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MIDWIFERY STUDIES IN THE UK
There are few professions in the world as rewarding as midwifery. Midwives provide help, guidance and support to women and their families throughout pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. As a midwife, you will be part of one of life's most important experiences. In order to do this job to the best of your ability, you need to know about common birth procedures and what to do if there are complications. The Midwifery programme will give you the knowledge and skills you need to provide quality midwifery services to mothers and families from diverse backgrounds. This is training for people who love people, enjoy the daily challenges and work well in a team.
The course prepares you for midwifery practice through both theory and clinical study. To ensure you feel confident in both theory and practice, you will often spend up to half of the academic year in practice-based settings - for example, in purpose-built maternity units where you will be taught about simulated births, both in hospital and at home.
You will develop an understanding of the needs of pregnant women and gain insight into how best to provide the care they need. Throughout the programme you will also gain experience in caring for women before, during and after childbirth. You will also develop the values needed in this area of healthcare - caring, empathy, communication and collaboration skills, and respect for women's privacy and dignity.
TEACHING
The programme is taught primarily by midwifery tutors with a range of midwifery, teaching and research backgrounds. A variety of teaching methods are used to ensure that you have an enjoyable and stimulating course. These include lectures, computer-assisted teaching, small group work, mentoring, simulated birth situations and other practice.
In the first year, you will be introduced to the midwifery profession and learn about regular midwifery practice. You will gain a foundation of knowledge to build on over the next few years through subjects such as midwifery relationships and the development of the body during pregnancy. The second year is about developing the knowledge you have gained in the first year and giving you an insight into more complex medical needs. For example, you will learn about conditions that require referral to other healthcare facilities. In your final year, you will have the opportunity to specialise in midwifery and prepare for different roles. For example, you can take leadership courses to prepare you to take control of a birth situation.
MASTER’S DEGREE
Midwifery programmes are offered at both Bachelor's and Master's level. In the UK, you do not necessarily have to study a master's degree once you have completed a bachelor's degree. If you have a relevant midwifery background, you can go on to study for a master's in health/nutrition, psychology, nursing, medicine, biomedicine, radiography, genetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and more.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Midwives can work in both public and private health services. Midwifery is naturally aimed at a career as a midwife, but as a trained midwife there are opportunities to develop in different directions through specialisation and further training. By gaining expertise in a number of different areas, such as family planning or helping pregnant women with different diagnoses, midwives have the opportunity to develop their careers. There are also career opportunities in teaching and research.
WORKING IN CANADA
Applicants will need to check with any relevant midwifery association for information on the minimum requirements and regulatory framework in the province where they intend to work
Before applying, you’re encouraged to research the accreditation process in Canada and ensure that you would be able to register for practice in your home province using one of these degrees.
HOW TO NAVIGATE TRICKY PROFESSIONAL HEALTH APPLICATIONS TO UK UNIS
All of the different application requirements from deadlines to personal statement word limits to reference letter requirements can make it especially daunting when trying to apply to professional health degrees. Our advisors have many years of experience helping Canadian students successfully apply to physiotherapy degrees in the UK. They've even put together a webinar to help you ensure you are submitting the best professional health application you can. Find out more:
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
If this is an area you’re interested in pursuing, your personal Across the Pond advisor will be happy to send you suggestions for studies that will suit your interests and align with your academic history.
With the assistance of your Across the Pond advisor, you will have someone who can help you with information about admission requirements (these can vary depending on your Canadian province or university), which studies are available at bachelor's and master's level and help find the studies and universities that best suit you with your background, grades, desire to study and possibly place of study.
As the studies and universities all have different criteria and levels, it is unfortunately impossible to state all the nuances here on this page, so to get the most accurate information tailored to you and your wishes, get in touch with one of our advisors.
All help from us is free and without obligation.