Charlotte Dobbin

What's it like to study at Northumbria? 

Studying midwifery at Northumbria means you get to have a 50/50 balance between university theory and hands-on experience while on placement throughout the three-year course, so you are able to put the theory you learn straight into practice. Newcastle and the North East is an amazing place to study and live, especially as you are in close proximity to a busy city, beautiful coasts and the countryside, which ultimately cemented my decision to seek employment within the North East after completing the course, having moved up from the South of England! 

Best thing about studying Midwifery 

Getting the privilege to support women and families across the North East throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. 

Favourite thing to do on campus / community 

Both the city campus and Coach Lane campus have great library facilities to make use of for the many assignments throughout the duration of the course. 

Course & career goals / industry links 

You complete placement at different NHS Trusts across the North East, gaining hands-on experience and knowledge from practice over three years and qualify automatically as a midwife upon completion of the course. The placement requirements include completing 2415 hours in placement, and achieving 40 deliveries, 20 NIPE examinations, and 100 antenatal, postnatal and neonatal examinations as well as having yearly proficiencies to be achieved. This helps you gain valuable experience and skills to prepare you for qualification as a midwife. The course has enabled me to successfully gain employment as a midwife at a local NHS Trust which I have also been able to train at as a student. 

A time you realised you were capable of more 

Throughout placement across the three years I have realised I am much more capable than I first thought, such as being part of the team during obstetric emergencies and providing high-risk care. Then as a third year taking the lead in care, still under supervision of a midwife, has improved my confidence in my skillset and preparedness for qualification. 

Support that boosted confidence / ambition 

Getting the opportunity to work as a student midwife in different NHS Trusts in the North East has given me valuable experience, improved my skillset and allowed me to see how different teams work within maternity services. Being provided the opportunity to provide care alongside excellent midwives has improved my confidence and belief in my abilities massively. 

Advice for someone considering Northumbria 

Go for it! Newcastle is such a lively and friendly place to live, and being able to provide meaningful care and support to women and families across the North East is a privileged opportunity not to be taken for granted.