My student midwife experience
What do you enjoy about your course?
I’ve always been passionate about looking after people, I knew I wanted to be a Midwife from a young age and the course at Swansea University has confirmed everything I knew I loved about the profession and much more. My favourite thing about the course at Swansea, which is unique to the university, is the blended learning utilised for theory and practice. There is a 50/50 split between university and placement and you are straight into your first placement within the first month after starting the course.
The practice facilities offered by the university are also second to none. The birthing simulator and other equipment provide an opportunity to learn and practice skills that we use and refine across all placement areas including abdominal palpation and vaginal examinations.
What do you like about Swansea University from the perspective of a student?
Swansea is a vibrant and diverse place to study, surrounded by beautiful scenery including the Gower Peninsula; marked as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. On the doorstep of both campuses is the beach and the city centre, as well as The Mumbles.
As a Midwifery Student I am based on Singleton Campus which offers everything a student needs from the library and study spaces to Fulton house and convenience venues. It’s great having everything you need within walking distance of each other as well as being able to unwind after lectures with a walk by the beach.
The university offers ample support tailored towards every aspect of student life including wellbeing, accommodation support and financial services to name a few, these are all widely accessible and available for all who need them. Swansea University is an all-inclusive and highly supportive institution that can offer many opportunities for personal and career development for their students.
What is your advice to students thinking of applying to Swansea University?
My advice to prospective students applying to Swansea University would be to attend an Open Day, as this will provide an opportunity to speak with current students as well as ask any questions about your chosen course or university life. Explore your accommodation options and what may work for you, Swansea offers a wide range of options in regards to this and you’ll feel very welcomed on either campus.
On Swansea University’s website you’ll find lots of information regarding entry requirements, module breakdowns and application advice. Whatever course you might be applying to it is always worth reading around your chosen subject as this can provide you with a good baseline of knowledge to improve your application and aid writing your personal statement.
Above all, be yourself and enjoy learning and reading about your chosen subject and finding what fuels your passion.
What is your advice to students thinking of applying to the School of Health and Social Care and more specifically, the course you study?
For anyone wishing to apply to Midwifery, tenacity is key as well as powerful passion for the vocation.
Professionalism is key and a good understanding of the NMC Code will stand you in good stead. Midwifery is a wonderful career but it comes with it hardships. As a student at Swansea you will be expected to commit 100% to your studies and completing your placement hours. This requires excellent organisation skills but also communication skills not only with the women you’re working with but also your mentors and peers. You will work long hours, nights and on calls so it’s important to be prepared, but if it’s where your passion lies, I have no doubt you will love all of it!
If you could sum up your student experience so far, what would you say?
Being a student at Swansea University has really helped me to grow in confidence, the support you receive as a Midwifery student is amazing and really a highlight of my time here so far. Any challenges I have come up against I’ve been able to reflect and build upon to further improve my practice, and this is due to the brilliant support from those around me, students and lecturers alike. I finally feel like I have found my feet in a career I believe I was born to do and Swansea has supported me every step of the way.
Have you experienced anything unique and positive during your time at Swansea University that you would like to mention?
I have been involved with lots of things within the University including the music scholarship programme and the student ambassador scheme. I also work at JCs, the university café and bar which has offered an opportunity for me to further support myself financially during my studies but also meet new friends and build my organisational skills.
There are plenty of opportunities available to students to work or volunteer, including research and university events as well as the many societies available to join within the student union.
Do you know what you would like to do once you have graduated? Further education/career path?
My career plan has changed a number of times since starting Midwifery. I have a particular passion for research and teaching and would love to pursue a Masters in Ethics and Midwifery and eventually complete a PhD. However, I absolutely love the working environment and could easily see myself looking after women in the community setting but also settling within the hospital, being involved in some of the higher risk cases that midwives are exposed to.
After each placement I have a new favourite so I’d really be happy working in any area of Midwifery! The profession is so vast and there are many working opportunities, I am really excited to see where I will end up!
