the practical element.
Access to Higher Education Diploma	60 Credits At least 45 Credits at Level 3. At least 30 level three credits at distinction and 15 level three credits at merit. A minimum of 18 level 3 credits from health or science related subjects.	Health/ Science subjects only will be accepted. GCSE requirements: Maths and English Language at Grade C/ Grade 4 or above or equivalent, or 12 credits at Level 2 or 3 in English and 12 credits at Level 2 or 3 in Maths.
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma / Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)	DDM	Health/ Science subjects only will be accepted.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)	DD plus one additiona A Level at grade C	Health/ Science subject required. Accepted only in combination with additional A level or equivalent Level 3 qualification(s).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)	D plus two additional A Levels at grade C	Health/ Science subject required. Accepted only in combination with additional A level or equivalent Level 3 qualification(s).
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma/Technical Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care	Grade A
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma/ Technical Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education	Grade A
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children & Young People's Workforce	Grade A
Open University K101 - An Introduction to Health and Social Care	Pass - 60 points at Level 1
Previous degree	Pass	Any subject GCSE requirements: Maths and English Language at Grade C/ Grade 4 or above or equivalent.
International Baccalaureate	27 IB points	One science subject is required (Higher or Standard level – Biology preferred)

Irish Leaving Certificate	128 UCAS tariff points from 4 Highers	Biology, Human Biology, Health and Social care, Psychology or Sociology required at Higher level. Ordinary level English Language and Maths grades O1-O4 (or A-C / A1-C3 up to and including 2016) are required in lieu of GCSEs
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma (core)	Pass at B or higher	Applicants are also required to hold 2 A Levels at a minimum of grades BC. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. A Pass in Science Practical will be required if applicant is taking A level Biology (England)

The School will also consider applicants who hold a relevant Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree or other health ­related higher education qualifications. Please contact nursing.admissions@keele.ac.uk for advice.

Vocational qualifications: NVQ or equivalent qualifications are not accepted.

If your qualifications are not listed here please contact nursing.admissions@keele.ac.uk for advice.

We recognise that applicants have different backgrounds and experiences and that some applicants may not have had the same opportunities to demonstrate their suitability for HE. Therefore, we will consider the additional data and information provided on your application (the contextual data) as part of the selection process to help identify applicants whose academic performance to date may not be a true reflection of their potential to succeed at University. Our offer will reflect our recognition of individual circumstances.

We recognise the skills and knowledge acquired whilst studying an EPQ qualification and therefore will take this into consideration when assessing your application. If your EPQ is in a relevant subject to the course you have applied for, it will be included in your offer. If you are also eligible for another offer scheme, for example our Contextual Data Offer Scheme, your offer will reflect this and your EPQ qualification will not form part of your offer.

Further entry requirements

Offers are subject to Occupational Health clearances and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
The University follows the DBS Code of Practice in these issues (See https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service) and can provide a copy of the Code on request.

A reference for the applicant will be completed on the UCAS form by the referee. This is normally from an academic tutor. For applicants invited for interview, a second reference may be required. Friends, relatives or neighbours are not eligible to act as referees. All offers are subject to satisfactory references.

All candidates for pre-registration Nursing and Midwifery programmes are required to meet or exceed NMC requirements, including literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills.

Application Process: Application is via UCAS. The UCAS application is scored. Subject to initial scoring you may be invited to interview after which a decision is made in regards to offers.

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International entry requirements

The following information is for applicants with Overseas qualifications and / or classed as Overseas for fees.

If you are unsure of your fee status, please check the guidance on the fee assessment pages..

Academic requirements

Please view equivalent entry criteria for your country.

If the qualifications you have are not listed, or you are unsure whether you meet our criteria, please contact the admissions office for advice: nursing.admissions@keele.ac.uk

English language requirements

All students must provide evidence of a recognised qualification in English Language, such as:

• GCSE (first language) English Language – Grade C (Grade 4 for applicants taking the reformed GCSE qualifications in England)
• International English Language Testing Service (IELTS, academic) - an overall score of 7.0, including least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking sections
• Pearson (PTE) Academic - 65 (components 55)
• Cambridge English First(foundations) and Advanced - 185 (subtests 176)

If you have taken a school qualification in English we may be able to accept this: please email nursing.admissions@keele.ac.uk for advice.

PREPARATION PROGRAMMES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Fees and funding

Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.

We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.

For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.

Career prospects

96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE, 2017)

You will experience providing care to pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy and in a range of contexts: women’s own homes; clinics in the community; hospital; and the midwifery birth centre. This will develop your experience and understanding for a career within Midwifery.

In 2016, Keele University were recognised nationally as 1st for employability in the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey.