David, MSc Midwifery
- Studied MSc Midwifery part-time over five years
- Graduated in summer 2019
- Hopes to support and teach the next generation of midwives
What made you want to study at Bradford?
The initial meeting I had was informal and very helpful in looking at what modules I could do, and which ones would be applicable to my current clinical post.
Also, because I could see the passion for teaching within the faculty.
What was the best thing about studying in Bradford?
The support I had and being able to meet other healthcare professionals during a module.
I did a module called 'Managing Change', which included professionals from wide areas of healthcare. There was a lot of sharing of ideas and overcoming challenges.
A specific midwifery module was led by Maria Evans which was great, as Maria is a midwife herself.
How do you balance studying and working?
I dropped a long day at work, so in effect I went part-time. I have worked two 12.5-hour shifts per week, days and nights.
I did this to ensure that when I was undertaking a module and attending Bradford I would have time to give 100%.
Where do you see your career heading now you've graduated?
I love teaching and sharing knowledge, so supporting or teaching a future generation of midwives is something I would love to do.
What was the hardest thing you've overcome in your life?
Personally, it was the loss of my mother in 2014 during my MSc journey, when I was a year into my course.
Academically, perhaps the final dissertation, which seemed like an enormous hill to climb due to its length. However, the regular supervision meetings and support from my supervisor Rae kept me focused and on track.
I also had emergency spinal surgery in Leeds General Infirmary in May 2017. This was out of the blue and quite a shock.
I recovered and returned to work. After 12 weeks I got back into my routine of work and studying.
What advice would you give to others who wish to further their career by going back into education?
You are never too old to do something you really want to do. There is a right time - it may be at 25 or at 52, as I was when I started, but there is a right time.
Don't be put off if you don't have a string of A levels to your name. You need to demonstrate you have the academic ability - having been in clinical practice since 1992 I came into the course with a vast amount of experience and I believe this did help me.
If you have a passion for your work, if you really want something and are prepared to commit to the journey, then go for it.
David Bromley. MSc Midwifery