Midwifery Science

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Course Overview

The Bachelor of Midwifery Science course is an internationally recognised four-year degree programme during which students learn the art and science of midwifery.

The University of Galway provides this programme in partnership with the Saolta University Health Care Group. The programme consists of theoretical and clinical modules. The theoretical content aims to provide students with the knowledge necessary to underpin their professional practice. The teaching and learning strategies include lectures, seminars, workshops, experiential learning, clinical skills education and simulation in our state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation suite.

Clinical modules are undertaken in the practice setting where students get a broad range of clinical experience in four different clinical placement sites aligned to maternity services across the Saolta University Health Care Group: University Hospital Galway, Mayo University Hospital, Portiuncula University Hospital and Sligo University Hospital. Additionally, students will attend placements in various community settings.

Following completion of the programme, students are eligible to apply to register as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), the regulatory body.

Student Support within the School and the University

The School of Nursing and Midwifery is committed to supporting students in relation to both their academic and personal development; the structures that are in place to support students within the school and university are presented below.

Academic supports 

Academic Advisor  

Each student is allocated an academic advisor for the duration of the programme. This advisor will monitor the students’ academic progress and is available to advise and support the student if they encounter difficulties either personal academic or relating to clinical practice whilst undertaking the programme.

Academic Writing Centre - Providing one-on-one tutorials and email consultations on essay writing

Library - The Library provides a wide range of services to all students. Learn about these services, opening times and lots more on their webpage.

Academic Skills Hub - This online resources hub aims to support all students to develop the key skills required for academic success and learn about IT and digital skills, workshops, assignments and exam techniques.

Student Academic Advisors - Available to meet with students who wish to discuss personal, academic, financial or any other issues that may arise while in University.

 Health and wellbeing Supports 

• The Disability Support Service(DSS) is available to University of Galway students who need supports or reasonable accommodations due to the impact of a disability, ongoing physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty.
• Student Counsellingprovides a free hybrid service of in-person, one-to-one counselling, and online counselling. They provide group counselling and workshops. The counselling service support about 10% of the student population each year.
• Student Health Unit Provides a wide variety of medical support services including GP services, sexual health support service and vaccination.

Support for students when on Placement

While on clinical placements, students are supervised by a Preceptor. This is a midwife who has been specially prepared to guide and direct student learning.  Students are also supported by the Midwifery Practice Development Coordinator and the Clinical Placement Coordinator, who, ensures that learning outcomes are identified and achieved.  Each ward / geographical area has an identified Link Lecturer  from the School of Nursing and Midwifery who is available to link with the student when they are on clinical placement to support them and manage any issues that arise.  This helps ensure that there is a close liaison between the School of Nursing and Midwifery and clinical practice in the support of students.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Course Outline

The students on the programme must successfully complete the following theory and practice modules to be eligible for registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

Practice Placement

Practice placements are undertaken in the Saolta University Health Care Group: University Hospital Galway, Mayo University Hospital, Portiuncula University Hospital and Sligo University Hospital. Placements also take place in community and mental healthcare settings in the Saolta University Health Care Group.

Students are afforded the opportunity to choose self-selected placements in different jurisdictions (nationally or internationally). Students will have the opportunity to experience continuity of care initiatives, which allows them to follow a woman throughout the pregnancy continuum.

The placements per year are outlined in the table below.

Students who are required to travel to external placements may apply to the Saolta University Health Care Group for support in meeting travel and accommodation costs.

Learnng and Teaching

At the School of Nursing and Midwifery, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. We provide a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life to work and make use of innovative technologies. We have a world-class library that enhances our students’ development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this programme are:

·         E-Learning technologies

Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space, podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities.

Lectures

Introduce information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers)

·         Practical and Simulation Based Education

We provide opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts in our clinical skills labs and simulation suite.

·         Self-directed study

Self-directed study is an essential part of life as a University of Galway student.  This time affords the student with opportunities to undertake important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and research work for assignments.

·         Seminars/tutorials/workshops

Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic. This affords the student opportunities to ask questions, to assess progress and understanding with the support of peers. Students are also expected to make presentations and other contributions to peer groups.

·         Interprofessional Education (IPE)

Students have opportunities to engage in interprofessional learning.

Attendance

Students are expected to achieve 100% attendance in all the components of the programme (theory and practice).

Assessment

Assessments are carried out in a variety of formats, including written assignments, exams, poster and oral presentations, dissertations, project work, case studies and clinical skills assessment.

The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning outcomes of each module. Details of how each module is assessed is provided to all students at the start of each module.

Further Education

There are a variety of continuing professional development opportunities available to graduates of this programme, in particular postgraduate programmes within the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Galway.

Midwifery graduates can pursue further study at Masters (MSc Advanced Practice Midwifery) and PhD level.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student Contribution

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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