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Midwifery with Public Health - MSci

Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.

If you’re looking to gain a professional qualification as a Registered Midwife and explore at an advanced level how midwives can contribute to public health, then our MSci Midwifery with Public Health is for you....

  • Level Undergraduate
  • Study mode Full Time

This course is:

Overview

If you’re looking to gain a professional qualification as a Registered Midwife and explore at an advanced level how midwives can contribute to public health, then our MSci Midwifery with Public Health is for you.

This four-year course aims to prepare you with leadership skills and practice experience in a research-informed way, enabling you to develop, design and evaluate health promotion interventions. This integrated Master’s degree combines three years of undergraduate study with an additional fourth year at postgraduate level, in a single course. You could also gain 120 credits at postgraduate level which you could use towards a Master's qualification.

In addition to academic and professional qualifications, you will complete the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) qualifications.

We are passionate about developing the best graduate midwives who support women and families during the most uplifting and sometimes challenging times of their lives. This course will prepare you to become a midwife who is able to meet the needs of women, newborn infants and their families.

Our approach to learning and teaching has been developed using a variety of frameworks and embraces the wealth of knowledge of the course team, practice partners and service users. The course will incrementally build on the skills and knowledge you will gain in practice and at university in order to support you to achieve the necessary level of competence and ability to make evidence-based decisions. Every aspect of the course has been carefully aligned to the standards of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2019). Successful completion of this course provides eligibility to apply and be entered onto the NMC register as a midwife.

This course is not open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

During the first two years, you will receive integrated theory and practice content. This will allow you to engage teaching and learning activities in both the academic and practice setting. The third year consists of alternate theory and practice blocks. You will study various modules, which will allow you to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to care for women, and newborn infants across the care continuum from pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, labour and birth, postpartum, and the early weeks of a newborn infants’ life. Each year, you will engage in a yearlong practice module. This module, alongside varied clinical placements, will provide you with preparation and support to develop your confidence and competence in practice, working towards autonomously leading and co-ordinating care at the end of your course. Clinical practice will be assessed using the nationally, NMC approved Midwifery Ongoing Record of Achievement (MORA).

The first three years of the MSci course will be experienced alongside your BSc (Hons) Midwifery student colleagues. The final fourth year at level 7 will have a public health and midwifery focus. Your MSci cohort will have the opportunity to study with other healthcare professionals and midwives as this year includes a module of your choice related to midwifery which is often accessed by other healthcare professionals too.

Practice learning experiences may be within community, hospital or home environment settings. You will be exposed to diverse populations and you will learn to work as part of the interdisciplinary and multiagency teams. Whilst on placement you will be supported, supervised and assessed by suitably prepared practice and academic staff to develop your knowledge and skills. There will also be opportunities for exposure to alternative (including global midwifery) experiences during the elective placement. In your fourth year you will enable to negotiate a placement related to public health.

The Midwifery Department is committed to providing excellent, innovative, learning, teaching and assessment experiences. We use technology to enhance your learning, through lectures, seminars, skills, simulation and virtual learning. Engagement of practice partners and service users in all areas of learning, teaching and assessment is integral to our approach. Our evidence based curriculum will empower you to contribute to the provision of high quality holistic care both during your studies and in your future profession.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by:

  • Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
  • Athena Swan Bronze Award

Why Choose Us?

  • Funding – midwifery students in receipt of a student loan are eligible to receive at least £5,000 a year in additional funding for maintenance and associated study costs. Download the funding FAQs
  • The University is classed as an Approved Education Institution by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This course has been designed in line with the latest midwifery education standards and is approved by the NMC.
  • Birmingham is one of the UK’s most diverse cities outside of London, which provides you with a wide variety of placement experiences that will be valuable to take forward into your future career.
  • Our specialist skills facilities include a home environment and birthing area. Our purpose-built midwifery teaching suite complete with birthing pool, and various high tech teaching tools, such as our Sim Mom birth simulator and realistic neonatal mannequins to help simulate a variety of midwifery scenarios as you learn.
  • Our exciting new MSci award allows you to study your fourth year at master’s level with the option to choose a module of your own interest tailored towards your future career aspirations.
  • By successfully completing this course you will have the opportunity to graduate with two qualifications: MSci in Midwifery with Public Health which is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Public Health England Newborn and Infant Physical Examination Programme (NIPE).

    Open Days

    Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.

    Next Open Day: 24 November 2024

    Book your place

    Entry Requirements

    These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.

    All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

    Essential requirements

    Applicants will also need to complete an interview for this course; see interview arrangements below.

    Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

    Successful candidates will be required to obtain a satisfactory occupational health check, an enhanced DBS check and registration with the Independent Safeguarding Authority prior to enrolling on this course. If you have any queries please refer to DBS Frequently Asked Questions or contact admissions@bcu.ac.uk.

    If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

    Fees & How to Apply

    Please select your student status to view fees and apply
    • UK Student
    • International Student

    UK students

    Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

    Award: MSci

    Starting: Sep 2025

    • Mode
    • Duration
    • Fees

    International students

    Sorry, this course is not available to International students.

    Access to computer equipment 

    You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms. 

    Printing 

    You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment. 

    Field trips 

    All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees. 

    Access to Microsoft Office 365 

    Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation. 

    Key software 

    You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research. 

    Key subscriptions 

    Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library. 

    DBS check 

    If you are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for this course, the cost for your first DBS check is included in your fees. 

    Uniform 

    You will be provided with Tunic and Trousers, with dresses also available on request.  

    Occupational health assessment 

    You will need to complete an occupational health assessment. The cost for this is included in your course fee. 

    Clothing and safety equipment (mandatory) 

    This course requires the purchase of clothing and/or safety equipment. You will require appropriate placement shoes, prices will vary from £10-60, or more dependent on your budget. 

    Placement expenses (mandatory) 

    Placements are a compulsory element of this course. You'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home. 

    Excess printing (optional) 

    Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet. 

    Personal stationery and study materials (optional) 

    Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. 

    Books (optional) 

    All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy. We suggest budgeting approximately £50 per year.  

    Memberships (optional) 

    You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course, such as The Royal College of Midwives, which costs £1.67 per month for the first 3 months, then £12.18 per month after that.  

    Subscriptions (optional) 

    You may wish to purchase subscriptions to additional journals and websites. For example The Practicing Midwife Journal - £39 per year, and MIDRIS journal - £6.09 per month.  

    Specialist equipment (optional) 

    You may wish to purchase a stethoscope (£80-100). 

    Accommodation and living costs (optional)

    The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

    Guidance for UK students

    UCAS

    UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

    The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

    Applying through UCAS
     Register with UCAS
     Login to UCAS
     Complete your details
     Select your course
     Write a personal statement
     Get a reference
     Pay your application fee
     Send UCAS your application

    Our advice for applying to a health care course

    Applying for a course and preparing for an interview can be a daunting process, so we have created a series of films to help you through the process, including what to put in your personal statement.

    More guidance

    Personal statement

    Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

    Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

    Course choice

    Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?

    Career plans

    If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.

    Work experience

    Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.

    School or college experience

    Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.

    Non-accredited skills or achievement

    eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

    You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

    Get more information on writing personal statements.

    Course in Depth

    Year One

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

    Year Two

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

    Year Three

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

    Year Four

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

    Download course specification

    Download now

    In our dynamic and innovative NMC validated course, we've taken major steps in responding to changes in the NHS that also map directly on to the very latest Nursing and Midwifery Council standards of best practice.

    The course runs for 41 weeks each year. Approximately 50 per cent is devoted to theory and 50 per cent to clinical practice. When you are on clinical placement you are expected to participate in the care of child bearing women across the full range of shifts including night duty and weekends. Annual leave will be set for the year. 

    Additional support

    If you are dyslexic, have a specific learning difference or a disability, we have a Disability Tutor who can help and support you with this. 

    More on our disability tutor >>

    We offer extra technical and learning support.

    Trips and visits

    During the summer period, you will undertake a three week clinical elective placement. This is a mandatory requirement that will eventually feed into the third year Introduction to Global Perspectives on Public Health module. You can choose where you wish to undertake your elective placement: internationally, nationally or more locally. However, you cannot stay in your allocated Trust. You are required to organise your placement, and provide an itinerary and proposed learning outcomes.

    Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
    The Nursing and Midwifery Council

    The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) works with partner organisations to set and maintain high standards of nursing and midwifery education across the UK.

    This course has been approved and monitored by the NMC to make sure that the education and training on offer meets their standards.

    To work as a nurse or midwife, you must pass an NMC approved course at a higher education institution (HEI) in pre-registration nursing and midwifery, leading to registration with the NMC.

    Athena Swan Bronze Award
    Athena Swan Bronze Award

    We have successfully secured the Athena SWAN Departmental Bronze Award recognising a commitment to gender equality.

    The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research.

    Employability

    Enhancing your employability skills

    Employers at our NHS partners consistently cite the strength of our graduates at interview and their suitability to be immediately fit for practice as a midwife.

    We believe it is because of our selection of determined and caring individuals who are motivated to becoming midwives that have the 6C’s as their core attributes.

    Placements

    On our Midwifery courses, you can expect to enjoy a number of placements at some of the biggest and busiest NHS centres for midwifery training in the Midlands. We have a teaching-placement split of 50-50%, reflecting the importance of the clinical experience you will get at these Trusts and birthing centres.

    Within these placements you will experience a wide range of midwifery practice progressing from normality in year one to complexity in year two and more specialist roles in year three. You will also have the opportunity for additional experiences such as gynaecology and the neonatal unit

    Our partner NHS Trusts are some of the world’s leading maternity environments, including Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust,

    University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust.

    More about our placement opportunities

    Facilities & Staff

     

    Our Facilities

    Our Nursing and Midwifery courses are based at our City South campus in leafy Edgbaston.

    We’ve spent £41million expanding our facilities at City South. These facilities offer hands-on practical experience, replicating the spaces you will come across in professional practice.

    In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that you learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. Alongside physical spaces such as a mock operating theatre and wards, we also make use of online and virtual technology, such as our virtual ward and virtual case creator.

    See more of our skills facilities at City South

    Centre for Skills and Simulation

    The Centre for Skills and Simulation offers a range of different spaces which replicate situations that you will encounter in practice. These include hospital wards, an operating theatre and a home environment room.

    Our mock wards enable you to get a feel of what a ward is really like before you head out for your first placement. The hospital wards can be adapted from low care to high dependency care environment with the necessary monitoring equipment.

    The home environment room is the perfect space for teaching communications skills and allows us to simulate a community setting for our students. It is particularly useful for mental health nurses, learning disability nurses and midwives.

    Simulation Manikins

    We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and simulation babies (SIM babies) which are anatomically correct manikins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced adult and paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills. The manikins contain software which replicates real symptoms, and can manipulate indicators such as blood pressure, pulse and heart rate for extra realism. SIM man can even ‘talk’ to the students as they are treating him, to add another dimension to learning.

    Computer Facilities

    The Seacole building has two open-access IT Suites which offer PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. There is also an IT Helpdesk for quick and easy help with your computing or internet issues.

    Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:

    • Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
    • Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
    • Microsoft Office software
    • Research and statistical software
    • Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home

    Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.

    In addition to desktop PCs, we also offer a laptop loan facility, allowing students to borrow a laptop for up to six hours while on campus.

    Our staff

    Natasha Carr

    Senior Midwifery Lecturer

    A a senior lecturer in the Midwifery Department, Natasha is responsible for providing, supporting and facilitating teaching and learning on both the long and short BSc (Hons) Midwifery Programmes. In addition, Natasha teaches alongside colleagues on the Examination of the Newborn Programme and lead the Professional Midwifery Advocate (A-EQUIP)...

    More about Natasha

    Julie Hadley

    Deputy Head of the College of Nursing and Midwifery

    Julie is the Deputy Head of the College of Nursing and Midwifery at Birmingham City University.  She has been employed in higher education since 2008. After qualifying, she worked as a midwife at the Birmingham Women's Hospital and later as a Research Midwife. She was then employed as a project manager and research teacher and...

    More about Julie

    Maggie Prain

    Senior Lecturer of Nursing & Midwifery

    Maggie began full time lecturing in 2003 and has been the programme director for the BSc (Hons)/Graduate Diploma in midwifery 20-month programme since 2006 -2013. She is now also the programme director for the Examination of the newborn programme

    More about Maggie