Natalie Dodge

Head of Department

Health, Education, Policing and Sciences

I have worked at Staffs since 2005 in a number of technical and academic roles, all of which have led me to my current role as Head of Department for Nursing and Midwifery, a role which I am incredibly proud to hold being a previous Staffs Uni graduate. I have been in this role since October 2025.

My role as Head of Department currently covers all Nursing and Midwifery programmes in our undergraduate, post-graduate, apprenticeship and continuing professional development portfolio.

Having studied for my nursing qualification at Staffs, qualifying in 1998, I am passionate about the excellent opportunities studying at Staffs gives to students. I have a strong interest in how we can develop varied routes to widen access to nursing, nursing associate and midwifery careers and continued professional development.

My clinical background is acute and high dependency adult nursing care, with a specialist interest in deteriorating patient assessment and management, alongside caring for those with diabetes.

Professional memberships and activities

  • Nursing and Midwifery Council registrant - Adult Nurse

Academic qualifications

  • MSc Higher and Professional Education - University of Staffordshire
  • Post Graduate Certificate of Higher and Professional Education - University of Staffordshire 
  • BSc Nursing - Adult - University of Staffordshire 
  • Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy RN Dip HE - University of Staffordshire

Research interests

I am currently studying for my Doctorate in Education here at Staffs, undertaking research to inform how we can support clinicians to become the nurse educators of the future.

Teaching

I currently teach on various modules involving practical skills teaching, anatomy and physiology, change management and leadership and acute adult care. I am involved in teaching throughout the nursing programmes, in both pre and post registration modules.

Publications

Handley, R. & Dodge, N. (2013) Can simulated practice learning improve clinical competence? British Journal of Nursing, 22 (9), 529-535.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021