Welcome to our Virtual Open Day! If you’re interested in Midwifery, today is a great way to get to know more about what we have to offer. To prepare for the day, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the course to help you learn more. For anything that isn’t covered, or if you would like more detail, please tune in to our live Q&A session for Midwifery at our Virtual Open Day on Saturday 26 September 2020.
What Midwifery courses do you offer?
We currently offer two options as routes into a career as a midwife. The first is the full-time, three-year BSc (Hons) Midwifery course, for which we have around 90 places per year. This course starts in September. Students are awarded a BSc (Hons) Midwifery and are eligible to register for the midwifery section of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s register on completion of the course.
The second route is a shortened route for registered Adult nurses to enable them to gain dual registration as a Midwife. This course starts in January and lasts two years.
How will I be taught?
The course is comprised of 50% theory and 50% clinical practice and is delivered in modules.
University days are usually between 9.00am and 6.00pm, however there may be instances when teaching takes place in the evening. Under current Covid-19 restrictions a large amount of lectures are taking place virtually, with essential face-to-face skills at our City South Campus, however we hope that this will revert back to our usual academic plan in 2021.
You will take part in lectures, small group work, scenarios, skills workshops and online learning.
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How will I be assessed?
Assessment takes place throughout the course. Assessments are designed to test your application of theory to practice, decision making and communication skills. We use various forms of assessment to reflect every learning style such as: invigilated examinations, essays, poster presentations, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), development plans, case studies, numeracy tests (safe medicate), clinical practice assessment, e-portfolios and a dissertation.
Will I get any additional training or qualifications?
We are validated to deliver the NIPE (Examination of the Newborn) Qualification. This means you will complete your course with three qualifications. This qualification is sought after by NHS Trusts and make you very employable on qualification, as well as preparing you for working as an autonomous midwifery practitioner.
What are clinical placements?
Clinical practice is central to our Midwifery course. Students need to deliver 40 babies before completing the course, so we ensure that they have the placement opportunities they need to achieve this. Placements include working unsocial hours - you will be providing midwifery care including night, weekend and on call duties.
We have strong relationships with local healthcare trusts. Our students undertake placements with the following partner trusts:
- Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
- Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
During the course, you are encouraged to undertake an elective placement as part of one of your modules in the second or third year, which can also be completed abroad with our HELS Go Abroad scheme. Please be aware that the current COVID-19 pandemic may affect this. Additionally, we have rolled out new Continuity of Care models, and as a result, you may get the opportunity to shadow a midwife on the Continuity of Care team.
Will I be provided with uniform?
At the start of the course, you will receive three or four sets of BCU uniform, free of charge. This will usually be tunics and trousers. Further information about uniform and what you need to wear on placement
What is the selection process?
Around 1000 people make an application for our BSc (Hons) Midwifery every year. You must successfully complete an interview in order to be offered a place on the course. We will look at your personal statement and predicted grades before we invite you for an interview.
You must ensure that you demonstrate a desire for and an understanding of midwifery in your personal statement. You will also want to consider the values in the NHS constitution and how you can demonstrate them. We recruit to the values of the NHS constitution and the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Am I entitled to any extra funding?
Yes, for courses starting after September 2020, there is funding of at least £5,000 a year available for Midwifery students. This is not means tested and does not have to be paid back. Find out more about funding.
What facilities are available to midwifery students?
The School of Nursing and Midwifery offers a range of specialist facilities to give our students the ability to explore, learn and develop within every aspect of their speciality. Our specialist spaces include mock wards, home environment room, and skills practice and care enhancement (SPACE). Find out more about our facilities.
Student life in Birmingham
Join us at Birmingham City University and you will be studying right in the heart of a forward-looking and vibrant city with plenty to see and not far from City South campus. Whether you’re moving to Birmingham or you’re a Brummie at heart, there’s so much to student life here to explore.
