Courses

Programme Specification

MSc Midwifery

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title

MSc Midwifery

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Master of Science

Programme Code

NAM-MSC-M

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

100288 - Midwifery - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

Full Time - 2 Calendar Years

Total Credits for Programme

180

Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution	Queen's University Belfast
School/Department	Nursing & Midwifery
Quality Code https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code Higher Education Credit Framework for England https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england	Level 7
Subject Benchmark Statements https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf	Midwifery (2009)
Accreditations (PSRB)
Nursing and Midwifery Council	Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 11-11-20

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

100% attendance in clinical practice is mandatory. Students will normally have the opportunity to make up clinical hours for practice missed through absence or illness or other recognised extenuating circumstances. Students are required to pass 100% numeracy examination before completion of the programme. Students must complete all modules and achieve satisfactory performance in all compulsory elements. Compensation between elements is not permitted. In addition to satisfying the University's Conduct Regulations, students will be required to meet the NMC requirements of Good Health and Good Character for eligibility for entry to the NMC Professional Register. Students are required to complete an annual self-declaration form prior to progression to each part of the programme declaring any criminal record they may have attracted. Outside the annual declaration process, students are required to inform the School immediately if they are under investigation for an offence, have been charged or have been released on bail for an offence. RPL is not permitted for this programme.

Programme Specific Regulations

Entry Criteria

Applicants must be able to show that they are registered as an adult nurse with the NMC.

Applicants should have had at least 6 months' post-registration experience as a nurse.

Degree qualification at least 2:1; in exceptional circumstances a 2:2 may be considered.

Two satisfactory references.

Candidates must be able to meet EU English language requirements.

Attendance

Students should attend all timetabled classes. Students who fail to satisfy the attendance requirements will be referred to the Health and Conduct Committee and if their absence is deemed to compromise satisfactory completion of the module they will be referred to the Board of Examiners.

100% attendance in clinical practice is mandatory. Students will normally have the opportunity to make up clinical hours for practice missed through absence or illness or other recognised extenuating circumstances.

Assessment

Students must complete all modules and achieve satisfactory performance in all compulsory elements. Compensation between elements is not permitted. Re-sits for modules will be facilitated at the next available examination/ assessment opportunity.

Students are required to pass 100% numeracy examination before completion of the programme.

Examinations and assignments shall be planned to assess the student's knowledge, skills and attributes, and demonstrate ability to achieve NMC Progression Points for entry to the appropriate part of the NMC
Professional Register. Examinations and assignments will reflect module content and NMC requirements. Specific dates for submission of assignments will be available in individual module booklets and examination dates and times will be circulated by the University Examinations Office. Students must complete all formative assessments. The pass mark for all level 7 modules is 50% unless otherwise stated. Re-sits will be facilitated at the next available opportunity.

Supervision and assessment in practice will follow the NI Regional Standards for Supervision and Assessment in Practice for all nursing and midwifery students. The Midwifery Ongoing Record of Achievement (MORA) will evidence the requirements of the NMC Proficiencies for Midwives Practice will be assessed formatively and summatively across the two years of the programme.

Conduct

In addition to satisfying the University's Conduct Regulations, students will be required to meet the NMC requirements of Good Health and Good Character for eligibility for entry to the NMC Professional Register.

Students are required to complete an annual self-declaration form prior to progression to each part of the programme declaring any criminal record they may have attracted. Outside the annual declaration process, students are required to inform the School immediately if they are under investigation for an offence, have been charged or have been released on bail for an offence.

Progression

The MSc Midwifery is a 2-year programme of preparation leading to the award of a Masters of Science in Midwifery and eligibility to apply to the appropriate part of the Professional Register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Students whose progress appears to be unsatisfactory at any stage of their studies, who are absent from a University examination for a reason not approved by the School, or who records two absent medicals for an assessable component of the course will be reviewed at the Board of Examiners.

A student on temporary withdrawal shall return to the programme at the point where they were last deemed competent.

A student whose temporary withdrawals from the course exceed two years will be required to permanently withdraw from the programme in line with current University Regulations. If the student wishes to return to the programme at a later time, they will be required to reapply to the School.

A student who has been required to take a temporary withdrawal will be required to complete a self-declaration form prior to return to the programme, declaring any criminal record they may have attracted during absence.

There is one progression point in the MSc Midwifery pre-registration programme at the end of Year 1.

Year 1 assessments in both theory and practice must be achieved and confirmed by the appropriate Board of Examiners before progression to the next part of the programme.

Students must complete all Year 2 theory and practice assessments successfully and confirmed by the relevant Board of Examiners; achieve satisfactory attendance and meet the requirements for Good Health and Character to be eligible for the award of MSc Midwifery and entry to the NMC Register.

Exit Points

The Master of Science Midwifery is a degree programme comprising of a professional award which leads to eligibility to seek registration on the Nursing and Midwifery Council Professional Register. Students who do not wish or are not permitted to continue on the professional qualification programme may be permitted to transfer to another programme as follows:

Students who have successfully completed a minimum of 120 CATS and do not wish or are unable to complete their midwifery programme may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Sciences.

Students with protected characteristics

This programme includes practical and clinical elements where safety of women, infants and their families must be the primary consideration. Applications will be considered on an individual basis and in conjunction with Professional Guidelines, Occupational Health and Disability Services.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No
Fitness to Practise programmes are those which permit students to enter a profession which is itself subject to Fitness to Practise rules.

Educational Aims Of Programme

1.To provide knowledge, evidence-based, skilled and timely universal care to women, their newborns and families
1.1.Recognise and respect a woman’s relationships and individual family circumstances
1.2.Provide culturally inclusive care that is achievable and meets the needs of women and their families
1.3.Plan and implement safe effective care that is compassionate and focused to a family’s individual needs and family-centred
1.4.Promote physical and mental health and well-being of women and their families
1.5.Embrace digital technology and its impact on maternity services

2.Demonstrate effective communication to initiate sensitive, compassionate woman centred conversations
2.1.Demonstrate a range of communication skills essential to act in the best interests of women, infants and families at all times
2.2.Provide clear, concise, accurate and relevant information to interprofessional colleagues, women and their families
2.3.Demonstrate the ability to advocate for women, their new-borns and families
2.4.Translate the principles of good communication into clinical practice, via digital and non-digital mediums
2.5.Offer information and access to resources and services to help women and families make informed choices

3.To be able to work efficiently and effectively as a key member of interdisciplinary team in providing additional care
3.1.Contribute to the planning and provision of interdisciplinary care from the perspective of the midwife
3.2.Recognise the need for additional care and escalate to relevant specialists as required
3.3.Reflect on the influence of health systems on the team’s ability to identify and action critical incidents
3.4.Ability to apply critical thinking to own practice and within an integrated team setting

4.Demonstrate dynamic leadership skills
4.1.Demonstrate the ability to lead and coordinate care making appropriate referrals using evidence-based decision making
4.2.To conduct holistic assessment and care planning through the continuum for women, infants and families
4.3.Engage in quality improvement to become an effective change agent to strengthen women’s capabilities and influence tailored service provision
4.4.Co-produce and design digital health solutions related to the public health role of midwifery
4.5.Recognise the value of designing, delivering and evaluating care with woman and families

5.Be a role model, demonstrating professional values with honesty and integrity
5.1.Work within their scope of practice acting as a role model for the profession
5.2.Recognize and utilize skills to challenge poor practice
5.3.Demonstrate ability to engage in reflective practice
5.4.Identify personal boundaries which contribute to poor mental wellbeing and establish methods to mediate and undertake self-care practices

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

1.1 Recognise and respect a woman’s relationships and individual family circumstances

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

1.2 Provide culturally inclusive care that is achievable and meets the needs of women and their families

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

4.2 To conduct holistic assessment and care planning through the continuum for women, infants and families

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

4.5 Recognise the value of designing, delivering and evaluating care with woman and families

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

2.1 Demonstrate a range of communication skills essential to act in the best interests of women, infants and families at all times

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

2.2 Provide clear, concise, accurate and relevant information to interprofessional colleagues, women and their families

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

2.3 Demonstrate the ability to advocate for women, their new-borns and families

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

2.4 Translate the principles of good communication into clinical practice, via digital and non-digital mediums

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

2.5 Offer information and access to resources and services to help women and families make informed choices

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

4.1 Demonstrate the ability to lead and coordinate care making appropriate referrals using evidence-based decision making

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

5.2 Recognize and utilize skills to challenge poor practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

5.3 Demonstrate ability to engage in reflective practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

5.4 Identify personal boundaries which contribute to poor mental wellbeing and establish methods to mediate and undertake self-care practices

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

1.3 Plan and implement safe effective care that is compassionate and focused to a family’s individual needs and family-centred

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

3.1 Contribute to the planning and provision of interdisciplinary care from the perspective of the midwife

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

3.2 Recognise the need for additional care and escalate to relevant specialists as required

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

3.3 Reflect on the influence of health systems on the team’s ability to identify and action critical incidents

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

3.4 Ability to apply critical thinking to own practice and within an integrated team setting

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

1.4 Promote physical and mental health and well-being of women and their families

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

1.5 Embrace digital technology and its impact on maternity services

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

4.4 Co-produce and design digital health solutions related to the public health role of midwifery

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

5.1 Work within their scope of practice acting as a role model for the profession

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Workshops
E Learning
Self-directed learning
Group work
Role Play
Problem solving case studies
Skills laboratory work
Simulation
Practice placements
Supervised clinical practice

Methods of Assessment

Examinations
Course work
Assignments
Clinical assessment (NMC Standards of proficiency)
Peer assessment

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Foundations of Professional Midwifery	MID7108	7	20	--	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	50%	0%	50%
Safe Medicate 3 - Midwifery	MID3137	7	0	--	YES	8 weeks	N	YES	--	0%	0%	100%
Health for All: Women, Families and Midwives	MID7109	7	20	--	YES	8 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Quality Improvement in an Interprofessional Context - Part A	MID7104	7	0	YES	YES	18 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Developing Skilled Midwifery Practice	MID7110	7	20	YES	YES	18 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Infant Feeding	MID7113	7	10	--	YES	8 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Quality Improvement in an Interprofessional Context - Part B	MID7105	8	60	YES	YES	18 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Leading Professional Midwifery	MID7111	8	20	YES	--	8 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Applied Pharmacology for Midwives	MID7114	8	10	--	YES	8 weeks	N	YES	--	0%	0%	100%
Midwives as Skilled Practitioners	MID7112	8	20	YES	YES	18 weeks	N	YES	--	50%	0%	50%

Notes

Due to the start date of this programme stage 1 and 2 modules can take place in two University academic years.