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| Academic Unit |
Professional Practice in Health Sciences |
| Final Award |
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Midwifery with eligibility for NMC registration as a Midwife |
| Programme(s) |
BSc (Hons) Midwifery |
| Last modified |
July 2015 |
Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV and Section V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.
Except where an opt-out has been granted by the University (see below) the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.
| 1. |
Admissions |
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Candidates for admission must satisfy the Regulations for Admission to Degree Programmes. Candidates must also satisfy the NMC (2009) standards for admission to Pre-registration Midwifery Programmes. They must normally offer at least three A level passes (AAA) and, additionally, at least five GCSE passes at Grade C or above including English language and Mathematics. Alternative academic qualifications equivalent to 360 UCAS tariff points are considered on a case by case basis.
The level of English proficiency accepted for the programme is IELTS (or equivalent) at grade 7.0 with minimum of 7.0 in each component (to meet NMC requirements). Applicants with grade 6.5 will be accepted on the understanding that the student will need to re-sit the examination to achieve grade 7.0 if they wish to register and practise in the UK.
Admission to, and continuation on, the programme is subject to specific health requirements (consistent with the provisions of the Equality Act [2010]). Prospective students are required to inform the Faculty of any health problems relevant to their future employment as a health professional. All students will be subject to an occupational health check.
Admission to, and continuation on, the programme is subject to consideration of any criminal convictions. The programme is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act [1986]. Prospective students are required to inform the Faculty of all criminal convictions. All students will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Equality Statement
The Faculty wishes to make places available to a wide range of people who will make a useful contribution to the study and practice of midwifery. The University and the Faculty are committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities in which students are recruited on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the University. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no prospective or current student should receive less favourable treatment on any grounds that are not relevant to academic ability and attainment and state registration as a professional midwife.
The University’s Disability Equality Scheme includes an Action Plan which identifies the steps that the University is taking to improve the opportunities available to disabled students. Applications from candidates with disabilities are always considered and assessment of their abilities and needs undertaken sensitively. Decisions are based on whether or not the applicant meets the admission criteria, whether the programme can be delivered to the applicant in a way that meets their requirements, making reasonable adjustments if necessary and whether at the end of the programme, the graduate would meet the competencies set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of prior learning is not permitted within this programme in accordance with the NMC Standards for Pre-registration Midwifery (2009). Transfer into the programme from another NMC approved programme of midwifery will be considered on an individual basis and in accordance with NMC and University regulations. |
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| 2. |
Structure of Programme(s) |
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The programmes leading to the award of Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Midwifery, which confers eligibility to register with the NMC as a Midwife, shall be of 156 weeks duration. This is full-time programme. The maximum period of registration shall normally be five years. This period of registration will incorporate periods of suspension or interruption of studies. The award must be completed within five years of the commencement date.
The programme is structured to ensure that the requirements of the NMC (2009) and the University are met. The programme comprises 11 theory and 9 practice modules.
In Year 1 students will study 60 ECTS at Level 4 - practice and theory (certificate)
In Year 2 students will study 60 ECTS at Level 5 - practice and theory (diploma)
In Year 3 students will study 60 ECTS at Level 6 - practice and theory (honours)
All modules are core.
The modules that contribute to classification are all level 5 and 6 modules totalling 120 ECTS (apart from practice placements 4a and 6a). A weighting of 0:1:2 shall be used to obtain the final average mark for the three parts of an Honours degree programme.
The outline of the content of each module shall be specified in the module outlines and made available to students on the University's virtual learning environment. |
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| 3. |
Progression |
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Progression Regulations are as described in the University Calendar, Section IV : General Regulations; Progression, Determination and Classification of Results for Undergraduate and Integrated Masters Programmes. Standard University progression regulations apply, except for the following variations, to meet NMC professional requirements.
For all programmes which lead to registration with the NMC or the HCPC, statutory regulations apply. For this reason, this Programme is exempt from section 3.3 (regarding compensation) and section 4.1.
The pass mark for each theoretical module is 40% for all levels. The pass mark for all practice modules is 40% and satisfactory achievement of designated competencies, skills and criteria. Students must meet the pass criteria in both academic and practice experience to pass overall.
No restriction is placed on the number of modules on which students may be referred for a second attempt. In exceptional circumstances students may conditionally progress to the next part. Outstanding outcomes must be met by week 12 of the following part.
Failure to declare good health and character at the beginning of the academic year may result in termination of the programme. |
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| 4. |
Assessment |
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The performance of students shall be assessed by the Board of Examiners in accordance with NMC requirements and the University's regulations governing examinations for the Bachelor of Science (Hons) Midwifery.
- Assessments are set and undertaken throughout the academic year.
- Practice modules must be repeated internally as attendance in placement is required.
- Students must meet the pass criteria in both academic and, when required, practice assessment to pass overall. Non-assessed work may also be a course and /or professional requirement. The Faculty programmes handbook presents a summary of process for the submission of coursework.
- In order to meet NMC requirements it is a course completion requirement that students must achieve 100% in drug calculation assessments.
- When attending for an examination students must produce either their university ID card or a form of photographic ID in which they are clearly identifiable. Students without photographic ID will not be permitted entry to the examination.
- Students are advised to familiarise themselves with the policies regarding academic integrity and confidentiality.
- Practice Experience modules will be graded as per NMC (2009) Standards for Pre-registration midwifery education (Standard 15). Practice experience in years 2 and 3 contributes to the classification of award.
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| 5. |
Award of Qualification(s) |
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The Programme follows the University Regulations for the Progression, Determination and Classification of Results for Undergraduate and Integrated Masters Programmes. In order to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science (Hons) Midwifery with registration on the Midwives Part of the Nursing and Midwifery register, candidates must:
- have satisfied the entry requirements as set out in the Programme Specification;
- have undertaken all the levels of the curriculum as appropriate to the award and passed all the required assessments (theory and practice);
- have completed satisfactorily all practice assessment, practice experience and other coursework as required;
- have met all the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements for progression;
- have met the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) programme length requirements including a minimum of 50% hours of practice experience; the remainder to be academic time;
- meet The European Directives (currently 2005/35/EC and Modernised Directive 2013/55/EU) in particular - article 40;
- be judged as of good health and good character for entry to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register.
The final award is awarded by Senate on the recommendation of the relevant Board of Examiners to candidates who have satisfactorily completed an approved programme of study and have satisfied the assessment requirements.
Students who are successful at all Level 4 assessments but are unable to complete the full award shall be eligible for the exit award of a Certificate in Health Studies. This does not confer eligibility to register with the NMC.
Students who are successful at all Level 5 assessments but are unable to complete the full award shall be eligible for the exit award of a Diploma in Health Studies.
This does not confer eligibility to register with the NMC.
Any student who experiences grave or terminal illness/injury which prevents them from continuing on their award and achieving professional qualification, may be eligible for a posthumous award of aegrotat qualification named either Certificate in Health Studies, Diploma in Health Studies. This does not confer eligibility to register with the NMC.
Classification
To qualify for a First Class Honours Degree the mean programme mark will be 70% or higher from a weighting of 0:1:2 across the three academic years. A second Class, Upper division requires 60-69%; a Second Class, Lower division 50-59%, a third class 40-49% and less than 40% constitutes a fail.
The programme follows the University's regulations and procedures for review, appeals and complaints. |
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| 6. |
Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork |
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Practice experience forms an integral part of the programme and students are required to pass in order to complete the programme successfully. Practice equates to 50% of the programme outcomes and is full time for the duration of the programme.
The opportunity exists for students to undertake an elective experience within year 2. This must be in line with NMC educational guidelines for professional midwifery practice, covered by University and Faculty guidelines for elective /independent activity, consistent with the educational commissioning of the programme, aligned with programme learning outcomes and appropriate to professional development needs.
Students are permitted to continue in placement whilst progressing an academic appeal against a relevant body if deemed appropriate by the Programme Leader. However if a student is undergoing an appeal made against a ‘Fitness to Practise’ panel, they may not be permitted to enter practice settings. Other sanctions may also apply. |
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| 7. |
Other |
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As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our programmes to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, these regulations may be revised during a student’s period of registration, however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student’s programme.
Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Faculty and University regulations and policies. In particular:
Fitness to Practise
Academic Integrity
Special Considerations
Fitness to Study
Compensation is not permitted on this programme, all modules are core to the programme. |
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