Degree Programme in Midwifery

This curriculum is a translation of the curriculum of the Finnish degree program.

Curriculum responsibility: Pirjo Kinnunen

Basis of Education

The scope of midwifery studies is 270 ECTS credits and the duration is 4.5 years (includes 180 ECTS credits in nursing education). The professional studies leading to the degree of midwife are at least 90 ECTS credits. Midwifery education must meet the requirements for a professional degree in social and health care, midwifery / nurse. The skills produced by the degree correspond to the level of higher education defined in the European Union, which enables the movement of labor and experts.

The midwifery / nurse degree program leads to a Bachelor's degree in social and health care, and the student is awarded the degrees of nurse and midwife at the same time. The degree title is Bachelor of Health Care.

The operating environment for nursing / midwifery and the skills of staff are regulated by national and European legislation, which aims to ensure equal opportunities for health and well-being for all. Midwifery training is also regulated by EU degree directives. Nursing / midwifery work is guided by the values ​​of nursing / midwifery, ethical principles, health policy regulations, policies and current social and health care legislation and guidelines.

A midwife is an expert in nursing, and in particular midwifery, pregnancy, childbirth care, postpartum care, health promotion, and sexual and reproductive health. The midwife promotes sexual and reproductive health by giving people the opportunity for conscious family planning and safe sexuality, as well as planned, unwanted pregnancies and births. A midwife is a promoter of the health and well-being of women of all ages and the whole family in a multicultural society.

Legalization as a health care professional

At the request of a midwife / nurse, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (VALVIRA) legalises health care as a legal professional. Legalization requires that the training as a midwife / nurse meets the minimum training requirements. The professional qualifications of midwives / nurses and the training of nurses responsible for general care are governed by Directive 2013/55 / ​​EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and the European Qualifications Framework (2006). The task of the university of applied sciences is to verify that the graduating health care professional has the competence required by the professional skills requirements.

A graduated midwife will receive a certificate of 270 ECTS in both midwifery and nursing. VALVIRA legalizes him/her as a midwife and nurse on the applicant's own application and on notification from the University of Applied Sciences. Legalization is conditional on the training of midwives meeting the requirements of European Community law and the above requirements. The task of the university of applied sciences is to verify that the graduating health care professional has the competence required by the professional skills requirements.

Competence Standards

Education as a midwife / nurse represents the level 6 at the Finnish and European Qualifications Framework.

The competencies of midwifery training are midwifery professional / professional activities, midwifery clientele, midwifery as a promoter and clinical expert in sexual and reproductive health, and midwifery development and management. General competencies form the basis for acquiring and systematically deepening the intellectual skills and expertise needed to solve problems in working life.

Structure of Studies

The studies of a nurse are 210 ECTS credits and the studies of a midwife are 270 credits. According to the curriculum, one year of study corresponds to 60 ECTS credits, which means 1,600 hours of student work. The student's work consists of e.g. contact hours, distance and independent study, e-learning and internships. The study includes working life-oriented research and development activities.

Development of Expertise

In Savonia's curricula, the courses form broader study modules. In this way, they support the overall development of the student and the development of expertise. At the same time, it is possible to combine teaching and work-based research and development.

The curriculum for the nurse / midwife is designed to ensure:
- the skills required in working life
- the development of the student's expertise.

Student
- prepares a personal study plan to support his / her studies, in which the previously acquired competence is identified (includes at least 5 credits of studying in a foreign language).
- is responsible for the progress of his / her studies.

Savonia teachers and other staff guide and support in defining and achieving personal goals.

The development of a nursing / midwifery student's expertise starts with getting acquainted with nursing and progresses through development and deepening into the application of nursing / midwifery. The annual themes and their competency level descriptions, as well as the semester themes and the competence objectives of the themes, help the learner to plan and assess their professional growth and focus on learning core knowledge and skills as well as ethical principles. Learning is a goal-oriented, situational and interactive activity. This requires identifying the student’s own goals and objectives. After completing the degree and having sufficient work experience, it is possible to apply for a master's degree.

Methods and implementation

In Savonia, the pedagogical starting point is the Open Innovation Space (OIS 2.0) model. It combines high-quality education with research and development activities close to working life. In work-related education, students' motivation and commitment to studies are emphasized. The development of students' expertise is promoted in various learning environments, by enabling diverse, time- and place-based year-round study and by making extensive use of the study of work. Comprehensive student guidance and the identification and recognition of prior learning are part of the students' personal study plan.

According to the learning vision of midwifery education, the student is a self-directed individual who takes responsibility for his or her own professional growth and development. Throughout the education, the student maintains a personal learning environment (PLE), in which he or she reflects on his or her own development in accordance with the semester themes of the studies.

The working life orientation of Savonia's education is realized through the diverse networking of teachers. Networks also ensure the continuous development of substance expertise. The staff creates learning situations and supports student learning. Student services, library and information services, international services and other university services help with studying. The training follows the principles of accessibility and sustainable development.

The curriculum of the midwifery degree program defines the objectives and main content of each study course, the scope in terms of credits, the principles of organizing studies and teaching, and the required credits. The implementation planning of the training is carried out every semester. The study courses to be taken during the same semester are planned as a single entity. The flexibility of studies is guaranteed by virtual studies, the use of social media as a learning tool and the use of alternative ways of demonstrating competence. The identification, recognition and demonstration of prior learning and the study of work are part of this process. The teacher tutor supports the personalization of studies and the development of competence.

The principles of implementation of the midwifery degree program are dialogue between practical and theoretical teaching, learning in different expert cultures and securing the student's individual progression paths. In the study, contact teaching alternates and interleaves with independent study alone and in a group. Part of the study and learning takes place at the school in skill workshops and simulation situations. Internships in real working life environments as well as other forms of study used in working life, such as various projects implemented in cooperation with working life, are part of learning and competence development. From the beginning of their studies, students are supported in community learning and independent acquisition of information.

Internationalization is part of studying. Students have the opportunity to study 60 ECTS of international and cultural competence at different stages of their studies, either abroad in various exchange programs or in Savonia by choosing to study at the Bachelor degree of nursing degree. In connection with professional studies, the student completes at least 5 credits in English (other than language studies). The student can also practice cultural skills while tutoring international exchange students and working in, for example, immigrant communities. Students may choose to complete optional language studies that are included as part of a personal study and career plan.

The assessment follows the degree rules of Savonia University of Applied Sciences. Assessment guides and reviews the achievement of the student's study goals. The assessment criteria are based on the objectives of the course and the student receives information about the assessment criteria at the beginning of the course. The student has the right to receive information on the application of the assessment criteria to his / her study performance. The Nursing Degree Program collects quantitative and qualitative feedback from semester studies, which is discussed in tutor classes. In addition to this, it is possible for the student to provide feedback to the feedback system on the student intranet. Feedback can be given in your own name or anonymously. In addition, the teacher can collect feedback on the course if necessary.

Course Table

Course Descriptions

4 STYOP01 Orientation to Social and Health Care Studies