At Keele University, we’re different. Nestled in 600 acres of countryside in the heart of the UK, we have a big campus but a small and cosmopolitan community. We proudly rank 1st for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey for the last three years. This is because it’s more than green and lovely, it’s a place of research and academic excellence too. The Health Foundation Year offers an opportunity for students to enter a degree course in the Faculty of Health who do not meet the necessary criteria for direct entry. This is often because they have not studied the subjects required or because they have gained non-traditional qualifications. The course will provide you with the requisite science knowledge, enhance your study skills and give you an introduction to the employability skills required by health professionals. A Health Foundation Year allows progression to study for a degree in Midwifery. The Midwifery programme is designed to focus on gaining the knowledge, clinical skills, and critical and reflective perspectives required to provide excellent care for all women and newborn babies and to optimise women’s positive experience of childbirth in all situations. You will develop into independent learners through a programme of study which combines classroom-based, directed and self-directed learning with full engagement in clinical care, under supervision, to women during their childbirth experience. In the first year, you will develop the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, psychological, social, and public health dimensions of normal pregnancy and childbirth. You will gain insight into the importance of communication for effective caring and professional relationships and begin to explore research evidence as the basis for providing optimal care. This initial foundation will be built on as the course progresses and knowledge is developed about conditions that may complicate pregnancy, the impact of these on women, babies, and other family members and the skills and the multidisciplinary teamwork required to manage them effectively. The final part of the programme will prepare you for assuming full responsibility as a qualified midwife. You will experience providing care to pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy and in a range of contexts: women’s own homes; clinics in the community; hospital; and the midwifery birth centre. This will develop your experience and understanding for a career within Midwifery. In 2016, Keele University were recognised nationally as 1st for employability in the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey.**Course Start Date:** Monday 24 September 2018**Enrolment Date:** Saturday 22 September 2018