SUBJECT Midwifery Edition
WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE TO STUDY MIDWIFERY CLINICAL SKILLS AND PLACEMENTS: FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER MAKING MATERNITY CARE FAIRER
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Midwifery Edition
Inside...
SUBJECT
FEATURES: P.4 10 reasons to study at Plymouth With placements from day one, immersive learning environments that mirror real healthcare settings and a vibrant city lifestyle, discover why Plymouth is the place for you.
It’s never too early to start thinking about what you would like to do after school or college, or if you are thinking of a career move! At Plymouth, we know that choosing a university and course is a big decision. While you may have an idea of a profession, career or industry that you’re aspiring towards, if you’re unsure of exactly what you want to do or are keen to find out more – this is where our handy subject guide comes in. Meet some of this issue’s contributors:
Lotta BSc (Hons) Midwifery graduate From witnessing births on placement to supporting fellow students, every experience strengthened Lotta’s passion for becoming a midwife. P16
Megan BSc (Hons) Midwifery graduate Megan’s idea is now a resource that is helping women across the region. P18
P.12 Which degree is right for you? Whether you’re leaving college or are already a registered nurse, we have the degree for you. P.14 What it's really like to study midwifery "Choosing midwifery was the best decision I've made. It's challenging, but it's also one of the most rewarding careers you can imagine."
Abbie MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions) and BSc (Hons) Pre-Registration Midwifery Abbie discovered midwifery is about much more than newborns. P22
E XPLO R E YO UR FU T UR E H O M E Visit us at an Open Day
Discover our city by the sea
When it comes to finding out if university feels right for you, nothing compares to an open day. Talk to current students and quiz lecturers about your course. You can register to attend here plymouth.ac.uk/open-days
Our city-centre campus is the focal point for student life at the University of Plymouth. Picture yourself studying here with us – we know you’ll enjoy the view
P.20 Clinical skills and placements Midwifery is a hands-on profession, which is why your learning follows a simple journey: practise, apply, become. P.30 Learning alongside future healthcare professionals You'll learn alongside students from across healthcare throughout your degree.
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10 R E ASON S TO S TU DY AT PLYMOU TH If you’ve picked up this brochure and have started reading this line, then you’ve already begun a journey that could quite possibly change your life. You might have a mixture of feelings as you start to read this: one perhaps of excitement, another of nervousness, as you busily consider your future. By now you may have been presented with dozens of course brochures, many saying the same things. Perhaps you’re left wondering what really makes a difference between universities and courses. Here goes our top 10 for starters!
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2. SUCCESSFUL GRADUATE OUTCOMES Our graduates progress into employment or further study, leaving as qualified midwives ready to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and begin their careers.
1. PLACEMENTS FROM DAY ONE
Gain practical experience across hospital and community settings throughout the South West, supporting women and families through pregnancy, birth and postnatal care.
3. FLEXIBLE STUDY OPTIONS
Choose from on-campus or blended learning pathways, designed to help you balance study with work, family and other commitments.
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4. REALISTIC CLINICAL TRAINING
Develop your skills in stateof-the-art simulation suites and immersive learning environments that mirror real healthcare settings.
5. LEARN FROM EXPERT MIDWIVES Be taught by experienced, professionally registered midwives and healthcare specialists who bring current clinical practice and research into your learning.
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6. LEARN ALONGSIDE FUTURE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Study alongside nursing, paramedicine, physiotherapy and occupational therapy students, broadening your understanding of the roles and responsibilities across healthcare.
7. EXPLORE A RANGE OF CAREER PATHWAYS Midwifery can lead to specialist roles in areas such as neonatal care, public health, safeguarding, education, leadership and research.
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8. LEARN FROM PALS
You can learn alongside other students on the course with our Peer Assisted Learning (PALS) scheme, helping to broaden your knowledge, gain confidence and make friends.
9. SUPPORTIVE STUDENT COMMUNITY
Benefit from dedicated academic and placement support while becoming part of a close-knit student community that helps you succeed.
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10. STUDY IN BRITAIN'S OCEAN CITY
Enjoy a balance of city life, coastline and green spaces, with beaches, Dartmoor and a vibrant student community all close by.
PLUS ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Eligible students may receive £5,000 per year through the NHS Learning Support Fund to help support them during their studies and professional training.
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Midwifery more career options than you think Midwifery is about much more than supporting women during labour and birth. It's a career that combines science, healthcare, communication and advocacy, with opportunities to work in hospitals, communities, education, research and leadership. WHAT YOU'LL DO As a midwife, you'll support women, birthing people and families throughout pregnancy, birth and the early weeks of parenthood.
You might: • carry out health assessments and screenings • monitor the wellbeing of women and babies • support labour and birth • provide infant feeding and postnatal support • deliver education and advice throughout pregnancy
• help families make informed decisions about their care. No two days are the same, and every family has a different story. WHO YOU'LL SUPPORT Midwives care for people during some of the most important moments of their lives.
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YOUR CAREER PATHWAY
Alongside supporting healthy pregnancies and births, you'll also care for families facing more complex situations, including pregnancy complications, neonatal care and bereavement. Compassion, communication and teamwork are just as important as clinical skills.
"Midwifery is a fascinating and rewarding career with many different areas to work in, and the support from the University and placements is second to none."
Career pathways include: • labour ward and birth centre care • community midwifery • continuity of care teams • neonatal care • bereavement support • fetal medicine • public health • research and education • leadership and management • advanced clinical practice.
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR CAREERS TEAM
Lucy, Midwifery graduate
WHERE COULD YOUR CAREER TAKE YOU? Many midwives begin their careers in hospital or community maternity services before choosing to specialise.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A MIDWIFERY (PRE-REGISTRATION) DEGREE? Follow us on @uniplymcareers , Contact us or visit our website for more information. careers@plymouth.ac.uk +44 (0)1752 587456 plymouth.ac.uk/careers
With outstanding graduate outcomes and a wide range of career opportunities, midwifery is a profession where you can continue learning, developing and making an impact throughout your career.
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WHICH DEGREE IS RIGHT FOR ME? There are different ways to train as a midwife, depending on your qualifications, experience and lifestyle. IF YOU’RE LEAVING SCHOOL OR COLLEGE CHOOSE BSc (Hons) Midwifery. You’ll learn through lectures, placements and hands-on experience in hospitals and the community. This is the traditional university route into midwifery. You’ll need: 120 UCAS points
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A DEGREE CHOOSE MSc Midwifery (Pre-Registration). This course is for graduates who want to change career and become a midwife. You’ll study at masters level while training in practice settings. You’ll need: an undergraduate degree
IF YOU’RE ALREADY A REGISTERED ADULT NURSE CHOOSE MSc Midwifery (shortened). This is a faster route into midwifery for qualified adult nurses with at least 12 months of experience. You’ll need: • Registered Adult Nurse status • at least 12 months’ nursing experience
IF YOU WANT MORE FLEXIBILITY CHOOSE BSc (Hons) Midwifery – Blended Learning. You’ll study some of the course online alongside placements and inperson teaching. It’s ideal if you: • have work or family commitments • live further away from campus • prefer flexible study You’ll need: 120 UCAS points
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A DEGREE AND NEED FLEXIBILITY CHOOSE MSc Midwifery (Pre-Registration) – blended learning. This offers the same qualification with more flexible online learning, making it easier to balance study with other commitments. You’ll need: an undergraduate degree
IF YOU’RE A NURSE AND NEED FLEXIBLE STUDY CHOOSE MSc Midwifery (shortened) – blended learning. This combines online learning with placements, helping you fit study around work or family life. You’ll need: • Registered Adult Nurse status • at least 12 months’ nursing experience
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FUNDING AVAILABLE WHILE YOU STUDY Eligible healthcare students can receive at least £5,000 a year through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
FUNDING FOR REGISTERED NURSES If you are a registered nurse, you may be eligible for a funded place to study midwifery. Speak to your employer before applying and mention this in your application. Find out more about funding options.
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WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE TO STUDY MIDWIFERY CAITLIN "Choosing midwifery was the best decision I've made. It's challenging, but it's also one of the most rewarding careers you can imagine." Caitlin is a third-year student midwife on the MSc Midwifery (Pre-Registration) programme. FROM BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE TO MIDWIFERY Before studying midwifery, I completed a biomedical sciences degree at Plymouth. I realised I was always drawn to topics around pregnancy and women's health, but I also wanted a career where I could work directly with people and make a real difference. Midwifery turned out to be the perfect fit. WHY PLYMOUTH FELT RIGHT I love studying in Plymouth. The campus is right in the city centre, the lecturers are supportive and approachable, and there's a real sense of community on the course.
Everyone wants you to succeed, and you're surrounded by people who share the same passion for caring for others. THE MOMENTS YOU'LL NEVER FORGET One of the best things about midwifery is being part of life's biggest moments. As a student, I've supported families hearing their baby's heartbeat for the first time, welcomed newborns into the world and cared for women throughout their pregnancy journeys. Those experiences remind me why I chose this career. FINDING MY PEOPLE I quickly found a community of people who were passionate about supporting women and families. The lecturers are approachable, the students are
supportive and everyone wants you to succeed. MY ADVICE If you're thinking about midwifery, go for it. Attend an open day, ask questions and talk to current students. You don't need to know everything before you start – just be curious, caring and ready to learn. LOOKING AHEAD What excites me most is that no two days are ever the same. Midwifery offers endless opportunities to learn, develop and make a difference to people's lives. I can't wait to continue my journey as a qualified midwife.
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FINDING MY PLACE ON THE DELIVERY WARD LOTTA "Seeing a caesarean section during my first week on placement is something I'll never forget." For graduate Lotta, studying midwifery at Plymouth was challenging, rewarding and full of memorable moments. From witnessing births on placement to supporting fellow students, every experience strengthened her passion for becoming a midwife. WHY PLYMOUTH FELT RIGHT When Lotta visited Plymouth for an open day, she immediately felt at home. "We were shown the skills labs and simulation models, and it made me really excited to start the course." Studying in the South West meant she could enjoy university life while staying close to friends and family. The combination of hands-on placements, supportive lecturers and opportunities beyond the classroom made Plymouth stand out. Alongside her studies, Lotta attended student midwifery conferences, met professionals from across the sector and explored different career paths within the profession. LEARNING THROUGH REAL EXPERIENCE One of the biggest parts of the course is placement learning. Spending time in
real maternity settings gives students the opportunity to put theory into practice from the very beginning. "Being sent out on placement in the first term was definitely daunting, but it confirmed I'd made the right career choice." Through placements, Lotta worked across different clinical environments, developing her communication skills, confidence and resilience. One moment she will never forget was witnessing a caesarean section during her first week on placement. "That experience made me even more excited to become a midwife and work in healthcare." For Lotta, supporting women and families through some of the most important moments of their lives is what makes the profession so rewarding. LIFE BEYOND THE COURSE Plymouth offered Lotta the best of both worlds: a vibrant student city and easy access to the coast. "Everything was within walking distance, including the train and bus stations. In summer, you can go swimming on the seafront, and the Barbican has some really nice places to eat."
She also valued the support available to students, from academic guidance to wellbeing services. As part of the PeerAssisted Learning Scheme (PALS), Lotta helped other midwifery students prepare for exams, placements and university life. "It creates a safe space for students to talk about their worries with someone who understands what they're going through." MY ADVICE FOR FUTURE MIDWIVES Lotta describes midwifery as one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of her life. "Be prepared for long hours on your feet, use your friends and family for support, and enjoy the journey. When it gets tough, remember the difference you'll be making to families every day." Her top tips for future students are simple: • embrace every opportunity • ask questions and get involved • lean on your support network • start assignments early • be compassionate. And one final piece of advice? "Always keep hand sanitiser in your pocket."
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TURNING AN IDEA INTO ACTION MEGAN
A recent graduate was shortlisted for a prestigious Student Nursing Times Award after creating resources to help pregnant women spot the signs of breast cancer. Megan developed the project after supporting a woman undergoing treatment for pregnancy-associated breast cancer during her first year of training. She noticed there was little information available to help women monitor their breast health during pregnancy and decided to do something about it.
WHY IT MATTERS Breast cancer during pregnancy is rare, but symptoms can be difficult to recognise because normal pregnancy changes can mask potential warning signs.
Working with breast cancer awareness charity Coppafeel, Megan created an information leaflet that is now being distributed to pregnant women in Plymouth, with plans to introduce QR codes linking to additional online resources.
"The physiological changes of pregnancy can make it difficult to distinguish between what is normal and what may be concerning."
"Midwifery isn't simply about providing clinical safety; it is about ensuring that women feel empowered, heard and respected within their own bodies."
Megan's project aims to raise awareness and encourage women to seek advice if they notice anything unusual.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION Megan was shortlisted in the Student Innovation in Practice category at the Student Nursing Times Awards, recognising the impact of her work. She credits Plymouth's midwifery programme with giving her the skills and support to turn an idea into a real-world resource that is now helping women across the region.
Midwifery Lecturer Angela Thompson said:
"Megan produced an outstanding quality improvement project. It's fantastic to see her recognised for her hard work locally and nationally."
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CLINICAL SKILLS AND PLACEMENTS: FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER
Midwifery is a hands-on profession, which is why your learning follows a simple journey: practise, apply, become.
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STEP 1: PRACTISE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT Before caring for women and families on placement, you'll develop your skills in our specialist simulation facilities at InterCity Place.
midwives across NHS hospitals and community services in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.
Using realistic hospital wards, birthing rooms and a dedicated home birth suite, you'll practise everything from antenatal checks and newborn care to labour, birth and emergency scenarios.
• antenatal clinics and community appointments • labour wards and birth centres • postnatal and neonatal care • maternity triage and assessment units • home visits and community midwifery • specialist services such as fetal medicine and ultrasound.
These sessions allow you to gain experience, ask questions, learn from mistakes and receive feedback from experienced midwives before entering clinical practice. STEP 2: APPLY YOUR SKILLS ON PLACEMENT You'll spend 50% of your course on placement, working alongside registered
You'll gain experience across a range of maternity settings, including:
As your confidence grows, you'll take on more responsibility and develop essential midwifery skills, including monitoring maternal and fetal wellbeing, supporting labour and birth, and providing postnatal and infant feeding support.
STEP 3: BECOME A MIDWIFE By combining simulation-based learning with extensive clinical placements, you'll graduate with the practical skills, professional confidence and real-world experience needed to register as a midwife and begin your career.
"Doing it in a skills lab allows you to stop, ask questions and think about what you'd do in different situations. It's really important for helping us feel confident caring for women." Abbie, Midwifery student
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BECOMING PART OF A FAMILY'S STORY ABBIE "Midwifery isn't just about babies. It's about supporting people through some of the most important moments of their lives." After graduating from Plymouth, Abbie is now working as a qualified midwife and has recently completed studying for a MSc in Advanced Professional Practice. During her training, she was also shortlisted for the Royal College of Midwives' Student Midwife of the Year award. DISCOVERING WHAT MIDWIFERY REALLY IS Like many people, Abbie initially thought midwifery was mostly about caring for newborn babies. But after attending open days and speaking to student midwives, she discovered there was much more to the profession. "What drew me in was the meaning of the word midwife – 'with women'. It's about supporting women and families through pregnancy, birth and beyond." MAKING A DIFFERENCE Throughout her degree, Abbie gained experience across labour wards, community services, antenatal and
postnatal care, and neonatal settings. One moment stands out above all others. After supporting a family during the birth of their baby, the parents later introduced her to their young son as "the midwife who brought the baby into the world." "Even though I was still a student, I realised midwives become part of a family's story forever." THE MOMENTS THAT MATTER MOST Not every moment in midwifery is joyful. During her training, Abbie supported parents whose baby had died following pregnancy complications. "That experience taught me that being a midwife is about far more than clinical care." It showed her the power of compassion and simply being there for families during their most difficult moments.
WHY I LOVE MIDWIFERY For Abbie, the profession offers the perfect balance of science and human connection. "Pregnancy and birth are fascinating, but what I love most is supporting people through life-changing experiences and making a difference every day." THINKING ABOUT MIDWIFERY? Abbie's advice is simple: Explore it. Attend open days, talk to midwives and ask questions. "If you're passionate about helping people and want a career where no two days are the same, midwifery could be the perfect fit."
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MAKING MATERNITY CARE FAIRER
SPECIALIST MIDWIFE FOR ENHANCED CONTINUITY OF CARE "My ambition is to make maternity care safer, fairer and more inclusive." Just two years after graduating from Plymouth, Fi secured a specialist midwife role supporting women and families from underserved communities. FROM GRADUATE TO SPECIALIST After qualifying, Fi worked as a rotational midwife before progressing into her current specialist role. Today, she supports around 35 families throughout their pregnancy journey, providing care from early pregnancy through to the postnatal period. Her work includes home visits, working with interpreters, and collaborating with services supporting housing, mental health, domestic abuse and substance misuse. MAKING A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY Fi specialises in supporting women from ethnic minority
backgrounds and those experiencing homelessness. "I love the variety of my role. I get to build strong relationships with families and support them through one of the most important times in their lives." By providing personalised, community-based care, she helps ensure families can access the support they need, regardless of their circumstances. INFLUENCING THE FUTURE OF MATERNITY CARE One of the highlights of Fi's career so far was contributing to the national POOL Study, one of the UK's largest waterbirth research projects. "It was exciting to be part of research that showed waterbirth is a safe option for many women and can help inform future maternity care."
HOW PLYMOUTH PREPARED ME Fi credits her placements and hands-on learning at Plymouth with helping her transition smoothly into practice. "The experience I gained on placement gave me confidence from day one. The University's focus on supporting students and developing leadership skills has been invaluable." FI'S ADVICE FOR FUTURE MIDWIVES "Just do it. Don't wait until later in your career to explore new opportunities." Her advice is to stay curious, make the most of every placement and remember that every experience is a chance to learn and grow.
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WHERE YOU WILL LEARN
You'll spend time learning in realistic hospital wards, birthing rooms and a home birth suite designed to prepare you for placement and future practice.
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WHERE YOU'LL LEARN You'll spend time learning in realistic hospital wards, birthing rooms and a home birth suite designed to prepare you for placement and future practice. InterCity Place brings together midwifery, nursing and allied health students in a modern healthcare teaching environment where you can develop practical skills, work through real-life scenarios and learn alongside future healthcare professionals. HOSPITAL SIMULATION WARD Before heading out on placement, you'll practise clinical skills in a
realistic hospital environment that mirrors the settings you'll encounter in practice. Through simulated maternity scenarios, you'll develop decision-making, communication and teamwork skills while learning how to respond confidently in different situations. HOME BIRTH SUITE Midwives support women and families in a variety of settings, including their homes. Our dedicated home simulation suite recreates real community environments, giving you the
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opportunity to practise home birth and community care scenarios in a safe and supportive setting. A SPACE DESIGNED FOR STUDENT LIFE Alongside specialist teaching facilities, InterCity Place offers social learning spaces and study areas where you can meet friends, collaborate with classmates and take a break between sessions.By combining practical learning, realistic environments and collaborative working, InterCity Place helps prepare you for the realities of midwifery practice from day one.
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LEARNING ALONGSIDE FUTURE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS: MIDWIVES DON'T WORK ALONE. Every day they collaborate with doctors, nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists and many other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for women and families.
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That's why you'll learn alongside students from across healthcare throughout your degree. LEARNING TOGETHER Through shared learning, you'll work with students from a range of healthcare disciplines, developing the teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills you'll use throughout your career. These shared learning experiences help you understand how different professionals work together and how each role contributes to patient care. PREPARING FOR REAL-WORLD HEALTHCARE As a midwifery student, you'll take part in collaborative activities and simulations with students from other healthcare courses.
These experiences help you: • build confidence working in multidisciplinary teams • improve communication and leadership skills • understand different healthcare roles • prepare for real clinical practice. BEYOND THE CLASSROOM You'll also have opportunities to connect with students from across healthcare through activities such as: Schwartz Rounds Confidential sessions where students and staff discuss the emotional side of healthcare, helping build resilience, empathy and compassion. Tea-Time Teaching Student-led sessions that help develop confidence, communication and presentation skills.
Collaborative simulations Realistic scenarios where students from different professions work together to solve healthcare challenges. "It was so interesting to hear about healthcare roles outside of medicine and what other members of the team do." Stage one BMBS student By the time you graduate, you'll understand not only your role as a midwife, but also how to work effectively as part of a wider healthcare team.
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