This course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and compassionate care required throughout pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, labour and birth, postpartum and the early stages of a newborn infants’ life. The MSc will acknowledge your key graduate attributes and transferable skills and build on these so you can confidently deliver effective care.
You will develop key skills to provide universal care for all women, their families and newborns as well as additional care for those women and infants with complications. Furthermore, you will develop midwifery knowledge with emphasis on leadership, management, education, research with critical thinking and promote role modelling in midwifery.
The course is closely integrated with BSc Midwifery students as you complete shared modules which are assessed at postgraduate level.
If you are considering a postgraduate study option starting in January 2025, then please be aware application deadlines are in place which may affect your first choice of start date or course selection.
Year 1
You will be introduced to three dynamic themes: Universal Care for all Women and Newborn Infants, the Professional Midwife and Additional Care for Women and Newborn Infants with Complications. You will also learn introductory clinical midwifery skills in a simulated environment as well as in maternity care settings. You will undertake a variety of teaching and learning experiences with academic and clinical colleagues, incorporating theory, clinical skills and practice.
Year 2
The three academic themes will be explored further building upon your professional knowledge and experience from Year 1.
You will gain further insight into the role of the Midwife working in partnership with women and families from our diverse society. This will be strengthened by your understanding of the importance of effective midwifery practice within maternity care teams.
Year 3
In your final year you will consolidate your knowledge, skills and attitudes to engage in midwifery care with confidence. You will be able to provide skilled, knowledgeable, respectful and compassionate care for all women, newborn infants and their families. You will meet the professional outcomes set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the academic outcomes established for the MSc Midwifery course.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Our sustainability commitment
Sustainability is fundamental to the midwifery community at RGU. Our quality education involving a flexible blended approach to the curricula addresses sustainability through various aspects, including environmental, social, and economic sustainability. With a focus on maternal and infant wellbeing, gender equality and reducing health inequalities, we develop midwives who can think critically and use innovation to meet the immediate needs of individuals and communities whilst also considering the potential impact on future generations.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 3, 5 and 10. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our Course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning 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.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £9250 |
| Year 2 | £9250 | |
| Year 3 | £9250 | |
Additional Costs
- £15 for specialist clothing -for clinical skills teaching
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
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.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.