MSc International Midwifery Studies

Summary 2012/13

• Join a programme specifically designed for international midwives and nurses who work within a maternity setting as well as UK midwives who want to develop their knowledge and skills specifically relating to international themes;
• Equip yourself with the in-depth knowledge and understanding to critically evaluate evidence-based practice and research methodologies in health and social care provision;
• Choose from a 2-year full-time pathway with the potential of a year spent in the UK or a longer part-time route delivered entirely online.

This programme offers midwives and nurses working in maternity settings around the world with an opportunity to study at Masters level. You will gain a global perspective on midwifery care whilst advancing your knowledge and developing new academic and evidence-based skills.

The programme lays firm foundations in the key concepts of midwifery in a global context and seeks to promote positive values and attitudes that recognise and respect individual and cultural diversities and challenge discriminatory practice.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join this programme you must be a qualified midwife or nurse working in maternity provision, with a minimum of one year’s professional experience and evidence of recent employment in health care settings. You must have a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas Higher Education Institution. All applications will primarily be processed by the Centre for International Education (CIE) with the support of the Admissions Office and advice sought from the Programme Leader where a subject specific/ professional judgment is required.

You must demonstrate written English language ability at IELTS 7.0. Evidence of conversational English language ability can be shown through any of the following:

• IELTS 7.0 - test taken in the past 2 years;
• TOEFL Paper Based- 50 test taken in the past 2 years;
• TOEFL IBT 79-80 test taken in the past 2 years;
• Prior degree study, taught in English, from a UK Border Agency recognised English speaking country.

Your completed application form should include a supporting personal statement and you will also need to provide two references, one academic and one professional, as appropriate.

Please note that Edge Hill University has an obligation to adhere to the UK Border Agency criteria. Therefore, depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may be able to study in the UK as a Tier 4 (General) student, a PSW Visa holder, a dependant student, or a Tier 1 or Tier 2 student. If you have a non-EU passport you should ensure that you have a right to study at Edge Hill University - it is your responsibility to ensure that your VISA status allows you to pursue studies in the UK. Visit the UK Border Agency website for further information.

Summary 2013/14

• Join a programme specifically designed for international midwives and nurses who work within a maternity setting as well as UK midwives who want to develop their knowledge and skills specifically relating to international themes;
• Equip yourself with the in-depth knowledge and understanding to critically evaluate evidence-based practice and research methodologies in health and social care provision;
• Choose from a 2-year full-time pathway with the potential of a year spent in the UK or a longer part-time route delivered entirely online.

This programme offers midwives and nurses working in maternity settings around the world with an opportunity to study at Masters level. You will gain a global perspective on midwifery care whilst advancing your knowledge and developing new academic and evidence-based skills.

The programme lays firm foundations in the key concepts of midwifery in a global context and seeks to promote positive values and attitudes that recognise and respect individual and cultural diversities and challenge discriminatory practice.

2013 Entry Requirements

To join this programme you must be a qualified midwife or nurse working in maternity provision, with a minimum of one year’s professional experience and evidence of recent employment in health care settings. You must have a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas Higher Education Institution. All applications will primarily be processed by the Centre for International Education (CIE) with the support of the Admissions Office and advice sought from the Programme Leader where a subject specific/ professional judgment is required.

You must demonstrate written English language ability at IELTS 7.0. Evidence of conversational English language ability can be shown through any of the following:

• IELTS 7.0 - test taken in the past 2 years;
• TOEFL Paper Based- 50 test taken in the past 2 years;
• TOEFL IBT 79-80 test taken in the past 2 years;
• Prior degree study, taught in English, from a UK Border Agency recognised English speaking country.

Your completed application form should include a supporting personal statement and you will also need to provide two references, one academic and one professional, as appropriate.

Please note that Edge Hill University has an obligation to adhere to the UK Border Agency criteria. Therefore, depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may be able to study in the UK as a Tier 4 (General) student, a PSW Visa holder, a dependant student, or a Tier 1 or Tier 2 student. If you have a non-EU passport you should ensure that you have a right to study at Edge Hill University - it is your responsibility to ensure that your VISA status allows you to pursue studies in the UK. Visit the UK Border Agency website for further information.

Details

Who is this course for?

The programme is specifically designed for international midwives and nurses who are working within a maternity setting and who are registered with their country’s appropriate registration body. It is also suitable for UK midwives interested in expanding their knowledge and gaining an international perspective on midwifery.

What will I gain from this programme?

Successful completion of the programme will see you graduate with the ability to critically evaluate and apply aspects of contemporary midwifery and healthcare practice, policy, research and education.

How we will support you

Pastoral support for international students is provided primarily by staff within the Faculty of Health and Social Care. However, all international students on campus can seek advice from the international student support team in the Centre for International Education.

Personal tutoring will be shared between the Programme Leader and the Centre for International Education, with a dedicated International Tutor available to offer advice and support on academic matters. The Learning Services team are also available to provide support on every module of the programme.

If you are joining the full-time programme, the Head of International Operations and a Student Support Officer will organise an orientation to give you practical advice on how to adjust to the cultural and social changes that you will encounter in the UK. The orientation content will signpost you to the various student support services available on campus.

Full-time MSc International Midwifery Studies students may also wish to take advantage of pre-sessional academic workshops. These are currently available to full-time students only but there are plans to extend this to part-time students in the future.

What will I study?

The programme’s core modules encompass contemporary issues in midwifery, including the cultural diversity of midwifery, leadership qualities, clinical skills, breastfeeding, supporting learners in practice and evidence-based practice.

You will critically reflect on and appraise your own leadership skills and identify challenges in relation to the context of your practice to gain a deeper understanding of the factors which influence your ability to lead. Cultural respect and cultural diversity will be a key theme within the programme, and you will learn alongside a wide range of midwives from many different cultures as the course becomes embedded.

By the end of the programme you will have the ability to plan a small-scale empirical project in your chosen discipline and demonstrate an increased awareness of the theoretical and practical implications of undertaking such a study.

How will I study?

You can study the programme full-time in the UK through face-to-face sessions at Edge Hill University’s Ormskirk Campus. Please note, on the full-time programme your attendance has to be recorded as part of UK Border Agency requirements.

If you are unable to come to the UK or prefer to study from overseas, a part-time version of the programme is also available that can be undertaken entirely online. You are encouraged to discuss your preferred length of study on the part-time route with the programme leader at the application stage.

Who will be teaching me?

Edge Hill University enjoys an excellent reputation for teaching quality. The teaching team mainly comprises staff from the Faculty of Health and Social Care, supported by guest speakers / associate tutors who are practicing clinicians. Members of the programme team have relevant theoretical understanding and clinical experience, publish in international journals and present at national and international conferences.

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessment strategies are used. These include essays, reflective assignments, a hypothetical research proposal and a portfolio of evidence-based practice tailored to the individual specialism in midwifery. The dissertation requires you to undertake a small scale piece of research or investigation project.

The assessment methods will challenge your critical and creative thinking, enabling you to demonstrate the ability to synthesise existing knowledge and new knowledge and integrate this direct to practice.

What are my career prospects?

Completion of this programme enhances your professional profile. It demonstrates to your current or future employers and commissioners that you have the necessary academic skills and Masters level knowledge to support your scope of professional practice.

Please note, however, that in order for international students to register as a midwife in the UK you must also undertake and successfully complete the Overseas Midwives Programme (OMP), which has strict entry requirements as set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK. International students who complete the MSc International Midwifery Studies without undertaking the OMP will not be able to register as a midwife in the UK. For further information, visit www.nmc-uk.org.

Related Programmes

• BSc (Hons) International Midwifery
• BSc (Hons) International Nursing
• MSc International Nursing Studies
• MSc Advanced Practice
• PGCert Public Health

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise and 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

The Faculty of Health and Social Care is one of the main providers of education for health care professionals in Merseyside and the North West, with approximately 4,000 trained and educated at Edge Hill University every year.

The £14 million purpose-built accommodation at the Ormskirk Campus houses some of the best facilities in the country, with leading edge clinical skills facilities, including ward simulations that are equipped with industry standard equipment.

The Faculty has been commended by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for the quality of teaching and learning, student progression and learning resources.

How do I apply?

Apply directly to Edge Hill University.

UK and EU students should download the Health Professional Development pathway application form and notes for guidance (pdf).

International students should download the international postgraduate application form and notes for guidance (doc). For more information on the application process, visit the Centre for International Education website.

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees for this programme are £560 per 20 credit module and £900 for the 60 credit dissertation for academic year 2012/13.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Not got the entry requirements?

Please contact the Centre for International Education for clarification at international@edgehill.ac.uk.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Carol Mashhadi, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk Campus, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657056
• Email: mashhadc@edgehill.ac.uk

Alternatively, for more information on what it’s like to be an overseas student at Edge Hill University, you should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk.

Modules

Year 1

• HEA 4005 Enhancing Clinical Skills in the Childbearing Continuum
• HEA 4052 Creating Change Within the Context of International Midwifery
• HEA4053 Breastfeeding and International Health
• HEA4048 Supporting Learning in Practice through Mentorship
• HEA 4046 Applied Principles of Leadership

Year 2

• HEA 4045 Research: Developing a Research Proposal
• HEA 4081 Dissertation

Please note, it's possible to exit the programme at Postgraduate Certificate level (60 credits) or Postgraduate Diploma level (120 credits) if you wish.