Midwifery Sciences

Description

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BSc in Midwifery Sciences we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
• Practicals: where you will have opportunities to develop midwifery practical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. All midwifery students participate in simulated emergency drill training on an annual basis and have opportunities to engage in interprofessional education (IPE).
• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities.
• Seminars/tutorials: Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups. There are also opportunities to engage in inter professional interactive education.
• Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and research for assignment work is carried out.
• Practice placements: Students will undertake clinical placements regularly throughout the programme. This enhances the link of theory to practice in midwifery and provides students with a wide variety of opportunities and experiences in all fields of maternity care. This is an essential component of the programme, ensuring that the student has sufficient opportunities to develop skill and competence in care provision and decision making, meeting the requirements for professional Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC, 2009).
• Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during each year of the programme to support their academic development.

Careers

Studying for a BSc (Hons) Midwifery Sciences degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by employers both nationally and internationally.

The majority of our graduates pursue a career in midwifery which offers a diverse range of post registration opportunities to specialise in areas such as: bereavement counselling; antenatal screening coordination; perinatal mental health; family planning and reproductive sexual health; ultra sound scanning; public health and health promotion; breastfeeding support; neonatology, and education and research

Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

This three-year degree programme is the first step in preparing you for an outstanding career in Midwifery. The degree has specific learning outcomes that relate to the knowledge, skills and attitudes to practice that are: woman/family centred, clinically effective, competent and safe, evidence-based, and established on caring and ethical principles. It provides students with direct contact with women, their babies and families in home, hospital and community settings under the supervision and guidance of lecturers and skilled midwives.

The programme is unique in its approach to using facilitated learning experiences to enhance student autonomy in delivering care to women and their families. Modules are designed to develop the knowledge and skills that students will need to deal with normal midwifery practice and to co-ordinate the care of women experiencing more complex pregnancies. The public health role of the midwife is highlighted throughout and students gain experience in planning and co-ordinating care for mothers and their babies.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 7

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

This information is prepared in advance of the academic year to which it relates and the grades stated should be treated as a guide only as requirements can vary from year to year.
Overall academic background will be taken into account when considering applications.
All applicants (except Access/Foundation applicants) must normally have 5 GCSEs at grade B or better to include Mathematics and a Science subject (ie Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Double Award Science or Science). A GCSE Applied Science is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science. A minimum of a grade C in GCSE English Language is also required. Applicants offering Access/Foundation courses must have GCSE Mathematics and a Science subject at grade B or better. Please note that NICATS Mathematics is acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics and a Science module in Biology, Chemistry or Physics would be accepted in lieu of GCSE Science.
In addition to the GCSE requirements, or equivalent, applicants must offer one of the following qualifications:

• A-level BCC including a relevant Science (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics)
  OR
  BBC where a relevant Science subject is not offered.
• BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma (18 Units) Successful completion with 6 Distinctions and 12 Merits in a relevant science based course
  OR
  Successful completion with 8 Distinctions and 10 Merits in a non-relevant course.
• Access/Foundation Course An average mark of 65% where at least half of the overall programme is in Biology and Chemistry
  OR
  An average mark of 70% is required for non-science access courses.
• BTEC HND Successful completion with Merits or better in at least 12 of the 16 units and Passes in all other units.
• BTEC HNC Successful completion with Merit grade or better in all units
• Irish Leaving Certificate B2B2B2CC at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is offered (see list under A-level requirements)
  OR
  B2B2B2B2C at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is not offered
  All applicants: if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade B in Mathematics and a Science subject.
  Note: Junior Certificate grades will be taken into account at shortlisting
• Scottish Highers BBBCC where a relevant Science subject is offered (see list under A-level requirements)
  OR
  BBBBC where a relevant Science subject is not offered.
  All candidates must normally have 5 Standards at grade 2 or better or 5 Intermediates at grade B or better to include Mathematics and a Science subject. A minimum of a grade 3 in Standard English Language or a grade C in Intermediate English Language is also required
• Graduate First Degree Pass or better

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.