When applying for a postgraduate nursing and midwifery scholarship to complete a program in midwifery, you are required to submit an essay in support of your application.

The course being studied should relate to your current role or role being sought.

The essay should be written to a standard which is commensurate with the level of study being undertaken. This includes relevance to the topic, format, spelling, grammar and clear articulation of thoughts and ideas.

When composing your essay, cite sources in-text and include a reference list. Please do not copy and paste directly from other sources.

Essay requirements and marking criteria

  1. Graduate diploma
  2. Masters

Applicants studying a Graduate Entry Masters (GEM) Program leading to registration as a midwife should complete the essay question set for graduate diploma.

Graduate certificate

Question

Examine how this qualification will enable you to practise within the International Definition of the Midwife as set by the International Confederation of Midwives, revised in 2023.

Length

400 words.

Assessment criteria

Total score: /30

CriteriaPriority/areas for focusNeeds work
(Score 0 - 3)		Adequate
(Score 4 - 7)		Good
(Score 8 - 10)
Content/RelevanceDescribe impact of program of study/new qualification to application to practice and outcomes for patient care/communities and/or workforce.Brief, superficial and/or unclear description of knowledge and skill application. Limited to vague impressions of benefit/s to patient care/communities and/or workforce. Application of knowledge and skills to benefit care for women and their families is included in some detail, with adequate attempt made to reflect on outcomes.Application of knowledge and skills to benefit care for women and their families is presented in a clear and articulate manner with evidence of critical reflection.
Writing/ClarityOrganisation of the paper that is logical, comprehensible, and grammatically correct.Essay is poorly organised and difficult to read – does not flow logically from one part to another. There are several spelling and/or grammatical errors. Writing lacks clarity and conciseness. Essay is generally well organised and most of the argument is easy to follow. There are only a few minor spelling or grammatical errors. Writing is mostly clear but may lack conciseness. Essay is coherently organised, and the logic is easy to follow. There are no spelling or grammatical errors. Writing is clear and concise and persuasive.
Analysis/EvidenceDemonstrates understanding of the topic, utilises appropriate references/reports/policies to support author's position and demonstrates application to practice.

Essay does not address the question.

  • Topic not defined/described.
  • Paper not referenced or uses unreliable sources.
  • Word limit significantly under- utilised.

Essay addresses some aspects of the question.

  • Topic briefly defined/ described.
  • Paper includes minimal references from reliable sources.
  • Word limit utilised +/- 10%.

Essay meets all aspects of the question.

  • Topic clearly described.
  • Paper is well referenced, utilising reliable/primary sources.
  • Word limit utilised +/-10%.

Masters

Question

Identify an emerging issue potentially impacting the care of women and their families in the maternity setting. Using the literature to inform your response, describe any opportunities for midwives to address the issue and positively influence care for women and their families.

Length

500 words.

Assessment criteria

Total score: /30

CriteriaPriority/areas for focusNeeds work
(Score 0 - 3)		Adequate
(Score 4 - 7)		Good
(Score 8 - 10)
Content/RelevanceIdentifies an appropriate issue or challenge in contemporary practice in relevant field, and critically explores stra​tegies to address. Issue or challenge identified is not contemporary and/or supported by reliable sources/evidence. Strategies proposed are vague and generalised in nature. Issue or challenge identified is contemporary, supported by the literature, with some examples provided. Strategies to address are defined with adequate attempt to apply to practice. Issue or challenge identified is contemporary, strongly supported by the literature and clear linkages to relevant field provided. Strategies to address are defined with critical application to practice.
Writing/ClarityOrganisation of the paper that is logical, comprehensible, and grammatically correct.Essay is poorly organised and difficult to read – does not flow logically from one part to another. There are several spelling and/or grammatical errors. Writing lacks clarity and conciseness. Essay is generally well organised and most of the argument is easy to follow. There are only a few minor spelling or grammatical errors. Writing is mostly clear but may lack conciseness. Essay is coherently organised, and the logic is easy to follow. There are no spelling or grammatical errors. Writing is clear and concise and persuasive.
Analysis/EvidenceDemonstrates understanding of the topic, utilises appropriate references/reports/policies to support author's position and provides analyses of the evidence as applied to practice.

Essay does not address the question.

  • Topic not defined/described.
  • Paper not referenced or uses unreliable sources.
  • Word limit significantly under- utilised.

Essay addresses some aspects of the question.

  • Topic briefly defined/described.
  • Paper includes minimal references from reliable sources.
  • Word limit utilised +/- 10%.

Essay meets all aspects of the question.

  • Topic clearly described.
  • Paper is well referenced, utilising reliable/primary sources.
  • Word limit utilised +/-10%.

Current as at: Wednesday 26 June 2024
Contact page owner: Nursing and Midwifery