Midwifery

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.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

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.

Cohort sizes vary from year to year but at present there are around 60-80 students.

You have approximately 10 weeks annual leave in each year of the course. 

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

How long is a BSc Midwifery course?

A Midwifery course can be successfully completed in 3 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained. The course alternatively offers the option to study over three and a half years with extended annual leave allowance each 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.

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. All Lecturers 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 Health 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 - 23 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.

Placements at RGU

Read more about Midwifery placements in the RGU Student Blog:

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 pursue the following careers:

• 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.

What is needed for a BSc Midwifery course?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBBC to include English and a science subject. Biology, Human Biology or Psychology is recommended. Maths or Applications of Maths is required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: BCC to include English and a science subject. Biology, Human Biology or Psychology is recommended. Maths is required at GCSE grade 5/C or above if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3 to include English and a science subject. Biology, Human Biology or Psychology is recommended. Maths is required at grade O3 or above if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level English and a science subject. Biology is recommended. Maths is required at Standard Level if not held at Higher.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: BBB/BBCC to include English and a Science subject. Biology, Human Biology or Psychology is recommended. Maths is required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.

Alternative Qualifications

For entry to year 1 we welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated above. These include:

• HNC in a related subject e.g. Healthcare Practice, Social Services, Applied Science, Social Sciences accepted in combination with other qualifications
• HND in a related subject e.g. Healthcare Practice, Social Services, Applied Science, Social Sciences accepted on its own           
• Advanced (SCQF Level 6) Healthcare (NESCOL) or NC Level 6 in Health and Social Care (other college providers) accepted in combination with other qualifications       
• SVQs/NVQs (level 3 and above) accepted in combination with other qualifications
• QQI/FETAC level 5 – at required grade and in relevant subject area accepted in combination with other qualifications
• Equivalent overseas qualifications

English Language Requirements

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