Welcome to your Midwifery course

Hello and welcome! We are excited that you will be joining University of Staffordshire as a student Midwife.

Our teaching philosophy is rooted in holistic care, covering all aspects of well-being: physiological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual. We aim to empower you to be not just skilled practitioners, but also compassionate advocates for women and infants throughout the childbirth journey.

Key Highlights of Our Curriculum:

  • Proactive Care: Learn to anticipate and address potential complications, ensuring the highest standards of safety and well-being.
  • Advocacy: Develop the skills to advocate for vulnerable women and infants, navigating complex situations with empathy and integrity.
  • Cultural Competence: Provide culturally sensitive care, respecting the traditions and beliefs of diverse communities.
  • Holistic Well-being: Prioritise psychological and spiritual well-being, integrating EPICC spirituality standards into your practice.

Our goal is to prepare you to navigate childbirth complexities with empathy, insight, and professionalism, promoting positive outcomes for women, infants, and families. Join us and make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond!

First activity

The first week of your course 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 programme is underpinned by University of Staffordshire's academic regulations and is mapped to the pre-registration curriculum to allow shared learning.

You will be required to meet and demonstrate the range of measurable objectives and outcomes set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2019) and University of Staffordshire to be eligible to practice as a registered midwife. This curriculum is designed in such a way as to make these transparent to you, in order that you are aware of what you need to achieve and what is required of you.

The programme aims to enhance inter-professional learning, recognising its role in promoting holistic care and woman-centred awareness. Modules and sessions integrated cross-disciplinary perspectives to cultivate awareness, trust, and respect among healthcare professionals, ultimately enhancing patient safety and service user experience. You will develop as an independent critical thinker through the use of enquiry-based learning and flipped classroom techniques, where learners assess what they can do independently and then build on their knowledge through a range of guided learning activities.

Each September, we welcome a new cohort of approximately 50 students into our midwifery program. Our classes are designed to accommodate both online and in-person learning, providing flexibility to meet diverse needs and preferences.

Classes typically begin at 9:00 AM and conclude at 4:00 PM, ensuring a full day of immersive and interactive learning experiences. Whether you join us online or at our Stafford campus, you can expect a supportive and engaging environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.

Semester one activities

In your first few weeks at university, you’ll dive into three dynamic modules that blend online learning with engaging face-to-face sessions.

In Safe and Effective Midwife 1, you’ll explore the theory behind maternal observations and antenatal examinations, with the chance to bring your learning to life in our skills lab.

Being an Accountable, Autonomous Professional Midwife will get you thinking about what professionalism means to you, while introducing you to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and key legal and ethical principles.

In Midwife as a Skilled Practitioner 1, you’ll develop essential skills like basic life support and deepen your understanding of the anatomy and physiology of labour. Along the way, you’ll build strong connections with your cohort as you begin this incredible journey together.

Pre-Learning

Before you begin, there are some great resources that can help you feel more prepared and confident as you start your studies. You might find it helpful to read the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code, which outlines the professional standards all midwives must uphold.

Textbooks like Myles Textbook for Midwives and Mayes Midwifery offer a strong foundation in core midwifery knowledge. You can also explore the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) website for current news, guidance, and insights into the midwifery profession. Engaging with these resources during your pre-learning will give you a great head start as you begin your exciting journey into midwifery.

  • Myles, M.F., Marshall, J.E. and Raynor, M.D. (2020) Myles textbook for midwives. 17th ed. Edinburgh: Saunders/Elsevier.
  • Mayes, M. (2024) Mayes’ midwifery. Sixteenth edition / edited by Sue Macdonald FRCM (Hons) MSc PGCEA ADM RM RN ILTM FETC, Gail Johnson MA DPSM PGDip Adult Education RM RN. Edited by S. Macdonald and G. Johnson. Philadelphia: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division.
  • Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) The Code, NMC, London.

Equipment and software

Online Learning will take place on Microsoft Teams. For this you will need a laptop/PC with a working Microphone and Camera.

Available software can be found via the button below.

Software

Groups and societies

Become a part of our dynamic Midwifery Society, where you can connect with fellow students and engage in a variety of enriching activities. This group organises study days, exciting trips, and fun social events, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie among the midwifery team.

Additionally, you have the chance to be a course representative for your year. This role is selected annually and is supported by your cohort, giving you the opportunity to voice your peers' perspectives and contribute to the continuous improvement of our program.

Dive into the full midwifery experience, make lasting friendships, and enhance your learning journey with us!

Midwifery Society

Student uniform

We provide three sets of uniforms to ensure you have one for each shift. This helps maintain a professional appearance and ensures you are always prepared for your clinical placements.

For more information on our uniform policy, please visit the course pages on Blackboard. There, you'll find all the guidelines to help you adhere to our standards and make the most of your midwifery journey.

We're excited to see you in your new uniform and ready to make a difference!

Occupational Health

To ensure you are fully prepared for your clinical placements, you will need to complete the following:

  1. DBS Clearance and Good Health/Character Declaration: You must obtain DBS clearance and sign a declaration of good health and good character.
  2. Immunisation Programme: Follow the immunisation programme as outlined. The University arranges on-campus clinics with Optima Health to facilitate your necessary appointments.
  3. Attend All Appointments: It is crucial to attend all appointments requested by Optima Health to complete the full immunisation programme. Failure to do so will impact your ability to complete your placements.

By adhering to these steps, you'll be ready to embark on your clinical journey with confidence and ensure the highest standards of care.

Other Useful Links

Trips and activities

Embark on a Global Adventure with Midwifery!

Midwifery isn't just a career; it's a passport to explore the world! Imagine the thrill of visiting countries overseas and discovering how midwifery is practiced in diverse cultural settings. This unique opportunity allows you to gain invaluable insights into global healthcare systems, learn innovative techniques, and broaden your perspective on maternal and infant care.

Travelling as a midwife opens doors to enriching experiences, from working alongside international colleagues to understanding the unique challenges and triumphs faced by midwives in different regions. You'll have the chance to immerse yourself in new cultures, build lasting connections, and bring back knowledge that can enhance your practice at home.

Join us in midwifery and unlock the potential for a truly global career. Your journey could take you to fascinating destinations, where you'll make a meaningful impact and grow both personally and professionally. Adventure awaits.

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

Lynne Coton

Senior Lecturer

I'm a senior lecturer on the Midwifery programme. I'm module leader for the level 6 evidence base for practice, where I get to explore research and how it is integrated into Midwifery practice and I lead the level 4 Universal care module.

Lynne's profile

Ruth Leftwich

Lecturer

I am a lecturer in midwifery and the course lead for the Midwifery Degree Apprenticeship, supporting the development of future midwives through innovative, practice-based education.

Ruth's profile

Clare Pugh

Lecturer

Kathryn Key

Lecturer

Amber Jones

Lecturer

I am one of the Midwifery Lectures here at the University of Staffordshire. I teach across Level 4, 5 & 6 modules on the midwifery programme, including skills and obstetric emergency training.

Amber's profile

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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