University Calendar 2015/16
Section X : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Health Sciences


PREFACE
CONTENTS
SEMESTERS
SECTION I
SECTION II
SECTION III
SECTION IV
SECTION V
SECTION VI
SECTION VII
SECTION VIII
SECTION IX
SECTION X
SECTION XI
SECTION XII
SECTION XIII
SECTION XIV
 
ARCHIVE 2009/10
ARCHIVE 2010/11
ARCHIVE 2011/12
ARCHIVE 2012/13
ARCHIVE 2013/14
ARCHIVE 2014/15
Academic Unit Professional Practice in Health Sciences
Final Award Master of Science Midwifery with eligibility for NMC registration as Midwife
Programme(s) Midwifery (156 week programme)
Last modified July 2015

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV and Section V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.

Except where an opt-out has been granted by the University (see below) the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.

1. Admissions
 
Candidates for admission must satisfy the Regulations for Admission to Degree Programmes as specified in the general regulations (Standalone Masters).  Candidates must also satisfy the NMC (2009) standards for admission to Pre-registration Midwifery Programmes.   Normally an Honours degree in a relevant subject at 2.1 (relevance will be assessed by the admissions tutor on an individual basis. Additionally candidates must have at least five GCSE passes at Grade C or above including English language and Mathematics, and evidence of study within the last 5 years.

The level of English proficiency accepted for the programme is IELTS (or equivalent) at grade 7.0 with minimum of 7.0 in each component (to meet NMC requirements). Applicants with grade 6.5 will be accepted on the understanding that the student will need to re-sit the examination to achieve grade 7.0 if they wish to register and practise in the UK.

Admission to, and continuation on, the programme is subject to specific health requirements (consistent with the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act [2010]). Prospective students are required to inform the Faculty of any health problems relevant to their future employment as a health professional. All students will be subject to an occupational health check.  

Admission to, and continuation on, the programme is subject to consideration of any criminal convictions. The programme is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act [1986]. Prospective students are required to inform the Faculty of all criminal convictions. All students will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Equality Statement
The Faculty wishes to make places available to a wide range of people who will make a useful contribution to the study and practice of midwifery. The University and the Faculty are committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities in which students are recruited on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the University. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no prospective or current student should receive less favourable treatment on any grounds that are not relevant to academic ability and attainment and state registration as a professional midwife.

The University's Disability Equality Scheme includes an Action Plan which identifies the steps that the University is taking to improve the opportunities available to disabled students. Applications from candidates with disabilities are always considered and assessment of their abilities and needs undertaken sensitively. Decisions are based on whether or not the applicant meets the admission criteria, whether the programme can be delivered to the applicant in a way that meets their requirements, making reasonable adjustments if necessary and whether at the end of the programme, the graduate would meet the competencies set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of prior learning is not permitted within this programme in accordance with the NMC Standards for Pre-registration Midwifery (2009). Transfer into the programme from another NMC approved programme of midwifery will be considered on an individual basis and in accordance with NMC and University regulations.


2. Structure of Programme(s)
 
The programme leading to the award of Master of Science Midwifery with eligibility to register with the NMC as a midwife shall be of 156 weeks duration. This is a full time programme. The award must be completed within five years of the commencement date. This period of registration will incorporate periods of suspension or interruption of studies.

The programme is structured to ensure that the requirements of the NMC (2009) and the University are met and includes the completion of a minimum of 90 ECTS at the appropriate level as well as the additional credits required for professional registration, over 156 weeks duration. The programme comprises 11 theory and 9 practice modules. All modules are core.

Practice
Level 4 – 37.5 ECTS credit year 1
Level 5 – 37.5 ECTS credit year 2
Level 6 – 30 ECTS credit year 3

Academic
Year 1 – 15 ECTS level 6
Year 1 – 15 ECTS level 7
Year 2 – 30 ECTS at level 7
Year 3 – 37.5 ECTS at level 7

A total of 75 ECTs at level 7 from the academic modules (from the total of 82.5 ECTs at level 7) and 15 ECTs at level 6 from the final practice placement contribute to the Master of Midwifery classification.

The outline of the content of each module shall be specified in the module profile and made available to students on the University virtual learning environment.


3. Progression
 
Progression Regulations are as described in the University Calendar, Section IV : General Regulations; Progression, Determination and Classification of Results for Standalone Masters Programmes. For all programmes which lead to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council or the Health Care Professions Council, statutory regulations apply. For this reason, this programme is exempt from section 3.2 (regarding compensation) and section 4.1 (regarding referral of assessments) of the Progression Regulations.

The pass mark for all theoretical and practice modules is 40% for all level 4, 5 and 6 modules and 50% for all level 7 theoretical modules. The pass mark for all practice modules is 40% and satisfactory achievement of designated competencies, skills and criteria. Students must meet the pass criteria in both academic and practice experience to pass overall.

Standard University progression regulations apply, except for the following variations, to meet NMC professional requirements.

No restriction is placed on the number of modules on which students may be referred for a second attempt.  In exceptional circumstances students may conditionally progress to the next part.  Outstanding outcomes must be met by week 12 of the following part.

Failure to declare good health and character at the beginning of the academic year may result in termination of the programme.

There is no compensation between modules as all modules are core.


4. Assessment
 
The performance of students shall be assessed by the Board of Examiners in accordance with NMC requirements and the University’s regulations governing examinations for the Master of Science Midwifery.
  • Assessments are set and undertaken throughout the academic year.

  • Practice modules must be repeated internally as attendance at placement areas is required.

  • Students must meet the pass criteria in both academic and, when required, practice assessment to pass overall. Non-assessed work may also be a course and /or professional requirement. The Faculty programmes handbook presents a summary of process for the submission of coursework.

  • When attending for an examination students must produce either their university ID card or a form of photographic ID in which they are clearly identifiable. Students without photographic ID will not be permitted entry to the examination.

  • Students are advised to familiarise themselves with the policies regarding academic integrity and confidentiality.

  • Practice Experience modules will be graded as per NMC (2009) Standards for Pre-registration midwifery education (Standard 15). Practice experience 6 contributes to the classification of award.


5. Award of Qualification(s)
 
The Programme follows the University Regulations for the Progression, Determination and Classification of Results for Standalone Masters Programmes specified in Section IV of the University Calendar. In order to qualify for the award of Master of Science Midwifery with registration on the Midwives part of the Nursing and Midwifery register, candidates must:
  • have satisfied the entry requirements as set out in the Programme Specification;

  • have undertaken all the levels of the curriculum as appropriate to the award and passed all the required assessments (theory and practice);

  • have completed satisfactorily all practice assessment, practice experience and other coursework as required;

  • have met all the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements for progression;

  • have met the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements of 40% of hours of academic study and 50% of hours of practice experience;

  • have met the European Directives (currently 2005/36/EC and Modernised Directive 2013/55/EU) in particular - article 40;

  • be judged as of good health and good character for entry to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register.
The final award is awarded by Senate on the recommendation of the relevant Faculty Board to candidates who have satisfactorily completed an approved course of study and have satisfied the assessment requirements.

Any student who experiences grave or terminal illness/injury which prevents them from continuing on their award and achieving professional qualification, may be eligible for a posthumous award of aegrotat qualification named either Postgraduate Certificate in Health Studies or Postgraduate Diploma in Health Studies. This does not confer eligibility to register with the NMC.

Students who are successful at all year one and specified year two assessments but who but are unable to successfully complete all the required year 2 Clinical Placements shall be eligible for the exit award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Studies (at least 30 ECTS of which 20 have to be at level 7). This does not confer eligibility to register with the NMC.

Students who are successful at the assessments detailed in the programme specification but are unable to successfully complete all the required Clinical Placements shall be eligible for the exit award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Studies (at least 60 ECTS academic of which 45 have to be at level 7). This does not confer eligibility to register with the NMC.

Students who are successful at the assessments in years 1 and 2, and the academic assessment of year 3 but are unable to successfully complete all the required Clinical Placements shall be eligible for the exit award of a Masters in Health Studies (at least 90 ECTS academic of which 75 have to be at level 7). This does not confer eligibility to register with the NMC.

Students who are successful at the assessments in years 1, 2 and 3 including successful completion of all the required clinical placements and course requirements shall be eligible for the exit award of a Master of Science Midwifery with entry to the Midwives Part of the Nursing and Midwifery Council professional register (total of 75 ECTs Level 7 academic plus 15 ECTs at level 6 from the final assessed practice placement).

For students completing all components of years 1, 2 and 3 of the programme and exiting with a Master of Science Midwifery award:
  • The first Level 7 programme module 'Introduction to Professional Practice 2' will not contribute to the final classification [75 ECTs out of the 82.5 ECTs for academic modules achieved at level 7 contribute to the final classification] as this first Level 7 module enables the student to develop their level 7 skills without impacting their final classification.

  • In the event of a student wishing to undertake a level 6 learning activity for the year two module 'Midwifery Professional Practice', the 'Introduction to Professional Practice 2' module credits would contribute to the final classification [minimum requirement of 75 ECTs for academic modules taken at level 7].


6. Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork
 
Practice experience forms an integral part of the programme and students are required to pass in order to complete the programme successfully. Practice equates to 50% of the programme outcomes and is full time for the duration of the programme.

The opportunity exists for students to undertake an elective experience within year 2. This must be in line with NMC educational guidelines for professional midwifery practice, covered by University and Faculty guidelines for elective/independent activity, consistent with the educational commissioning of the programme, aligned with programme learning outcomes and appropriate to professional development needs.

Students are permitted to continue in placement whilst progressing an academic appeal against a relevant body if deemed appropriate by the Programme Leader i.e. if a student is undergoing an appeal made against a ‘Fitness to Practise’ panel, they may not be permitted to enter practice settings.  Other sanctions may also apply.


7. Other
 
As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our programmes to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, these regulations may be revised during a student’s period of registration, however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student’s programme.

Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Faculty and University regulations and policies. In particular:

Fitness to Practise
Academic Integrity
Special Considerations
Fitness to Study
Academic Appeals
Student Complaints

Compensation
Compensation is not permitted on this programme; all modules are core to the programme.

Submitted by Corporate Services
Last reviewed: 23-Jul-2015
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