About the course

Reasons to study

The newborn exam course is insightful and interesting. Studying this course deepened my knowledge of neonatal physiology, completing this additional skill allowed me to become competent and confident within my role as a midwife.

This course is aimed at registered midwives who wish to develop the skills required to competently perform the examination of a newborn baby. It will assist you in developing the clinical skills required to practice competently in this area.

• The course is supported by a number of specialist paediatric and neonatal external speakers.
• Teaching is built around the needs of midwives who have chosen to study this course as part of their continuing professional development and career progression. It consists of six taught study days, however, completion of the practical and theoretical requirements is spread over one academic year.
• You will examine the evidence-based theory underpinning the physical examination of the newborn and critically explore the ethical and legal implications of undertaking this role and responsibility.

Whilst undertaking this course you are required to work in an area where you have access to newborn babies. You will be assessed and supported in practice by an appropriately qualified mentor who is experienced in the examination of the newborn.

Teaching and assessment

You will be taught through a series of lectures, seminars, fieldwork and guided study, which will be supported by the University's virtual learning environment.

Assessment will include a written assignment and submission of a portfolio providing evidence of having completed 30 newborn examinations, 15 of which will be supervised by your mentor in clinical practice, and demonstrating your achievement of the competences needed to carry out an examination of a newborn.

Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

The University of Huddersfield operates an attendance monitoring system. Further details can be found in the Attendance Monitoring Policy.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for this course are normally:

• Be a registered midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
• Have at least 12 months post-registration employment.
• Have an Honours degree at 2:2 or above.
• Be currently working in an area where you have access to newborn babies.

You must also have a midwifery/paediatric mentor who will support and assess your practice.