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.

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 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

General information

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.

GCSE requirements: Applicants will normally be required to hold at least five GCSEs, at grade C or above including: Mathematics and English Language. From 2017, for applicants taking the reformed GCSE qualifications in England, we will consider the new Grade 4 as being equivalent to a grade C.

Please note that we do not accept equivalent qualifications for Mathematics and English Language, and no longer accept Level 2 Key Skills/Functional Skills.

GCSEs can be pending when the application is submitted.

English Requirements: If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher (with no single subset below 7.0)

E.U. applicants: Please view our EU entry requirements.

Vocational qualifications: NVQ or equivalent qualifications are not accepted.

Academic entry criteria 

GCSE requirements (as above) plus higher-level qualification at or above NQF Level 3 (A Level) are required.

Normally evidence of study at Level 3 or higher within the last five years is required. 

The following qualifications are accepted as meeting our minimum academic entry criteria. If your qualifications are not listed here please contact nursing.admissions@keele.ac.uk for advice. Please note for the 2018 entry, we will not be referring to UCAS Tariff points in our offers. 

Qualification	Required A levelGrade Profile	Further Information
A-Levels (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. A Pass in Science Practical will be required if applicant is taking A level Biology (England)
BTEC qualifications (QCF) (suite of qualifications known as Nationals) And OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical (OCRCT)	Extended Diploma 180 credits DDM	Subject specific requirements for BTEC / OCRCT: Health/ Science subjects only will be accepted.
International Baccalaureate	27 IB points	One science subject is required (Higher or Standard level – Biology preferred)
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma (core)	Pass at B or higher	Applicants are also required to hold 2 A Levels at a minimum of grades AB. Biology, Human Biology, Health and Social care, Psychology or Sociology required as one of the A2 subjects. General studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted A Pass in Science Practical will be required if applicant is taking A level Biology (England) .
Access to Higher Education programme	60 Credits At least 45 Credits at Level three. At least thirty (30) level three credits at distinction and fifteen (15) level three credits at merit. A minimum of 18 Level 3 credits from health or science related subjects	GCSE requirements for candidates completing an Access to Higher Education programme are: Maths and English Language at Grade C or above. From 2017, for applicants taking the reformed GCSE qualifications in England, we will consider the new Grade 4 as being equivalent to a grade C. Please note that we do not accept equivalent qualifications for Mathematics and English Language,and no longer accept Level 2 Key Skills/Functional Skills.

Further entry requirements

Candidates who are successful at the initial stage of selection will be required to satisfy Occupational Health clearances and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

The University follows the DBS Code of Practice in these issues (See www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service) 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.

Candidates must also provide evidence of minimum residency requirements and meet English language requirements.

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

Applicants' qualifications that are not listed in the table above will be considered on an individual basis.

The School will also consider applicants who hold a relevant Degree, Higher National Diploma or other health-related higher education qualifications.

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, ie post 15 January.

---

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 (subtests 7.0)
• 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.

View our money advice and guidance section for information on tuition fees.

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.

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.