MSc Midwifery

Overview & facilities

At the heart of our course is your practice. We encourage you to relate your developing academic expertise to the provision of care to mothers, babies and their families through learning and critical reflection. You will look at key issues such as current midwifery theory and practice, models of maternity care provision, the politics of midwifery and the changing role of the midwife.

Course highlights:

• Flexible structure
• Online materials and discussion areas to support studies
• You can study as part of a multidisciplinary cohort from the statutory and non-statutory sectors

Download the course flyer

Content & modules

The course is aimed at meeting both your practice and career needs. As well as the compulsory Integrating the Art and Science Module you will meet and debate with students from other disciplines and nationalities within other modules. These include modules on clinical leadership, an independent learning module and the research module which will help you plan a research study for your dissertation. In addition, there is the flexibility to select a module in line with your learning needs.

The course has been designed that as a part time student you will only need to attend on one day a week (depending on your optional module choice). This will be on Wednesdays for your first year and Tuesdays for the following year.
As a full time student you will need to be able attend both Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Both these options will be supplemented by your own self directed learning which you can arrange at a time to suit you.
Full time students generally complete in a year and part time students over two years.

Modules

• Year 1

  Integrating the Art and Science of Midwifery (15 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide an opportunity for midwives to critically examine, reflect on and challenge the knowledge and assumptions that underpin their current belief systems and practice. Central to this is the critical appraisal of the value given to both the art and science of midwifery within their own sphere of practice as well as the resulting implications for women, their families and the profession.

  Interprofessional Development and Progression (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To empower students to manage their development within postgraduate study and practice whilst ensuring the coherence of the programme for the individual within an interprofessional context.

  Leadership and Public Community Services (15 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to critically develop the studet s knowledge and skills to enable them to work effectively within the context of leadership and service development within the workplace. Students will be facilitated to develop and enhance their own leadership role within their chosen profession, and to critically explore and evaluate their own leadership style. The module also aims to integrate the common needs of different groups of leadres and where relevant managers by focussing on the theoretical underpinnings of leadership but being flexible enough to facilitate the direct application of these knowledge and skills in the workplace.

  Methods of Critical Enquiry in Healthcare Settings (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is designed to provide a critical overview of the main methods and approaches used for research into topic areas related to health care, and to equip the stduent to apply this knowledge in the planning of a research proposal. The module affords students oportunities to appraise the strengths and weaknesses of published work in their specialist area, or in health care in general. Students will learn in groups and will explore philosophical, ethical and methodological differences which underpin various approaches to knowledge generation that can inform health care work. Interprofessional workshops wil allow the stduent to develop a research proposal, to consider its adequacy and limitations, and justify the approach taken.

  MSc Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  To support students to undertake research, with a focus appropriate to their programme and area of practice and building upon the research proposal formulated in IPH 4012/MHR 4020. To create a peer learning community for students to critically support each other in the research process To provide guidance, additional to that provided by the students supervisors, on matters of ethical application, research methods, data collection, analysis and writing-up.

  Pre-conception to Childbirth, Challenging the Boundaries of Midwifery Health Promotion (15 Credits) - Optional

  The health promotion role of the midwife is often integrated into the usual care systems without clear outcomes, design or audit. The aim of this module is to encourage practitioners to critically examine that role and explore the current philosophy of health promotion within midwifery, on a local, national and international level. Students are then encouraged to relate and apply this theory to their own area of expertise, strengthening their role as effective health promoters for future practice.

  Service Development and Quality Improvement (15 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide managers and practitioners with the opportunity to explore legislation and policy directions in public and community services. There will be a focus on the impact of the practitioner s role in leading the development of services in a way that gives high importance to quality enhancing.

  Teaching, Learning and Expanding Midwifery Parameters (15 Credits) - Optional

  This module provides an opportunity at level 3 and level 4 for practitioners to explore the theoretical frameworks that support education in practice. Students will be expected to identify, develop and apply teaching and learning strategies that facilitate student, professional and client learning within their area of practice. A portfolio will allow students to reflect and evaluate their own practice, thus developing a critical awareness of their own learning and teaching style, in addition to engaging in a continual process of self assessment and life long learning.

  Teaching, Learning and Expanding Midwifery Parameters (15 Credits) - Optional

  This module provides an opportunity at level 3 and level 4 for practitioners to explore the theoretical frameworks that support education in practice. Students will be expected to identify, develop and apply teaching and learning strategies that facilitate student, professional and client learning within their area of practice. A portfolio will allow students to reflect and evaluate their own practice, thus developing a critical awareness of their own learning and teaching style, in addition to engaging in a continual process of self assessment and life long learning.

If this course is undertaken full-time the days of attendance are two days (Tuesday and Wednesday).
If undertaken part-time the students come for Wednesday during their first year and Tuesday during their second year.

Download the course specification

Entry & applying

Code B758

Entry requirements

Practicing midwife with at least six months consolidated practice in midwifery and either:

• A good honours degree (2:2) or above in midwifery or a closely related subject
  OR
• A relevant professional qualification and evidence of successful level 3 study.

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL (paper based) 575 or TOEFL (internet based) 90 with specified minimum scores for each component. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements

Applying

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. You will need to fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application. Apply now

Fees & funding

September 2011 start
UK-EU £5,100
International £10,600

The tuition fee for MSc Midwifery for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £7,500
Part-time students: £63 per taught credit

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600
Part-time students: £93 per taught credit