Course content

You will develop into an independent learner 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 multidisciplinary teamwork required to manage them effectively. The final part of the programme will prepare you for assuming full responsibility as a qualified midwife. 

Variations to 2020/21 courses

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: A minimum of 5 GCSE subjects at Grade C (or 4) including English Language and Maths or equivalent qualifications (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2 / Key Skills Level 2). GCSE or equivalent qualifications must have been achieved prior to application.

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
A­ levels (Full A2)	ABB - 128 UCAS Tariff points	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 3 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. 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. Maths and English qualifications can be pending if studied alongside a pending Access to Higher Education Diploma.
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma / Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)	DDM	Health/ Science subjects only will be accepted.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (QCF) and National Extended Certificate (previously known as the Subsidiary Diploma) (QCF) are acceptable combined with additional A level or equivalent Level 3 qualification(s).	128 UCAS Tariff points from the equivalent of 3 A Level qualifications. Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth.	Subjects must include one of: Biology, Human Biology, Health and Social care, Psychology or Sociology. 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.
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/K102 - An Introduction to Health and Social Care	Pass - 60 points at Level 1	GCSE requirements: Maths and English Language at Grade C/ Grade 4 or above or equivalent.
Previous degree	Pass	Any subject accepted. GCSE requirements: Maths and English Language at Grade C/ Grade 4 or above or equivalent.
International Baccalaureate	34 points	One science subject is required (Higher or Standard level – Biology preferred)
Irish Leaving Certificate	128 UCAS tariff points from 4 Highers Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth.	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)  acceptable combined with additional A level or equivalent Level 3 qualification(s).	112 UCAS Tariff points from the equivalent of 3 A Level qualifications. Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth.	Subjects must include one of: Biology, Human Biology, Health and Social care, Psychology or Sociology. 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.

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.

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, Foundation Year offers an alternative route to study for this degree.

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 and can provide a copy of the Code on request.

A reference for the applicant must 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.

In addition, we prefer applicants to have gained some experience of working with people in a caring environment.

Applicants are advised not to submit a ‘mixed’ application, but to focus on midwifery.

We are unable to consider late applications, submitted after the 15th January equal consideration deadline.

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.

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.
Subject specific requirements also apply for this course. Please contact us for advice.

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) -7.0 overall, with at 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.

Student Grant

Student midwives can benefit from guaranteed, additional support of at least £5,000 a year to help with living costs. The grant is given to all new and continuing degree-level nursing students. 

There are also additional grants of up to £1000 available to eligible students, including those living in certain regions of the country and studying in specialist disciplines. 

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: including 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.

This is a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approved programme. Students who successfully complete the programme may apply for NMC midwifery registration.

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