What are the views of midwifery students?

The overall sentiment expressed by students studying midwifery is mixed. Some express satisfaction and appreciation for the support they receive, while others express frustration and disappointment with various aspects of the course.

Many students feel well-supported by their lecturers and personal tutors, who are described as friendly, approachable, and responsive. The practice education midwife is also praised for providing excellent support. However, some students report feeling isolated and unsupported, particularly during placements.

A significant concern raised by students is the heavy workload and unrealistic expectations placed upon them. They feel that they are often given too much to do in a short amount of time, which can be overwhelming and impact their ability to complete assignments to the best of their ability. The timing of lectures and assessments is also criticised, with some students feeling that it is not well-organized and can lead to unnecessary stress.

Some students express frustration with the marking system, feeling that it is unfair and inconsistent. They report that feedback is often late or inadequate, which can make it difficult for them to understand what they need to do to improve.

Placements are a significant aspect of midwifery education, but some students report having negative experiences during these placements. They feel that the placement environments can be toxic and unsupportive, which can impact their confidence and motivation.

Despite these challenges, many students express appreciation for the opportunities they have had to learn and develop their skills. They praise the interactive and engaging teaching methods used by some lecturers and appreciate the support they receive from their peers.

Overall, while certain areas of concern need to be addressed, many students clearly value the education and training they receive in midwifery and are committed to becoming competent and compassionate practitioners.