Using the Open University as a route to Midwifery Training.

 

When deciding to apply for midwifery, it is important to know all the different options available to you to gain any entry qualifications you may need.

 

The Open University – voted top for student satisfaction for three years running – could provide the flexibility, the qualifications and the top-class teaching you’re after. For most courses you don't need any previous qualifications. And with our world-leading blend of supported open learning and innovative course materials, you’ll get an exceptional learning experience. (OU 2009)

 

Where some courses you could chose through a college ie. Access, prepare you for undergraduate study, the Open University IS undergraduate study and you work towards an award.  Some of the courses are recognised qualifications in their own right.

 

The OU works the same as all other Unis, whereby you work towards your award by taking modules, worth a set number of points at either Level 1, 2 or 3, representing Years 1, 2 and 3.  If you are working towards a degree you usually have seven years to complete it as OU is classed as part time study.  You can credit transfer modules from other degrees you have taken.

 

NHS Careers used to publicise exactly how OU points fit into the entry requirements, and that 90 points would suffice, but checking now it is quite different - if you have no formal qualifications this is how you could do it using the OU:

Entry requirements for Midwifery

You need as a minimum, 2 x A Levels (or equiv).  The OU course K101: Understanding Health and Social Care is a level 1, 60 point course, this course is publicised by OU as being equivalent to GNVQ level 3/4 which = 2 X A Levels.

You need 5 x GCSE’ or equiv so you could gain two of these using Learn Directs Adult Numeracy and Literacy, this covers your math and English.

Lastly a lot of uni’s ask for a science subject.  OU has a Level 2, 30 point course: Human Biology (SK277) which is very appropriate and at a good level.  On the old system this course would be equivalent to a 3rd A Level.

 

OU also can help with back to learning through their Openings courses.  These are short courses and can help get you back into learning, they are worth (usually) 10 points towards your award and come in at different levels.

There is no test or exam to enter higher education through OU, however it is recommended that you are able to read and understand broad sheet newspapers.  A number of courses are aimed at students studying at this level for the first time i.e. K101.

 

Finance is available for those unemployed or on income support - you can get grants or all of the courses paid for.  The OU website had the full details, but basically if your household income is less than £14k per year you can get full support.  Less than £21k per year you can get support.  Those households with higher incomes can still get help by using the OUSBA, this is an account that pays your course fees for you up front, then you pay back these fees monthly, the fees must be paid in full before the end of your course.  This does not include short courses.

 

Most courses for MW can be found in the Health and Social Care section, but if you plan to go back to OU after you have finished the MW degree, remember you can credit transfer modules and look at compulsory coursed that some awards make.  For example K101 is a compulsory course in most of the health related courses.

 

Lastly, OU is home study.  You need to be quite disciplined and able to work alone, although a lot of courses have tutor support and support classes held locally, especially for revision when exams loom.  There is a forum linked from your student site where you can ‘meet’ other members of the course.