Please note
This course and the information on this page is indicative based on the 2019/20 academic year. The final details for this course starting in 2020/21 may be subject to change and will be confirmed in June 2019.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which regulates Midwives and midwife education is changing the standards required to be a midwife and as a result there will be a new programme from September 2020.
Therefore it is likely there will be some difference between the information that is currently displayed on our course pages and the finalised 2020 course specifications. The updated course specifications will be available on our website no later than the 31 July 2020.
In the meantime please visit the NMC website for more information about the new standards.
Are you a registered adult nurse looking to change career? You can become dual qualified as a midwife with our 88 week intensive Midwifery shortened course here at Birmingham City University.
Upon completion you will graduate with your degree as well as the NHS Newborn and Infant Physical Examination Programme (NIPE) and the UNICEF Baby Friendly initiative. This course is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
What's covered in the course?
We offer a forward-thinking educational and training environment, closely aligned to the NHS Constitution and the specific needs of midwifery in the field today, thanks to our close partnership with our commissioning partner.
We use the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards for Pre-registration Midwifery Education to underpin our training for you to qualify as a midwife and to provide autonomous women-centred care.
The academic studies to help you become a registered midwife are closely interwoven with real-world clinical practice as we know that such experience is crucial to help you reach NMC standards. Key to your journey on this 20+ month intensive course will be strong development of your interpersonal skills (as identified in the Essential Skills Cluster-Communication) to support women and their families through what can sometimes be very complex situations.
You will not only become a midwife competent in the skills needed to promote normal birth and empower women, but become a midwife skilled in managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies, backed up by the evidence based knowledge you need to develop confidence and competence to provide safe care.
Your time here will be split between on-campus study blocks, study days, Trust days, reading weeks and clinical placements – with at least 50 per cent of the course on clinical activities and 40 per cent in class or theory-based.
As we closely align with the values of the NHS Constitution we'll also make sure you leave fully engaged with not just the practice but the ethical and legal framework of today's patient-centric National Health Service.
Where will I study?
You will learn in our City South campus, with access to state-of-the-art facilities that allow you to continue developing your practical skills right here on campus. You will be able to familiarise yourself with the birthing areas in our SPACE room, designed to replicate a birth setting, where you can drop in and practise your skills.
Our campus also has fantastic skills facilities that you will have access to throughout your time here. These include a theatre mock ward, home environment, birthing room and much more. You can find out more about our facilities here.
Why Choose Us?
- Our course is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
- High graduate employability rate - 100 per cent graduate employability, as there is currently a UK-wide shortage of midwives
- You will be eligible to apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to become a registered midwife once you have graduated from this course
- Enjoy real-life work placements throughout the course to develop you as a professional midwife
- We work in partnership with the NHS and private hospitals, ensuring that your placement and career opportunities are secured
- Sophisticated skills facilities such as a home environment, birthing area and teaching tools, including use of a birth simulator and neonatal mannequins to help simulate a variety of birth scenarios
- Awarded the UNICEF Stage 1 Baby Friendly Initiative - It's highly unusual for a University to achieve this, and shows how deep our best practice is around this vital area
- You will come away fulfilling the NHS newborn and infant physical examination (NIPE) criteria. Including this extended training in the course demonstrates our commitment to enhancing undergraduate development to the highest standards
- Learn from registered midwives with a wide range of clinical experience and interests. Our staff work hard to ensure their teaching reflects everyday up to date midwifery practice
- Student loan finance - have you already studied an undergraduate degree but would like to do a second one in Midwifery (Shortened Programme)? You may be eligible for funding.
This course is not open to International students
Discover the School of Nursing and Midwifery
Visit our School site for more student work and extra information.
Where our students go
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
- Heartlands Hospital
- Birmingham Women's Hospital
- Sandwell and West Birmingham
And in jobs such as:
- Midwife
Subject to approval
This course is in the final stages of approval to ensure it meets the very highest standards of quality, creativity and applied learning.
Entry Requirements
We now recruit to the values of the NHS constitution. This influences our selection criteria and especially the values we are seeking to be demonstrated in both your application and interview, which we view as essential in any individual involved in patient care.
This programme is open to students possessing evidence of a formal qualification as a general nurse (for a full time programme of a minimum of 88 weeks duration) in accordance with the Standards for pre-registration midwifery education (NMC 2009) admission to and continued participation in pre-registration midwifery programmes. Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the programme, which are as follows
- Be registered with the NMC as a general nurse (adult) and consolidated this with a period of 12 months full-time nursing experience immediately prior to commencing the programme.
- Have evidence of 240 specific credits, 120 of which should be level 5 (diploma level) or equivalent.
- Average of 60 per cent in level 5 nursing studies (and have passed all level 5 modules at first attempt) or 2:2 in BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing.
- Be resident within the UK for at least three years (for DBS Clearance).
- Permanent residency in the UK/EU.
- Evidence of academic study within the last five years at minimum Level 5.
- Two satisfactory references, one academic and one clinical.
- Satisfactory personal statement.
- All candidates will be required to undertake a numeracy and literacy test which needs to be passed before continuing the selection process. Candidates who are unsuccessful in achieving a pass in the tests will not be interviewed.
- The remaining selection process will consist of three elements: a written critique of a known report, a table top exercise to demonstrate team working and and communication and an interview.
- All offers made are subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) report.
In addition students who wish to achieve the Graduate Diploma must hold a Degree or equivalent credits in general nursing (adult).
Sample Literacy and Numeracy Tests
Numeracy and literacy tests are a requirement determined by the Nursing and Midwifery Council linked to the recruitment and selection of pre-registration nursing and midwifery students. Try our sample tests below:
Download Sample Literacy Questions as a PDF
Download Sample Literacy Questions with Answers as a PDF
Download Sample Numeracy Questions as a PDF
Download Sample Numeracy Questions with Answers as a PDF
Places subject to a satisfactory Occupational Heath Check, Disclosure and Barring Service report and registration with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
Applicants should be aware that qualifications, personal statement, interview, references and, numeracy and literature testing all form part of the selection criteria for this course.
Worried about exams? Don't be.
We've put together a whole host of resources including student tips and expert advice to help you nail your exams. You can even get a free revision guide.
UK or EU students
| Award | Start | Mode | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | Sep 2020 | FT | 88 weeks | £9,250 per year | Register your interest |
International Students
Sorry, this course is not available to international students.
The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
How to apply
To apply for this course please complete our online application. Alternatively, you can apply by completing the following PDF application form:
Please note whichever method of application you select you must also complete both of the following additional application forms and submit them with your application as you will be enrolled at the University, but will be employed and salaried by a partnership NHS Trust, for the duration of this course:
If you choose to apply via our online application form, please upload a copy of your completed additional application forms with your application or include them with your PDF application form.
References
Your reference should be completed by your academic and clinical referee. If you are applying online we will automatically email your referee after you have completed their contact details in the Referee’s section of the online application form and submitted your application. If you choose to apply via our PDF application form, you must arrange for the 'Report on applicant' form to be completed by your academic and clinical referee.
You will need to supply evidence of your degree or diploma in nursing, along with proof of your NMC number.
Applicants need to submit all of the requested supporting evidence before they can be shortlisted for interview.
Feedback will only be available to those who were invited to interview.
Contact details for admissions:
Telephone: +44 (0) 121 331 5500
Email: NMSW.admissions@bcu.ac.uk
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Additional costs
We offer a wide range of professionally accredited and vocational courses that require the purchase of, among other things, uniforms, equipment, subscriptions, professional body memberships and DBS checks, and may require you to pay to attend conferences or participate in placements.
The link below provides our estimate of the possible costs associated with key activities on specific courses. Please bear in mind that these are only estimates of costs based on past student experience and feedback. The actual costs to you could vary considerably (either greater or lower than these estimates) depending on your choices as you progress through the course. We set out where we can, based on experience, where these indicative costs are for activities that are optional or compulsory.
All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
Find additional costs for your course
Accommodation and living costs
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
Worried about personal statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
Financial Support
We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
Student loan finance - have you already studied an undergraduate degree but would like to do a second one in Midwifery (Shortened Programme)? You may be eligible for funding.
Level 6
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits): |
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which regulates Midwives and midwife education is changing the standards required to be a midwife and as a result there will be a new programme from September 2020.
The degree is delivered by a mixture of six modules in the Department of Midwifery within the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences and four to six week placements over 88 weeks.
We start with a strong foundation in the basics of Midwifery before moving quickly into hands-on experience. We adhere to the '6 Cs' values of the NHS Constitution, so right from the start will be looking to develop not only your technical skills (including the importance of evidence-based care and critical thinking) but the legal, professional and above all the ethical dimensions of the job.
The course is full-time, equivalent to a 37.5 hour working week. As in nursing you will be expected to work different shift patterns whilst on placement.
During the first term you will have the opportunity to complete a delivery suite and a community placement. Placements in the ante/postnatal wards, antenatal clinic, community and neonatal unit will take place during the remainder of your course.
Additional support
If you are dyslexic, have a specific learning difference or a disability, we have a Disability Tutor who can help and support you.
More on our disability tutor >>
We offer extra technical and learning support.
Practise your skills in SPACE
Filled with state-of-the-art equipment, our SPACE (Skills Practice and Care Enhancement) area is the perfect place for you to practise a wide range of skills at your own pace.
Watch our video to see how access to SPACE has helped our students to succeed.
Further study
The BSc (Hons) awarded on completion of this pre-registration course forms the basis for progression onto further study.
A comprehensive portfolio of post-registration short courses that focuses on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is available, along with other postgraduate schemes.
These courses allow for academic and/or clinical development. Many of the courses are taught as part-time flexible modules to fit around your work and domestic commitments.
By completing this course, you will be not only receive an academic degree but you will also be able to enter the midwifery part of the NMC's professional register – so we are offering you both an academic and a professional qualification opportunity. You will already be employed as an adult nurse, so by having dual qualification you can look forward to even greater employability prospects.
The course also aims to enable you to demonstrate safe and effective competence in:
- Applying evidence-based knowledge to best midwifery practice
- Applying your knowledge of psychological, social, emotional and spiritual factors that may positively or adversely influence normal child birth to practice
- Appropriate interpersonal skills (as identified in the Essential Skills Cluster-Communication) to support women and their families
- Skills in managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies, underpinned by appropriate knowledge
- Become an autonomous practitioner to women experiencing normal childbirth
- Being able to support women throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth and postnatal period in all settings, including midwifery-led units, birthing centres and the home.
- Be empowered to undertake critical decision-making to support appropriate referral to either the woman or baby to other health professionals or agencies when there is recognition of normal processes being adversely affected and compromised.
Placements
You'll experience all the relevant areas of midwifery practice: community-based, home-based, post- and ante-natal, in addition to hands-on exposure in contexts from birthing centres to hospital delivery suites. This will help you to pursue a career in a variety of midwifery roles after you graduate.
You'll also be working at every level of the NHS, from global leading centres to district hospitals thanks to our location and the strength of the links we have with Trusts in the region.
Birmingham is unique in having a wide concentration of Trusts within a relatively small metropolitan area – all of who maintain close enough links with us to ensure our training is always closely aligned with their specific clinical needs.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
You'll have the chance to take part in our popular Open Days as a paid Student Ambassador and talk about your experiences on the midwifery course to new students.
BCU Graduate+
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
More about Graduate+
Graduate jobs
Our graduates enjoy a very high employment rate – around 98 percent (2014 figures). Most of them are now employed at the trust they trained at and prefer to practice as an all round midwife. Many of our graduates have also progressed to a Band 6 midwife following additional training.
Other graduates have chosen to specialise in specific midwifery roles for example in teenage pregnancy, or have moved on into education or research. Some graduates will decide to apply for a management position – either Ward Manager or Team Leaders – only a few years after graduating.
Our facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.
This course is based in the £30 million award-winning Seacole Building, with mock hospital wards, SIMulation mannequins, mock Operating Theatre, Home Environment and laboratory.
Simulation Mannequins
We have several Simulation babies (SIM babies) which are leading edge, anatomically correct mannequins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills.
The SIM baby mannequins are complete with software, which is used to replicate real symptoms, and are enhanced by the manipulation of for example blood pressure, pulse and heart rate for extra realism.
Skills Practice And Care Enhancement Facility
The SPACE (Skills Practice And Care Enhancement) learning facility lets you further practice the skills taught in class, at your own pace and convenience.
It is fully stocked with the specialist items and equipment needed for procedures such as taking blood pressure, giving an injection, abdominal examination of a pregnant woman and caring for ill babies in an incubator.
Meet our staff
Our staff, all registered midwives, publish widely in the main professional journals in the field, as well as produce textbooks. A priority is placed on maintaining deep professional competence, with most continuing to practice and developing expertise in areas such as examination of the newborn infant.
Alison Edwards
Programme Director
Alison has been a nurse and midwife since 1985 and has been in higher education for over 10 years. She holds a registered teaching qualification with the NMC. Having completed a Masters degree a few years ago, it felt the right time to pursue a doctorate. Having written and published a number of articles and skills books, she continues to build a portfolio of publications and speak at conferences. She is currently the programme director for the shortened midwifery programme, coordinates the placements and timetable for the student midwives.