For qualified midwives. Gain knowledge and understanding of the international, social, ethical issues and political context of reproduction and maternal health policy, evidence-based practice and research methods.
KEY BENEFITS
- Central location allows access to world leading clinical and academic resources.
- Access to extracurricular seminars and lectures given by leaders in healthcare from around the world.
- A multi-faculty environment drawing on clinical and academic expertise from a number of world leading schools and hospitals providing an unparalleled inter-professional learning experience.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Consultant midwife leading services for teenagers; research midwife managing a clinical trial on the role of vitamins in preventing pre-eclampsia; midwifery lecturer.
Programme leader/s
Toni Turner
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
Typically students take one year to complete a certificate, two years for a diploma and three years for an MSc. Maximum of six years PT.
Location
Waterloo and Guy's Campuses.
Year of entry 2012
Offered by
Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery
Closing date
End of July. Late applications may be considered, subject to availability.
Intake
10-15.
Fees
PT Home: £2300 (2012)
PT Overseas: £7400 (2012)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Administrator, tel 020 7848 3571.
Email
Website
PURPOSE
The aim of this master's in Advanced Practice is to equip you with an understanding of international, political, social and ethical issues of reproduction, and a scientific basis for examining maternity policy and practice. You will gain knowledge and understanding of the social and political context of reproduction and maternal health policy, evidence-based practice and research methods.
DESCRIPTION
Students undertake core modules in the leadership and delivery of maternity services, evidence-based practice and healthcare research. In addition students select options from a range of areas including:
- Clinical specialities
- Professional development and organisational change
Other options from our BSc programme and modules from the MSc in Medical Ultrasound may also be available. Students who have already studied clinically focused modules at undergraduate or graduate level at King’s may be able incorporate this study into the programme, provided that the credits have not already contributed to an award. Modules studied elsewhere may be incorporated through accreditation of prior certificated learning (subject to a successful
accreditation claim).
Please see our frequently asked questions
here
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
- Principal Methods for Healthcare Research
- Evidence Based Decision Making in Healthcare
- Maternity Service Leadership and Delivery
- Dissertation
For students wishing to undertake either an empirical study or a service development project as part of the dissertation module, additional modules must be taken and passed. These include:
- Issues in the Conduct of Healthcare Research (for empirical study)
- Professional Development and Organisational Change (for service development project).
Alternatively students may choose for their dissertation to undertake an indepth analysis of an area of policy or practice or to prepare three papers for publication.
Indicative non-core content
Students may also take options in:
- Advanced assessment skills
- Clinical specialities
For full details of the programme structure please click
hereFor the full range of options available please click
here
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
The majority of assessment is by coursework; some modules are also assessed by examination.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7KNIM725
Credit level: 7
Project work continues for 12 months, with 30 hours assigned for contact with academic staff. Additional time is needed for data collection during the course of the student's work. The relevant interests and expertise of both students and supervisors determine the nature of projects. Careful design and measurement is emphasised. In addition to individual supervision, regular seminars and tutorials are offered to encourage and support students and these sessions are used by the students to present ideas for their projects and to facilitate discussion. A report of no more than 20,000 words must be submitted. It should include critical evaluation of the existing literature in the area and an appropriate presentation of the student's work. Dissertations are assessed and students may be required to attend a viva voce examination. There are four options available.
Module code: 7KNIM110
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
Semester:
Full-year
Assessment:
coursework
This course aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to identify best evidence for your practice. It focuses on searching for, appraising and synthesising evidence from health care research. You are introduced to a range of electronic databases for accessing evidence and the principles of systematic review. Learning is facilitated through lectures, workshops and a student-directed search for evidence to address a question emerging from your own practice. Issues surrounding research implementation and evidence at the level of the individual practitioner and the health care organisation are addressed. Assessment is by means of a review of literature which answers a focussed question utilising explicit methods.
Module code: 7KNIM141
Credit level: 7
In England, the policy landscape for midwifery is dominated by two major and recent policy drivers affecting how services are delivered for pregnant women and their families. They are Maternity Matters (DH, 2007) and the NHS Next Stage Review High Quality Care for All (DH, 2008). Particularly, Maternity Matters states the commitment to provide choice, access and continuity of care in a safe service. Similarly, the Next Stage Review advocates high quality care with its woman-centred and clinically driven intentions based on the message consistently heard from women that they want greater choice and a more personal experience, with care provided by a named midwife throughout pregnancy, birth and the child-bearing period.Internationally, similar shifts in policy and practice are occurring, indicating a need to strengthen clinical leadership in midwifery. In order to support the development of midwifery leaders it is intended that this module will reflect these current drivers and enable students to:
1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the current evidence base for models of maternity service delivery, and be able to critically appraise the organisation of midwifery and obstetric care
2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the role of world class commissioning and providers of maternity services and the role of midwives in ensuring high quality services
3. Critically appraise the evidence base for, and the implementation of skill mix within maternity services and demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the leadership and change management skills required to ensure the delivery of high quality midwifery services
4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the importance of audit and the measurement of the quality of care within maternity servicese
5. Critically appraise the evidence base of midwifery and obstetric practice
6. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of maternity policy creation and implementation, and critically appraise their evidence base
References
Department of Health 2007: Maternity Matters: Choice, access and continuity of care in a safe service.
Department of Health, 2008, A High Quality Workforce: NHS Next Stage Review, June 2008
Hofmeyer G J H et al, 2008 A Cochrane Pocketbook Pregnancy and Childbirth, Wiley Cochrane Series
Module code: 7KNIM700
Credit level: 7
This introductory course aims to provide students a broad knowledge of research approaches and techniques used in healthcare research. It intends to promote students understanding of, and enhance skills for critiquing research articles. Further it aims to promote the development of skills required to undertake a research-based project in the future. The course is essential for students who have not previously studied research methods or who would benefit from revision of this knowledge. It will consider philosophical bases for research, traditions and features of qualitative and quantitative research designs, data collection tools used in qualitative and qauntitative research and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. This course is a precursor for the second research methods course, Issues in the Conduct of Healthcare Research.
Module code: 7KNIM701
Credit level: 7
This course aims to raise awareness of issues that arise inthe conduct of research, from writing research proposals to the publication of findings. It will be useful for students embarking on a research or service development project, for new researchers wishing to develop their skills, and for healthcare professionals seeking to evaluate healthcare services. Issues covered in the course include gaining funding, managing research schedules, involving users in the research process, working with external agencies, addressing ethical and political issues in research, and managing aspects of the data collection process - for example overcoming poor response rates and managing group dynamics in focus group research. Learning is facilitated through lectures, recommended reading and seminars. The seminars provide a series of How to... sessions that facilitate application of concepts learnt during the Principal Methods for Healthcare Research course. For example: How to develop an interview schedule, or How to run a focus group. These seminars enable students to gain a practical understanding of the research process.
Module code: 7KNIM707
Credit level: 7
This course will enable students to critically appraise and utilise organisational and management theories in order to facilitate the development of individuals and groups. Examples of this include continuing professional development, motivation, the management of change and manpower planning.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
For specialist pathways, applicants must normally be working in a practice role, which involves regular patient/client contact. The College cannot arrange clinical placements. The entry requirement for graduate study is a good first degree (minimum second class honours or equivalent). Applicants with other backgrounds or qualifications, including those without a first degree, can be considered. If you do not meet the normal entry requirements or have only the minimum academic standard you should pay particular attention in preparing your supporting statement and CV to ensure that you draw attention to evidence of potential success at graduate level. This might include publication, preparation of substantial reports or active participation in funded research.
In addition to the entry criteria for the advanced practice programme, applicants wishing to enrol on this pathway must be qualified midwives.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Apply using the College application form available online. In addition, please submit a CV detailing relevant professional and academic experience.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Indicate the pathway/options you are interested in studying. Give details of any King's College modules that you have already studied that you wish to incorporate into the programme (including module name and course code, date completed, grade and credits gained). Identify any modules that you wish to be considered through the Accredited Prior Learning process.
FUNDING
Staff from contracted Trusts are eligible to have their study funded, subject to agreement by their manager. Students not sponsored by their employer may wish to pursue other sources of funding. Some scholarships may be available. Prospective students may also wish to consult the Directory of Grant-making Trusts and Charities (available in local libraries). Self-funding students may wish to consider a Career Development Loan
http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/cdl/
Student profiles
Advanced Practice (Midwifery) MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
I completed my nurse and midwifery training before they were university courses, but felt having maintained PREP and undertaken various training courses since qualifying, that a BSc/BA course did not appeal, and from the prospectuses I viewed (many of them!) would not challenge me academically or improve my practice. I chose to study at King's because I could register for a graduate diploma.
At the time I applied I was working in the academic department of women's health so was well aware of the excellent facilities available to students at King's. I thoroughly enjoyed the master's course and really looked forward to the study days during the first year. The level of support was excellent, with lecturers tailoring it to the degree required by the student - I needed lots of support through the statistics part of the course, and for the first time in my life truly succeeded at something mathematical.
The second year provided more challenges with less structured learning, I had to fit in my project with work and my family, but I did finish my project on time. Now the course is run over three years and I think this probably makes the research project more manageable.
Because I was working and studying and had a family my participation in ongoing social events at college was limited, but the group I was in met together regularly and many of us are still in touch today.
I finished my degree nearly three years ago and have continued to work in the maternal and fetal research unit on various clinical trials. I am now planning to register for a PhD. If studying at this level appeals to you, I would say do it, and do it at King's! My experience was really positive and in addition to my degree I also gained skills and confidence in the academic arena.
Staff profiles
Advanced Practice (Midwifery) MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
I am delighted to be able to oversee a raft of exciting master’s programmes within the School of Nursing & Midwifery. I myself came to King’s in the early 1990s as a master’s student. After 20 years in clinical practice, spent mainly in primary care, I was attracted to the MSc programme at King’s because of the College’s reputation for research.
Today the number of programmes has increased to meet the complexity and diversity of healthcare provision, and research has been fully accepted as an essential element of healthcare practice. I am pleased to say that research and the appraisal of evidence remain core to all of our programmes whether concerned with advanced clinical practice and leadership roles or in the field of education for healthcare professionals.