Physical Examination of the Newborn (MACP4011)

This module can be accessed as a ‘stand alone’ option or within the MA/MSc Professional Development programme, equipping students with advanced skills in neonatal health assessment, multidisciplinary collaboration, and leadership in neonatal care.

Part of Advanced Clinical Practice MSc/Advanced Clinical Practitioner Apprenticeship (ACPA) Programme MSc

This module is part of the University’s MSc Advanced Clinical Practice/ Advanced Clinical Practice Degree Apprenticeship . You will study alongside other students on these courses. The module is also part of the Professional Development MA/MSc course - a flexible course that you help design to take your career to the next level.

Overview

This module provides the opportunity for midwives, nurses and allied health professionals to come together to extend their knowledge of newborn physiology and gain the competence to carry out a full newborn physical examination as required by the NHS England Newborn Infant Physical Examination Standards (2024). You'll need to be a professionally registered midwife, nurse or allied health professional with at least a year's post-registration experience, DBS certificate clearance and be working in a relevant role in order to study this module.

There is a growing need for registered midwives, nurses and other allied health professionals to extend their role in the field of newborn examination and screening for health.

In extending their field of practice, midwives, nurses and allied health professionals will, upon completion of the module, be able to offer informed choice to clients, improved maternal satisfaction and an improved service to neonates and infants.

As a Level 7 module, it aligns with the programme’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, critical decision-making, and professional growth. The module develops practical and theoretical expertise in newborn assessment, contributing to employment-related capabilities, cognitive and intellectual skills and transferable skills such as interdisciplinary teamwork and reflective leadership. Students undertaking this module will enhance their ability to apply research knowledge to clinical settings, preparing them for advanced practice roles, leadership positions, or further academic research. Whether taken as part of broader professional development studies or as a stand-alone option, this module supports lifelong learning and career progression in healthcare, midwifery, or neonatal services.

It is expected that all advertised modules will run, but there may be situations where there are insufficient students to make a particular module viable.

Career benefits

Midwives Nurses and allied health professionals are required to continually develop their clinical practice to reflect the needs of the local population and respond to service delivery changes.

As many higher education institutions offering undergraduate midwifery education now have NMC approval to offer NIPE ( Newborn Infant Physical examination) as an element of their approved programmes, midwives at the point of registration are now NIPE practitioners. For those Midwives, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals who have registered prior to this they have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills to become NIPE practitioners, complementing their current role and supporting students in undergraduate programmes.

Module delivery

The module is delivered face to face in the classroom over 6 weeks with suitably qualified Midwife NIPE practitioners, with a teaching qualification. Students are expected to have a further 6 days of clinical practice time supervised by an appropriate registered professional with a NIPE qualification.

Assessment methods

Assessment comprises:

A PASS/FAIL Observed Structured Clinical Examination lasting 30 minutes.
Practice Competency document and portfolio of 15 completed NIPE examinations from clinical practice (PASS/FAIL) verified by practice supervisor.
Critical Reflective Essay (2000 words) graded to give overall module grade.

Assessments must all carry a PASS grade and are non compensatory. Students must achieve PASS on all elements.

Timetabled sessions

16/09/2025 9.15-16.15
23/09/2025 9.15-16.15
30/09/2025 9.15-16.15
07/10/2025 9.15-16.15
04/11/2025 9.15-16.15
11/11/2025 9.15-16.15
06 and 07/ 01/2026 9.15-16.15 (Summative assessment OSCE days)

Entry Requirements

Professional registration as midwife, nurse allied health professional with 1 year post registration experience.
DBS certificate clearance.
Engaged in the care of neonates or infants to fulfil the module learning outcomes