Master Midwifery Theory and Professionalism

Program Overview

This highly flexible Midwifery Theory and Professionalism program explores the biopsychosocial aspects of childbirth, examining historical and cultural influences on midwifery practices. Through online discussions, an essay, and individual tutorials, participants critically analyze midwifery care, its challenges, and future implications. The program is suitable for midwives and non-midwives interested in midwifery, childbirth, or maternity care from various perspectives.

Program Outline

Assessment:

• Assessment components:
• An online forum discussion or seminar debate on a key topic, with tutor feedback but no formal grading.
• One 3,000-word essay on a topic of your choice addressing the course learning objectives, carrying 100% of the course marks.

Teaching:

• Highly flexible delivery format.
• Access learning resources in your own time for each topic.
• Encourage active participation in weekly discussions through the Moodle site.
• Utilize varied online resources: video lectures, topic workbooks, wider reading links.
• Offer weekly timetabled seminars/class discussions and asynchronous forums for each key topic area.
• Arrange individual tutorials in some weeks to discuss assignment plans and progress.

Other:

• Course suitable for midwives with experience from diverse nationalities and cultures.
• Open to non-midwives interested in midwifery, childbirth, or maternity care from historical, anthropological, or sociological perspectives.
• Total learning hours: 150 (30 scheduled sessions, 2 hours individual tutorial, 118 independent study).
• Childbirth viewed as a biopsychosocial process: physiological, yet influenced and managed by social and cultural factors.
• Examines historical and recent changes in midwifery in response to social and cultural changes, UK and internationally.
• Discusses past and current challenges and opportunities in midwifery care organization and delivery.
• Provides tools for critical analysis of midwifery and maternity care, past, present, and future.
• Reflects critically on midwifery as a profession, influences on care provision, and future implications.
• Online reading list provides core and recommended readings, easy access to materials.