Sophie Ray
- Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, Programme Leader, BSc (Hons) Midwifery Institute of Health
- Institute of Health
- Health and Wellbeing
- Email: sophie.ray@cumbria.ac.uk
- Location: Carlisle - Fusehill Street
Biography
As a Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, I am responsible for leading modules such as 'The Midwife as Scholar 2' module, which focuses on evidence-based practice, evaluating research evidence and how to promote informed choice. I also lead students through the dissertation module in year three of the programme, which enables students to focus on their key topics of interest and write a research proposal. I facilitate the acquisition of clinical skills across all three years of the programme through clinical modules in our specialised clinical skills laboratories. As an Academic Assessor, I also support students in their clinical practice modules.
I am programme leader for the BSc (Hons) Midwifery programme, coordinating our accessible, inclusive approach to teaching and promoting engaging learning experiences.
I worked as a journalist before training to be a midwife, following the birth of my children. As a midwife, I worked in clinical practice in hospital and the community but my aim was always to teach and be involved in Midwifery education. I enjoyed working with student midwives, and was passionate about evidence-based practice and choice for women and their families. This led to further study, and the opportunity to lecture.
Qualifications and memberships
MSc Practice Development (Midwifery)
Post-graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning for Higher Education (PGLT)
Fellow of the Higher Education Authority (HEA)
BSc (Hons) Midwifery
Registered Midwife (RM, NMC)
Royal College of Midwives
BA (Hons) English
National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) – National Journalism Qualification (NQJ)
Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Champion
Academic and research interests
Wellbeing
Safe infant sleeping
Informed choice
Obstetric emergency training
Midwifery leadership and autonomy