Critically Exploring Professional Practice
Postgraduate
MSc
Midwifery
School of Health and Society
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Two year
Three year
Next enrolment
September 2024
In a nutshell
International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
This postgraduate masters programme is for qualified midwives only. If you aren't a midwife and you want to qualify as a midwife please look at the below alternative web pages:
- BSc (Hons) Midwifery
- MSc Midwifery (pre-registration) - if you already have a degree in health or a related area.
- MSc Midwifery Post-RN (pre-registration) - if you are a Registered Adult Nurse.
On the MSc/PgDip/PgCert Midwifery course, you will develop a mastery of contemporary midwifery and practice, enhance your professional credibility and develop your personal confidence for career advancement.
The MSc Midwifery will empower you to take forward your practice in any environment such as clinical, management, leadership and research roles. There is also a dedicated pathway for those with, or planning to have educational responsibilities.
You will:
- Examine your practice and develop an evidence-based approach to care and service provision.
- Be taught by a dynamic multidisciplinary team of academics and clinicians who are recognised experts in their disciplines and who have strong practice links across the North West.
- Be encouraged and supported to present and publish your work.
International
students accepted
This is for you if...
1.
You want to enhance your professional credibility and develop personal confidence for career advancement.
2.
You want to develop a mastery of contemporary midwifery and practice.
3.
You have the ability to act on your own initiative.
All about the course
You will be taught by a dynamic multidisciplinary team of academics and clinicians who are recognised experts in their disciplines and who have strong practice links across the north west. The teaching environments are equipped with state-of-the-art classroom facilities and dedicated midwifery and neonatal clinical skills simulation suites. Creative learning and participation are encouraged through reflection and critical discussion.
Please note that some modules require a clinical placement which must be in place prior to application. In some circumstances, assessment and practice can be undertaken via simulation.
One-to-one support and preparation is provided for assessments which emulate the real-life environment and allow practitioners to develop their skills and confidence. Although this might seem daunting you have the opportunity to learn at an achievable pace with a group of like-minded peers which students find friendly and supportive.
MSc: 180 credits
PgDip: 120 credits
PgCert: 60 credits
Please be aware that if you are an international student you are welcome to apply for the MSc Midwifery but you will not be able to undertake any modules that require assessment of clinical skills. You will not be able to gain any clinical experience in the UK, unless you are registered as a midwife by the UK Nursing & Midwifery Council.
Full-time:
- Year one, trimester one: Two 30-credit modules.
- Year one, trimester two: Two 30-credit modules.
- Year one, trimester three: Dissertation (60 credits).
Part-time (two years):
- Year one: Three 30-credit modules (one 30-credit module per trimester).
- Year two: One 30-credit module (trimester 1) and a dissertation (60 credits) in trimesters 2 and 3.
Part-time (three years):
- Year one: Two 30-credit modules. On completion, this equates to a PgCert.
- Year two: Two 30-credit modules. On completion, this equates to a PgDip.
- Year three: Dissertation (60 credits). On completion, this equates to the full MSc.
Trimester one modules
This module focuses on your professional development as a midwife nurse and is designed to support your critical analysis of yourself and professional practice.
Research Methods (Online)
This online module allows you to critically evaluate a range of research techniques and prepares you for the dissertation module. It includes an overview of the research theories, guidance on critically reviewing research, developing a research proposal and the fundamentals of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
Perinatal Mental Health
This module provides you with a systematic, in-depth understanding of knowledge, evidence and skills in relation to perinatal mental health, identifying, assessing and supporting pregnant and new mothers, their infants and families.
Professional Advocacy Modules
Two single 15 credit modules or taken concurrently for full 30 credits
Professional Midwifery Advocacy and Leadership (15 credits)
This module provides midwives with the knowledge and skills to become a Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA). It introduces the concepts of the A-EQUIP model focusing on coaching, clinical supervision and restorative practices. Taught by experts in the field and PMAs; leadership, advocacy and the midwifery profession are critically explored. Students will have the opportunity to be taught in the state of the art simulation facilities and examine real-life case studies.
Contemporary Leadership in Midwifery (15 credits)
This module can be studied concurrently with Professional Midwifery Advocacy and Leadership to provide the student with 30 credits at level 7 and learning focused on wider leadership issues. Students will have an opportunity to explore self and others in the context of contemporary leadership and develop their own leadership styles. Social media and the use of technology will be introduced as a learning tool and to improve students’ use of these in their field of practice. This is a self-directed online module.
Newborn and Infant Examination (NIPE)
This module encourages a holistic approach to the care of the neonate by addressing the relevant physiology, pathophysiology, psychological, professional, social and behavioural issues underpinning the routine newborn and infant examinations.
Newborn and Infant Examination (NIPE): Theory only
This module explores theory of examination of newborns using simulated practical workshops. This module is designed for international students who cannot gain experience in a clinical environment in the UK.
Independent Learning Midwifery
This online module allows you to undertake a comprehensive literature search on a topic of your choice (agreed with your academic supervisor) and to critically evaluate a range of evidence. This will provide you with the opportunity to formulate, negotiate and undertake a project that will enhance or develop skills and knowledge of a midwifery topic of choice.
Third Trimester Ultrasound
The aim of this module is to equip the practitioner with scientific and clinical knowledge, and critical understanding in order to demonstrate skills, competence and safe effective practice in performing Third Trimester Obstetric Ultrasound imaging.
Students on this module will normally already be employed by a clinical department.
In order to apply for this module, students must submit a Clinical Verification Form to demonstrate they have support from their manager and a clinical mentor to access the required caseload.
Non-Medical Prescribing
This module allows midwives to study with other health care professionals to prescribe safely, appropriately and cost-effectively as an independent prescriber. It also allows you to critically evaluate and challenge prescribing practice with reference to evidence-based practice, equality, diversity and clinical governance.
Project Management
Develop project management skills for an individually defined project.
Dissertation
This gives you the opportunity to undertake a research project aligned with your own practice and area of interest.
Trimester two modules
Perinatal Mental Health
This module provides you with a systematic, in-depth understanding of knowledge, evidence and skills in relation to perinatal mental health, identifying, assessing and supporting pregnant and new mothers, their infants and families.
Newborn and Infant Examination (NIPE)
This module encourages a holistic approach to the care of the neonate by addressing the relevant physiology, pathophysiology, psychological, professional, social and behavioural issues underpinning the routine newborn and infant examinations.
Evidence-based Care for Normal Birth
This module aims to support and promote normal birth, challenge the medicalisation of birth and increase your confidence to practice autonomously.
Independent Learning Midwifery
This online module allows you to undertake a comprehensive literature search on a topic of your choice (agreed with your academic supervisor) and to critically evaluate a range of evidence. This will provide you with the opportunity to formulate, negotiate and undertake a project that will enhance or develop skills and knowledge of a midwifery topic of choice.
Emergency and Intensive Care of the Newborn
This module will enable you to advance your academic knowledge and clinical skills expertise to meet the needs of the newborn who require intensive/emergency care. You will also develop the skills necessary for decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations. Students will ultimately foster a deeper understanding of the needs of the family within the context of changing health care provision.
Care of the Compromised Baby
This module will enable you to advance your academic knowledge and develop your clinical expertise to meet the needs of the compromised newborn. It will also enable you to develop the skills necessary for decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstance.
Research Methods (Online)
This online module allows you to critically evaluate a range of research techniques and prepares you for the dissertation module. It includes an overview of the research theories, guidance on critically reviewing research, developing a research proposal and the fundamentals of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
Newborn and Infant Examination (NIPE): Theory only
This module explores theory of newborn examination using simulated practical workshops. The module is for international students who cannot access clinical experience in the UK.
Non-Medical Prescribing
This module allows midwives to study with other health care professionals to prescribe safely, appropriately and cost-effectively as an independent prescriber. It also allows you to critically evaluate and challenge prescribing practice with reference to evidence-based practice, equality, diversity and clinical governance.
Critically Exploring Professional Practice
This module focuses on your professional development as a midwife nurse and is designed to support your critical analysis of yourself and professional practice.
Project Management
Develop project management skills for an individually defined project.
Dissertation
This gives you the opportunity to undertake a research project aligned with your own practice and area of interest.
Trimester three modules
Professional Advocacy Modules
Two single 15 credit modules or taken concurrently for full 30 credits
Professional Midwifery Advocacy and Leadership (15 credits)
This module provides midwives with the knowledge and skills to become a Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA). It introduces the concepts of the A-EQUIP model focusing on coaching, clinical supervision and restorative practices. Taught by experts in the field and PMAs; leadership, advocacy and the midwifery profession are critically explored. Students will have the opportunity to be taught in the state of the art simulation facilities and examine real-life case studies.
Contemporary Leadership in Midwifery (15 credits)
This module can be studied concurrently with Professional Midwifery Advocacy and Leadership to provide the student with 30 credits at level 7 and learning focused on wider leadership issues. Students will have an opportunity to explore self and others in the context of contemporary leadership and develop their own leadership styles. Social media and the use of technology will be introduced as a learning tool and to improve students’ use of these in their field of practice. This is a self-directed online module.
Maternal Critical Care
Develop specialist knowledge, skills and expertise to meet the needs of women requiring critical care during the childbirth continuum, and to facilitate a multi-disciplinary team approach.
Independent Learning Midwifery
This online module allows you to undertake a comprehensive literature search on a topic of your choice (agreed with your academic supervisor) and to critically evaluate a range of evidence. This will provide you with the opportunity to formulate, negotiate and undertake a project that will enhance or develop skills and knowledge of a midwifery topic of choice.
Research Methods (Online)
This online module allows you to critically evaluate a range of research techniques and prepares you for the dissertation module. It includes an overview of the research theories, guidance on critically reviewing research, developing a research proposal and the fundamentals of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.
We live in a rapidly changing world, and we’re keen to leave a productive legacy of helping people at all stages of their lives, improving their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
Facilities
Simulation Suite and Immersive Suite
The University has state-of-the-art simulation facilities for clinical skills and simulation scenarios in a variety of high and low-risk environments. The immersive suite, one of only a handful of its kind in UK universities – will enable students to practice dealing with any kind of incident in a virtual setting. A series of cameras project realistic images onto three walls of the room as well as onto the floor, while sounds can be played into the room by specialist technicians working from a separate control room.
The room can be transformed into anything from the back of an ambulance transporting women between hospitals or from home to hospital or to a challenging environment such as a houseboat where a woman has chosen to give birth.
The dedicated counselling suite with therapy and psychotherapy rooms can also be utilised for learning such as debriefing and coaching sessions.
Birth Simulators
We use a maternal and fetal simulation system called Sim Mom which allows you to appreciate the birthing experience from the onset of labour, through delivery, to treatment of the mother after the birth.
What about after uni?
Past students have gone on to take up posts as midwifery managers, educationalists and consultant midwives. Others have continued their studies at PhD level, for example undertaking the Professional Doctorate offered at this University.
Career Links
This course is mapped against the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework, which was introduced to provide greater flexibility and benefits for individuals and employers. It provides a single, consistent, comprehensive and explicit framework on which to base the review and development of all staff. By undertaking this programme, you can therefore demonstrate you have the knowledge and skills to deliver a high-quality service for childbearing women.
This course has close links with the maternity and neonatal services and module teaching teams are multidisciplinary. This means your learning will be current and relevant to contemporary midwifery practice.
The MSc Midwifery: Education confers NMC-accredited teacher status for those wishing to move into midwifery education.
What you need to know
Applicant profile
You will be a practising midwife, normally with at least a year’s clinical experience. You will be keen to explore and analyse the latest developments in midwifery knowledge and practice and develop a leading role in clinical practice.
English language requirements
If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.5 with no element below 5.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
International Students - Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
International Students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin studying their course. You may need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK in order for you to comply with Home Office regulations. Please refer to your offer conditions. You can find out if your programme requires an ATAS by checking the FCO website with your JACS code which will be on your offer letter should you choose to make an application. If you cannot find it please contact our Application Services team. If you have any queries relating directly to ATAS please contact the ATAS team. Apply for your ATAS Certificate through the ATAS website.
All students on a Student Visa must attend a minimum of eight hours timetabled face to face sessions over three days per week. This would only be available to those students taking a full-time route.
NB: Certain elements of the PG Dip Midwifery: Education and MSc Midwifery: Education is subject to accreditation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and not available to international students.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
You need an undergraduate degree in BSc (Hons) Midwifery or related degree at 2.2 or above, equivalent or have evidence of recent Level 6 study.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,820.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00per year |
Additional costs
You should consider additional costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our International Scholarships.
All Set? Let's Apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545