Midwifery

Learning Methods

There is a strong focus on linking theory to clinical practice and 50% of the course is delivered in placement settings and 50% delivered within the university in a work based learning approach. You are supported in developing communication and IT skills which will equip you for working in contemporary healthcare settings. Although postgraduate students are academically capable to study at this level, they are recognised as novice clinical practitioners who are developing midwifery skills to achieve domain six of the standards of proficiency for Midwives (NMC 2019).

As the course is closely integrated with BSc Midwifery, cohort sizes vary from year to year but will be around 60-80 students, of which approximately 10-15% will be MSc students.

Activity Summary

• Lectures – 60-80 students per group, 100 hours per year
• Tutorials – 20 students per group, 40 hours per year
• Practical class or workshop – 15-20 students per group, 40 hours per year
• Independent Study - 590 hours per year
• Placement / Work Based Learning - 770 hours per year

Independent Study

Self-study time is an important part of your success, including learning in practice settings. The course is delivered face-to-face in lectures and tutorials as well as online and you will be required to access and complete all elements. You will be considered an adult learner who needs strong organisation and self-direction skills.

Course length

There is an option to increase annual leave by five weeks over the summer and complete the course over 42 months. This option is limited to a certain number of students and can be requested on commencement of the course.

Assessment

A range of assessments will assess knowledge and understanding, including essays, examinations, portfolios, presentations and practical assessments.

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Staff delivering on this course

The course is delivered by a team of midwifery Lecturers who have a wide-range of clinical and research backgrounds. All Lecturers are registered Midwives with the NMC and are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this.

The course draws on a wide range of expertise within the wider staff of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice and we work in collaboration with partners in practice. Many teaching sessions involve expert clinicians sharing their knowledge and skills and we also incorporate women’s stories into the curriculum with women and families sharing their experiences through face-to-face sessions and recorded media.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

50% of the Midwifery course consists of clinical placements, divided across the three years:

• Year 1 - 20 weeks, 40 hours per week
• Year 2 - 21 weeks, 40 hours per week
• Year 3 - 22 weeks, 40 hours per week

Placements are allocated in maternity settings across the North of Scotland, allowing you to achieve all required learning across antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care settings.

Job Prospects

An increasing number of Midwives now work in the community, providing services in the home, local clinics, and GP surgeries. Midwives often hold a caseload and provide care to a group of women throughout their pregnancies, births and postpartum. There is also the option to be hospital based and work on antenatal, labour and postnatal wards. Some Midwives also choose to work as independent practitioners outside the NHS, or specialise in a particular area such as perinatal care, with further study.

Is Midwifery a good career choice?

Previous Midwifery graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to purse careers in:

• Practice
• Education
• Research
• Management 
• Leadership

Our close links with employers and professional bodies ensure that you will graduate with the knowledge and skills required of a modern midwifery professional. Our graduates are in demand and consistently achieve employment immediately following qualification in local, national or international settings.

• Applicants normally hold a first degree or honours degree, or its equivalent, in a relevant subject.
• Applicants must also have Higher/A Level in a science subject. Biology, Human Biology or Psychology is recommended at grade C and National 5/GSCE Maths at grade C/5.

English Language Requirements

All applicants whose first language is not English are required to have an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of 7.0 with a score of 7.0 in all elements apart from writing where minimum score is 6.5. Appropriate equivalents will be considered.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £15 for specialist clothing -for clinical skills teaching

If you are a Scottish resident  you can apply to SAAS for funding.

Nursing and Midwifery students who meet the criteria are entitled to a non-income-assessed bursary which is administered through the Student Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS). 

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

Applicants that have already studied for a nursing degree are unlikely to receive funding for a midwifery degree.