The main focus of the shortened midwifery course is the promotion of normality, i.e., the framing of childbirth as a normal physiological process that most women will undergo in their lifetime. The course also acknowledges that several women have more complex needs where technical help will be needed.
You are expected to achieve the academic and practice standards stipulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to enable you to perform the ‘Activities of a Midwife’ (NMC 2004) within the context of promoting normality, using preventative measures, detecting complications, accessing appropriate assistance and carrying out emergency measures in the absence of medical aid.
Some critical skills sessions may take place in the evening.
Year 1
- The art and science of midwifery
- A psycho-social model for childbearing and childbirth
- Complex needs in childbirth
Year 2
- The compromised neonate
- Practice-based assessment (continues)
- Leadership, management, and empowering
Employability
Midwifery as a career
Many graduates take their first posts as qualified practitioners in the NHS Trusts and hospitals, where they gained experience during their training. The BSc Hons midwifery degree enhances employability by emphasizing a vocational approach to teaching, leading to a professional qualification and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Most roles are in the NHS, although there are opportunities at private hospitals, clinics, and abroad. Day-to-day, the work can be varied, as midwives have a range of responsibilities. Providing advice to women and their families; diagnosing, monitoring, and examining women during pregnancy and coordinating with other professionals and agencies are all typical activities. There are also opportunities to enter education such as; practice development midwife, midwifery lecturer or lecturer-practitioner, research and management.
Recent graduates have become specialist midwives in teenage pregnancy, HIV, and smoking cessation counseling, while others have gone on to work in children’s centers or become consultant midwives.
