Welcome to your Midwifery course

Welcome to University of Staffordshire

We know you're already passionate about your subject, which is why we're excited you've chosen University of Staffordshire as the place to turn possibility into reality.

To give you an insight into what life as a Midwifery student is like, your course leaders have prepared introductions to the course and further activities.

Hello and welcome! We are excited that you will be joining us at Staffordshire University for the Midwifery course soon. We will share some important information to help you get ready for your journey through the course with us.

First activity

The first week of your course (23rd September 2024) focuses on welcome activities, designed to help you settle in. Meet the team, including your Course lead, Course director, members of the School Management Team, your academic mentor and become familiar with the campus. In addition, there will be opportunity to have an introduction to the simmersive rooms, to study skills and orientation to the library.

This initial week will provide you with information to enable a smooth transition to your university journey towards this exciting career ahead of you.

Course delivery

The Midwifery department provides its learners with excellent learning environments and resources. Learners have access to cutting-edge clinical skills facilities and enhanced learning, social, and recreational spaces.

The immersive simulation suite offers a diverse array of learning opportunities by replicating various healthcare environments and scenarios.

Sessions can be delivered in several formats including:

  • Lead lectures, keynote lectures – this may include guest speakers
  • Clinical skills training
  • Problem based learning (PBL)
  • Development and presentation of student led seminars
  • Group work
  • Directed study
  • Online scheduled activities via a virtual learning environment (BlackBoard)
  • Inter-professional learning

In addition, learners are expected to utilise online drugs calculation software to refine their proficiency in drug administration and numeracy skills.

You will develop as an independent critical thinker through the use of enquiry-based learning and flipped classroom techniques.

We pride ourselves on the variety of assessments, encompassing essays, exams, practical tasks, research projects, case analyses, presentations, seminars, reflections, formative blended learning exercises, and online collaborations, serve both formative and summative purposes.

The course is 50% theory and 50% practical so your time will be split between University and Placement. You will be required to work unsociable hours in practice. Theory time is between 9-5pm

Semester one activities

One of the first activities you will participate in will be to meet your fellow students and your academic mentor. Your academic mentor will support you through your course helping you to achieve your goals and make the most out of your time at Staffordshire University, ensuring you achieve your maximum potential.

You will spend some time during your first week getting to know your fellow students as well as familiarising yourself with the University, its services and your course, and you will start to understand the role of other health professionals through interprofessional learning.

Pre-Learning

Browse our recommended pre-course reading and ensure you have basic knowledge around anatomy and physiology (A&P) of the human body systems.

Explore the Nursing and Midwifery Council website in particular ‘The Code’.

  • Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) The Code. Available from: nmc-code.pdf
  • Explore the NMC website to increase your knowledge around the NMC.
  • Coad, J. (2019). Anatomy and Physiology for Midwives (4thEd). London: Elsevier.

An essential book for Midwifery related A&P.

Either of the following books as they contain similar content:

  • Marshall, J. and Raynor. M. (2020) Myles Textbook for Midwives.(17thed).Edinburgh: Elsevier.Macdonald, S. and Johnson. G.(2023).Mayes Midwifery.(16thed).Edinburgh: Elsevier.
  • Macdonald, S. and Johnson. G.(2023).Mayes Midwifery.(16thed).Edinburgh: Elsevier.
  • Baston, H., Hall, J. and Samples, J. (2021). Midwifery Essentials: Medical Conditions. Edinburgh: Elsevier.

This is an easy-to-read book for Midwifery essentials.

Equipment and software

A lap-top computer is advised so you can take notes during taught sessions and write your assignments. Digital software, for example Microsoft 365 pro, is available for free download during your time on the course and is useful for all areas of the course, offering cloud storage for your assignments so you can access them from any device and Outlook for email communication.

Software link: https://staffsuniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/software/SitePages/Home.aspx

Groups and societies

The University has its own student led Midwifery Society who you will meet in the first week and have the opportunity to join.

Student uniform

You will be provided with a uniform to wear during placements and practical skills sessions. However, you will need to source suitable footwear to go with your uniform, advice will be provided on this during our welcome activities where we will also guide you through the uniform ordering process.

For further information please click here

Occupational Health

Before you go into our clinical practice learning environments you will be required to be cleared by our Occupational Health provider: Optima Health and be up to date with all required vaccinations. You will be required to complete an occupational health screening survey and it is very important that you are open and honest with any existing or past medical history to ensure your health, safety and wellbeing whilst on the course. Please Click Here for further information.

Meet the team

Keely Shires

Lecturer

Keely is a midwifery Lecturer working full time. Her main area of teaching is Obstetric emergencies.

Keely's profile

Michelle Mckay

Senior Lecturer

I’m a Midwifery Lecturer, with a background as a practice educator and rotational midwife.

Michelle's profile

Ruth Leftwich

Lecturer

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We look forward to welcoming you in September.

If you have any questions, please send them to your Course Leader: Michelle McKay, michelle.mckay@staffs.ac.uk

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