How much study time would you say, per week, a student midwife needs to do? Outside of Uni?
Does it vary from institution to institution?

I'd guess it would vary each semester and vary on how much theory time was spent in uni, when assignments were due and between different estabilishments... Didn't help, did it?

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lol, not really! I'm not even applying til next year so I shouldnt be trying to work it out now tbh. I just want to applying and start NOW. I'm far too impatient.

Having just about reached the end of my penultimate semester, I can truthfully say that your Uni days and study time should be the equivalent of 35 + hours a week. So for instance, my Uni block is for 5 weeks of which 2 days per week is in Uni, the other 3 days that week are spent studying.

You can get away with a bit less than this (I know, I rarely get a couple of hours at a time in due to family circumstances!), however, the shorter you are of time, the more stressed you become and the less effectively you can work.

If you seriously want to apply, the whole course should be considered as a full time committment, very very hard work, very stressful but also the most wonderfully fulfilling job on this planet. Providing you are prepared to graft and have the support of family or friends, you will be fine.

If we all stay for the last semester, then 13 of the original 30 students in my cohort will finish the course - so it does take it's toll.
KS

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Kentish Spitfire
Moderator, Student Services
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"It's better to be thought a fool - rather than proved a fool!"

Thanks for the info. I am very serious about applying, I just want to make sure that I have all my bases covered when I do finally start the course.
I need to know how much time I will need to myself, so to think about (and start saving for!) childcare for my daughter. Although my husband SAYS he is willing to be flexible with his work and be at home with Lilli when I need to be studying, I somehow think this wont last very long and I need to have a back up plan.
I know I'm thinking too far ahead of myself at the moment, but I do love to plan, and I'm just so exicted about starting I need to keep my mind busy with arrangements until I do!

I think kentishspitfire is right when she is says it's a full time commitment. One year down and 8 of our cohort have left already!


It's quite hard to prepare when you dont actually know what modules you will be doing, but subscribe to a journal and try and do some reading once in a while so at least you might be jargon familiar!

Personally, the hardest aspect of it for me is trying to write assignments whilst on placemnet....bummer! And as am single parent, trying to devote enough time to the kids as well as study....v hard!
BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT!!
Jo
x
ps - going from personal experience Amanda, midiwfery is also my 2nd degree and i didnt qualify for a student loan because of it, so you might want to consider this when working out your finances as well as your work load!!

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Student Mentor Scheme Manager
STMW 2nd year - no, really!

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Hi Jo,

thanks for the info. I did think I wouldnt qualify for a student loan so have already worked that into the equation.
I'm going to subscribe to the practising midwife, as well as keep abreast of the changes via this forum and MIDIRS, the RCM etc. I want to be as prepared as possible, and make sure that I will have enough time to study BEFORE I apply. I think I should, as my LO will be in preschool by then, so any study days will be just that. Plus, bedtime is 7-30 so that leaves a good couple of hours every evening, and weekends.
I just wanted to see what everyone was doing, outside of uni. I'm surprised there's such a high drop out rate tbh, but I guess some people just cant fit it all in. I dont want to be one of them, hence the research!

Amanda x

ps Jo, what do you do for childcare overnight? and a huge well done for studying and managing the kids on your own!!

thanks Amanda,
i give myself a pat on the back sometimes just for getting through another day! LOL
think have answered childcare question somewhere else? very expensive childminder is the short answer!
It sounds as though you are really doing your groundwork thoroughly, very sensible, fore warned is fore armed and all that?!
x

__________________
Student Mentor Scheme Manager
STMW 2nd year - no, really!

Have you just been offered a place? If so and you want a mentor please post in post this forum (also post here if you would like a mentee)

Can agree it is a full time committment - and having spent all day catching up on my saved tv - I know I will have to spend most of tomorrow (when the kids hog the tv) researching/writing the essay that I should have been doing today.

our cohort started with 35 we are 18months in and have only 20 orginials left (gained two.)