Studying midwifery at RGU

Third-year midwifery student Emma shares her experience of the course and placements, and how she has been supported with her dyslexia and dysgraphia at RGU.

How I enrolled at RGU

I’m Emma, and I’m currently a third-year student midwife at RGU.

From a young age, I knew I always wanted to care for and look after people. It was a toss-up between cancer nursing and midwifery for me. However, midwifery just stuck; everyone knew I was focused on becoming a midwife.

I attended the RGU Open Day with my family, and I got to speak with the lecturers and 3rd-year students. This really solidified that I wanted to attend RGU as I could see myself thriving there. So, I was absolutely delighted when I got my offer.

Recently, I had a full circle moment as I was the third year that was helping with the open days, talking to the applicants and showing me how far I had come from being there myself.

My experience with Midwifery at RGU

I feel like my time studying midwifery at RGU has gone by extremely fast, but it’s been so enjoyable. The staff have been so supportive, as this course is intense at times. I would encourage the use of personal tutors, Study Skills and the Inclusion Centre as they have been amazing through my official diagnosis of dyslexia and dysgraphia, putting in place reasonable adjustments in theory modules and placement.

Placements at first were daunting. However, you slowly get into the swing of things, consolidate your learning and pick up tips from each midwife. A massive highlight is being there for women and their families on such a special journey. It will always be such a privilege for me to be a part of this.

The team was so supportive when I was nervous about switching health boards for my placement in 2nd year from NHS Grampian to NHS Tayside. I was excited to be home for placement but anxious to have to re-learn some things and find my way around a new hospital. However, my personal tutor showed me around Ninewells to get my bearings and help with the stress of where I was to go, and I got to meet the lovely staff that was on shift that day, putting me at ease.

I was also lucky enough to be selected for the interprofessional learning day with the 4/5^th year medical students from Aberdeen University running through simulations of obstetric emergencies. It was fun running through these scenarios seeing how far I had come from first year.

My aspirations after graduation

I hope to become a midwife either in the wards or in the labour suite as I enjoy building relationships with women over multiple shifts and how rewarding each shift makes you feel like you have made a difference.

Emma Todd

Studying midwifery in Scotland

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