Post graduate award within the Framework for Flexible Learning in Health and Social Care

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1 University of Bradford: Postgraduate Programme specification UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Health Studies (SOHS) Division of Midwifery and Reproductive Health Programme title: MSc Midwifery Post graduate award within the Framework for Flexible Learning in Health and Social Care Awarding and teaching institution: Final award and interim award(s): Programme title: University of Bradford MSc Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Certificate [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7] Midwifery Duration: UCAS code: Part Time: flexible by negotiation over 5 years. Full time: by negotiation n/a Date produced: May 2012 Last updated : January 2014 Introduction The MSc Midwifery programme adopts a holistic approach to developing registered midwives into skilled leaders of the profession. The programme is delivered within the context of the School of Health Studies, where students can include advanced practice topics such as Prescribing and Examination of the New-born. The programme sits within the Schools Framework for Continuing Education and provides an opportunity for the student to develop a bespoke package of content, to ensure the needs of service and professional development can be met. The MSc in Midwifery and its nested awards are designed within the context of current and future demands of midwifery practice services, including the 1

2 recommendations from Midwifery 2020 (DOH 2010). The awards recognise the changing clinical environment and allow students to develop key advanced skills or those associated with service delivery and enhancement within the current social and economic climate. School of Health Studies Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework for Flexible Learning The MSc Midwifery is part of the multidisciplinary Continuing Professional Development Framework within the School of Health Studies. The Framework enables you to create an individualised programme of study that will meet either your needs and/or your employer s needs for a changing diverse workforce within a modern organisation. The School of Health Studies is a major provider of education and training for individuals working within the health, social, independent and community/voluntary sector organisations across, the Yorkshire and Humber Region and wider. The School s focus on excellence though knowledge, practice, research, leadership and management aims to support the future sustainability of the individuals, through lifelong learning and improved employability and thereby influencing the future adaptability of individual organisations and service delivery to promote change. The CPD framework offers a structure within which the majority of the named awards are provided across the School in conjunction within a large number of modules available to students. The modules are presented in themed areas representing employment practice or work based disciplines. Whilst some students can build their own awards by choosing their own menu of module options the majority of named award pathways, including the MSc Diversity Management. This offers students the option of studying at least one module from across the School portfolio with a combination of clearly defined core and optional diversity focused modules. Your programme of study and the collection of modules you may choose to study will contextualise your learning by addressing the Aims and Learning Outcomes for the programme which are outlined in the next section of this document. This is particularly so if you choose one of the modules from the School of Health s CPD framework. Modules such as the research or work based project modules, for example, enable you to shape your own focus of study within the modules aims and learning outcomes by learning the principles being taught and applying them to your own professional/ employment area. The flexibility offered by the School of Health s CPD framework will enable you to take forward your current experience whatever the area of your work in collaboration with the University of Bradford. You will be able to obtain credits for short episodes of study, transfer credits from prior certificated or experiential learning, undertake a single module or combine studying a choice of modules over time. An academic advisor will discuss with you and support your choices. Programme / Framework Aims The MSc Midwifery and the School of Health Studies CPD framework share the same aims. There are several aims for the programme and these are contextualised 2

3 within the aims of the modules and the route of study that you take. If you study a School CPD framework module, alongside students from different professions/employment areas, it is the application of the Aims and Learning Outcomes to your own subject area that maintains the focus on your area of interest on Midwifery. The CPD programme aims are applied to address the requirements for MSc Midwifery: Level 7 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 Provide a flexible educational framework that is vocationally relevant, which meets the professional development needs of the student, as well as the organisational needs of employers. Stimulate students to become autonomous self-directed learners who are motivated to sustain and advance their own continuous professional learning with a confidence to support the professional development of colleagues and the work of their organisations. Develop the skills, knowledge, critical understanding and awareness of the depth and breadth of knowledge applicable to their own fields of practice Further develop the students cognitive and practical skills to undertake data synthesis, complex problem solving, the articulation of competing perspectives and competence in their field of practice Provide opportunities for interprofessional teaching and learning to share the knowledge, skills and experience common to a range of different health and social care disciplines. Develop critically reflective, competent practitioners, managers and leaders who will inform and shape or change inclusive, fair and ethically sensitive service provision. Provide a framework within which the curriculum, where required, meets the regulatory needs of professional bodies such as the NMC and HCPC or is kite marked by the CMI. Develop the skills required for life-long learning and professional development Additionally if you wish to study one or more core research modules or management modules for a post graduate diploma or undertake a Masters dissertation A9 Develop an understanding of the theoretical constructs underpinning research or project management which will inform the undertaking of an ethical piece of research or a work based project and the ability to demonstrate how the findings can influence practice and policy. 3

4 Programme Learning Outcomes The MSc Midwifery programme learning outcomes are compatible with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ 2008) Level 7. The programme contains nested pathways as well as the flexibility to design your own pathway and the learning outcomes outlined below are contextualised within the learning outcomes of the modules that you study. When you have successfully completed your programme of study within the programme you will be able to: Programme Learning Outcomes (LO s) Study to Post Graduate Certificate and Post Graduate Diploma Level 1. Develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the literature that relates to current midwifery practice. 2. Critically appraise and synthesise research evidence in order to analyse, evaluate and apply principles of best practice appropriately to ensure efficacy of policy development and contemporary practice. 3. Evaluate and critically apply theoretical concepts and where appropriate, master practical skills for the management of complex issues associated with contemporary clinical environments. 4. Reflect upon and demonstrate knowledge of values and ethical thinking and demonstrate mastery within the field of midwifery practice. 5. Develop and demonstrate the ability to articulate sound arguments using a variety of formats including written and oral communication skills. 6. Demonstrate management and leadership through effective communication, problem solving, and decision making. 7. Demonstrate the ability to become an autonomous learner through independent study and critical reflection on continuing development needs. 8. Demonstrate the ability to use IT skills to gather and synthesise information, to access Programme materials. 9. Evaluate changes in practice to contribute to the development of quality systems and frameworks, which embrace inclusive leadership, management and organisational governance. Study to Masters degree 10. Demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of different theoretical constructs underpinning research, project management methodologies or management theories 11. Design, undertake and report on either a systematic review, a piece of 4

5 empirical research, work based or management project that contributes to or extends the body of knowledge for your field of practice. Curriculum The curriculum has been designed to meet the needs of students from a range of employment backgrounds. Most students initially choose to study modules that form the defined pathway for MSc Midwifery. The module clusters and pathways can be seen in the annex document. The modular format of the programme and its position with the School of Health Studies CPD Framework permits you to select and study at least one module, that is out with, but complementary to, your speciality and in so doing broaden your knowledge and understanding of other areas that impact on MSc Midwifery. The curriculum provides a range of modules that are combined to provide an individualised award. However, it is possible in negotiation with your Programme leader or academic advisor to undertake modules from across the School s CPD Framework to accrue credits by applying the programme work from, for example, the research or management work based project module to your field of practice/area of employment which will make the module relevant to MSc Midwifery. This would also be the same for the independent study modules or other interprofessional modules offered. Application of specialist knowledge applied to these modules enables your learning needs to be achieved. Students on the MSc Midwifery undertake one of the School s taught 30 credit research modules at Postgraduate Diploma stage in order to study a final stage 60 credit research module at MSc level. The final stage 60 credit research module for the award will require you to complete either a Dissertation, Systematic review or Work-based project. For example, if you wish to undertake the Systematic review 60 credit module, it is strongly advisable to study the 30 credit module Undertaking a systematic review module beforehand. For students who choose not to study a 30 credit research module at post graduate diploma level, they can take one of the optional 30 credit modules and if progressing to the MSc level, undertake the 60 credit Management project. Students choosing to join or move for this award to the generic pathway within the CPD Framework can take as many modules as they choose, in the order that they wish. If you choose to move from a named award pathway and study a number of alternative modules, you will be informed about when you have enough credit for a post graduate certificate or diploma award. The naming of generic award will be undertaken after the collection of modules studied have been analysed if you have taken only the optional modules from the MSc Midwifery. 5

6 Pg Cert Midwifery Pg Dip Midwifery MSc Midwifery Curriculum matrix Module Code Module Title Credits Level HMP-704T Keeping Birth Normal 30 7 C C C HMPP703T HMPP701T HMP-702T Clinical Examination and Case Management (Examination of the Newborn/6-8 week) Clinical Examination and Case Management Assisted Birth Exploring Reproductive Sexual Health 30 7 O O O 30 7 O O O 30 7 O O O HEA411T HGR-703T Supporting Learning in Practice 30 7 O O O Multi-Professional Prescribing 40 7 O O O H* HGR-701T HGR-702T Any module from School of Health CPD Framework Research in Health and Social Care Undertaking A Systematic Review 30 7 O O O 30 7 O O O 30 7 O O O HGR-701Z Dissertation 60 7 O HGR-702Z Systematic Review (To undertake this module you need to take Undertaking a Systematic Review 30 c) 60 7 O HGR-703Z Work Based Project 60 7 O 6

7 Teaching and Assessment Whilst following this programme of study you will engage with learning through a range of teaching methods. To a degree these methods will be dependent on modules studied, however student-centred approaches to learning are a feature of the modules and you will be expected to take responsibility for your learning as you develop your academic skills. There are a number of approaches to the manner in which modules are delivered and these include block attendance, study day attendance, distance learning and blended learning using face to face and on-line activities/ materials. When devising your study plan you will be informed regarding which delivery methods are utilised for which module and in which semester your chosen modules are being delivered. You will also be informed about dates and times of compulsory attendance at the university and (or) practice placement. The supporting annexes to this document indicate how the modules map to the programme learning outcomes (Annex 1); how the different modes of assessment map to each module ( Annex 2 ); how the teaching methods for each module are mapped (Annex 3): and how the curriculum maps to the School statement on Education for Sustainable Development. The aims of the teaching and learning strategies have been designed so that you will be given the opportunity to develop theoretical and experiential understanding (Programme LO s 1, 3, 6, 7, 11), advance your knowledge and critical thinking (Programme LO s 2, 8, 4, 510) and to develop a range of skills appropriate to your professional field your, organisation and workplace setting (Programme LO s 1, 2, 4, 11). The modules and Programmes nested within the framework offer you the capacity to acknowledge and build upon the knowledge and skills you may have acquired through previous learning experiences including those in the work place. Your Programme of study will expose you to a range of different teaching, learning and assessment strategies required to achieve the learning outcomes (See annex 3). The teaching approaches that are used across the School of Health Studies are informed by the University core values which are for teaching and learning to be: Reflective, Adaptable, Inclusive, Supportive, Ethical and Sustainable. You may experience these across your choice of modules in order to meet both the aims of the programme and your learning outcomes which may include any number of the following: Lectures: to a group of students where information will be presented and discussed whilst informed by the core values. Facilitated seminars and group discussion: where learning will be through the interpretation and critical application of information and group learning Tutorial where small group number of students reflect and discuss issues related to their learning Work-based learning: where learning is directed within the work environment and is reflected upon and then reported on. 7

8 Work-based learning: where skills are taught in relation to theory and best practice enabling students to advance their competence in their field of practice Use of Web based virtual learning environments, such as Blackboard or Ning, or Pebble Pad3 to access information and to interact with other students undertaking group work or developing wikis. Directed reading: where set reading may be recommended Self-Directed learning: Where student are expected to develop their own learning by, identifying areas of interest, selecting research articles for debate and areas in which knowledge needs to be developed. Undertaking a work based project or a research module which is shaped by your own self-directed learning needs and the learning outcomes at MSc level. You will be expected to develop an autonomous learning style and become selfdirected as a learner. Your learning will be assessed against the learning outcomes and programme aims through the use of a range of different assessment techniques which may include one or more of the following approaches: Written essay A Reflective Case study Audit Report of your practice The development of a reflective portfolio Completion of set number of competencies Completion of a set number of clinical contacts Practical examination (OSCE/OSPE/OSIVE) Computer based Multiple Choice Question examination Computer based open book examination Oral seminar / poster presentation Written project report Completion of a Dissertation Research paper/executive summary 8

9 Some of these teaching and assessment strategies may change over time and through the ongoing development of the Programmes. Please see annex for Assessment map: Assessment Regulations Whilst this programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard University Assessment Regulations, which are available at the link below, there are a number of exceptions to these regulations. Admission Requirements The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements to undertake an programme of study within the framework may vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. The entry requirements for this programme are: A first degree in a relevant subject area 2.1 or above, NVQ level 6 or equivalent or a relevant postgraduate qualification. A registered qualification with a UK professional regulatory organisation if a professional practice award is applied for that enables the student to practice in the UK. E.g. Registration with the NMC to undertake a named Nursing / Midwifery award or registration with the HCPC to undertake a named Radiography award. Students whose qualifications do not meet the entry requirements above but who have significant experience and other evidence of ability to study at this level. Students for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. Have access to a computer that has a broadband connection and that can browse the internet and has word processing on it*. Have computing skills commensurate with the demands of Programme*. For work based learning modules; have prior approved clinical support for learning and assessment. A self-audit of clinical environment may be required (details provided on application). 9

10 The University of Bradford has computers with internet and word processing facilities available to students across a number of locations therefore students do not need to own their own computer or have a home internet service. Computer literacy Programmes are available for people new to information technology and both the Learner Development Unit and the Disability Office can provide support to students who have a disability. Dyslexia screening is also available. For further information please see Recognition of Prior experiential / Certified Learning (RP(E/C)L) If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. You may be permitted to import specific academic credit subject to the conditions and waivers from the regulations of the University of Bradford. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications. Guidance on how to make a claim for prior learning is available from the School of Health Studies. The curriculum may change, subject to the University s Programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. In particular it is intended that new modules may be added in order that customised programmes can be developed in response to employers training needs provided that these align with the framework learning aims and objectives. The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply. Please note that admission requirements may change, subject to the University's monitoring and review procedures, and subject to guidance from the NMC on specialist practitioner status and entry to postgraduate programmes. Learning Resources The JB Priestley Library on city campus and the School of Management provides a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly. Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University account, personal information and Programme-related materials this way. 10

11 Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available. The University has dedicated Distance Learning contact staff throughout its Learner Support Services who understand the specific needs that distance learners may have. They can provide learning support via phone, and via Skype and this can be offered in the evenings on request. There is also a dedicated distance learner web-page on the University of Bradford web-site, which offers direct links to the learning support and other resources relevant to distance learning students. Student Support and Guidance Programme Team Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns, by the use of telephone, letter, and the VLE. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. A programme induction week will introduce students to the programme and the University including student support systems and information about counselling services, Learner Development Unit (LDU), Disability office and the facilities available from the interactive learning centre (ILC). An online induction package will also be available for distance learners and international students. Further information on these is provided on the University web page In addition, students enrolled on a pathway with a clinical component will have an appointed clinical mentor who will liaise with the pathway coordinator to ensure that students receive an appropriate level of guidance throughout their clinical studies. Students Union We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students Union, through a system of Programme representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly. The Students Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student s Union. The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan. Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The 11

12 support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services website Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study. Disability Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: or via disabilities@bradford.ac.uk University policies and initiatives Ecoversity Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. The focus of the modules and award pathways held within the framework is to facilitate your continuing development as lifelong learners who have developed critical thinking and analysis skills which you can apply into your work place. Inherent within the learning 12

13 outcomes for the modules and awards are the values we aspire to in providing high quality education to support high quality care whatever professional discipline, sector or organisation you work for. The core work of the School of Health studies is the focus on health and wellbeing and developing professionals such as yourselves who can work within multidisciplinary teams, work across care sectors and different types of organisations using clinical, educational, research or management and leadership skills to improve practice, services or improve organisations and their cultures and influence change. Modules from across the framework offer these opportunities, the core research modules are taught by a multidisciplinary team with a range of different backgrounds and experiences to students such as yourself also from a variety of backgrounds. This combined focus enables your education to have a sustainable component in terms of your future career as well as the sustainability of your services by maintaining and improving what you provide for your local communities. For more information please go to or Further Information: For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions. The Admissions Office The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0) The Admissions Office School of Health Studies The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0) The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and Programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. 13

14 Lectures Seminars Small group Tutorials WBL reflections WBL Skills/ Competencies Web Based resources Directed reading Self-directed Learning and Teaching Matrix HMP-704T Keeping Birth Normal HMPP703T HMPP701T Clinical Examination and Case Management Clinical Examination and Case Management HMP-702T Exploring Reproductive Sexual Health HEA411T Supporting Learning in Practice HGR-703T Multi-Professional Prescribing H* Any module from School of Health CPD Framework HGR-701T Research in Health and Social Care HGR-702T Undertaking A Systematic Review HGR-701Z Dissertation HGR-702Z Systematic Review HGR-703Z Work Based Project 14

15 Written Essay/ Reflective account Seminars/ poster Reflective case study Audit Report Portfolio OSCE/ practical MCQ Exam Open book computer exam Dissertation/ project report/ research paper Executive summary Assessment Matrix hmp-704t Keeping Birth Normal HMPP703T HMPP701T HMP-702T Clinical Examination and Case Management Clinical Examination and Case Management Exploring Reproductive Sexual Health HEA411T Supporting Learning in Practice HGR-703T Multi-Professional Prescribing H* Any module from School of Health CPD Framework HGR-701T Research in Health and Social Care HGR-702T Undertaking A Systematic Review HGR-701Z Dissertation HGR-702Z Systematic Review HGR-703Z Work Based Project 15