Updated statement on Canterbury Christ Church University midwifery programme
Published on 19 September 2023
Second and third-year students at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) will be transferred onto a bespoke programme at the University of Surrey.
In light of serious concerns and after reviewing a wide range of evidence, we withdrew our approval of the CCCU midwifery programme in the interests of women and babies.
Since making this decision, our focus has been on working with CCCU and NHS England on plans to support the affected students to continue their education at another institution.
The University of Surrey has developed a plan which will see all students complete a bespoke bridging module before moving on to complete their programmes of education and training with Surrey. This arrangement, which the NMC has approved, addresses shortfalls in their theory and practice learning so they are able to graduate swiftly and safely, and be equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience to provide safe and effective care for women, babies, and families.
It is expected the former third and second-year CCCU students will start their programme with Surrey in early October and complete their studies in December 2024 and April 2025 respectively.
The University of Surrey has designed the programme to be based at an NHS facility in east Kent, minimising the impact on students, and so that they will not need to relocate.
Meanwhile, the University of Greenwich has ensured the future of midwifery education in the region by offering a new course at its Medway campus from this month. This will support the development of new midwives in the region over the coming years. The university will also take on foundation-year students from CCCU.
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