Student profiles

Jane Carpenter

MSc Midwifery

When I visited Brookes, it felt like home.

The Oxford Brookes Midwifery team are great; we’re quite a small group which means that all of us, staff and students alike, quickly got to know each other.

In first year we go out on community placement, so you really hit the ground running and get to learn the skills you need in a practical environment. I’ve been privileged enough to ‘catch’ my first baby, which was a truly inspirational experience, and I’ve loved all the aspects of this placement. It has been fascinating, exhausting and ultimately very rewarding.

I would absolutely recommend this course to others. If you are passionate about midwifery, the best advice is just to go for it; be prepared for a busy, intense, rewarding, emotional rollercoaster ride!

My first aim is to finish the course, graduate and become a practicing midwife, but I am also interested in becoming a research midwife in the future.

Claire Litchfield

MSc Midwifery

I feel well equipped as a newly qualified midwife.

I had always wanted a healthcare related career and had been interested in midwifery, particularly because of the opportunity to practice autonomously. Midwifery is such an ancient practice and there is so much variety in how it is delivered all over the world.

I loved going to the JHB building for lectures; it’s very modern and the library space is exceptional. For healthcare students it’s great to be on your own campus at Marston road as you get to mix with the other professions.

The staff are very supportive and want to see you succeed. I had great support from my academic tutor and my research supervisor, which meant that I was able to push myself academically. The range of placements is very good, and on qualification you definitely feel that you have had a well-rounded experience. I feel well equipped as a newly qualified midwife.

I’m now working at a local NHS Trust and am really enjoying it. I’m looking forward to developing my midwifery skills and in the future I hope to use some of the academic skills I have developed at Brookes and maybe go into research or teaching.

Francesca Medway

BSc Midwifery

The course is intense but your cohort is so supportive and encouraging. It’s a bond that will never break.

The placements were certainly my favourite aspect of the course. The OUH Foundation Trust is very fortunate to have a wide array of placements that, as a student, you can experience. The best way to learn in this profession is by observing and then doing and I loved the hands on experience this course provided.

The lectures were very interesting and the lecturers were incredibly passionate and enthusiastic. My experience of mentors has been so positive; they have all been so supportive and understanding.

The facilities are good. Marston Road provides labs and computer facilities that are suitable for the courses based there. The canteen is mostly always open and a common room provides a kettle, microwave and vending machine. The John Henry Brookes building is very modern with good sized rooms, a great canteen and a fantastic library.

I’m currently working as a midwife – spending half my time in the community and the other half in the John Radcliffe on a delivery suite. My long term plans include working in the community at a birth centre and possibly exploring research.

Serena Serratore

BSc Midwifery

My placements within Oxford have been amazing so far.

I chose to study at Oxford Brookes as it has a good reputation and because it is really close to the John Radcliffe hospital, which is fantastic in terms of placement opportunities. Also, the teaching staff are really friendly and always there if you need help.

I really enjoy being out on placement and being able to practice the skills I have learnt whilst at university. My placements within Oxford have been amazing so far, and they are not far from my accommodation so I don’t have to worry about travel. My mentor is fantastic and the help we receive from our link mentor is great.

After completing the course I hope to continue working at the John Radcliffe hospital. Once I qualify I would like to become a mentor, to help teach future students.