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Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Midwifery
From supporting women through pregnancy and birth to guiding new mothers, you'll gain the hands-on experience and expertise needed to become a registered midwife. Graduate prepared to excel as a skilled and compassionate healthcare professional.
Our typical offer
120 UCAS points
Hands-on clinical experience
Spend 50% of your time learning in a broad range of midwifery settings including hospitals, community clinics and home birth services across the South West,
Innovative learning spaces
Train and practice your professional healthcare skills in an inspiring purpose-built environment designed to prepare you for life as a registered midwife.
Learn with and from others
We promote learning with and alongside other future health professionals, promoting collaboration and equipping you with valuable transferrable skills.
you aim to become a registered midwife equipped to meet the needs of 21st-century healthcare
you're passionate about supporting women and families throughout the maternity journey
you aspire to provide safe, effective and compassionate midwifery care
you're eager to gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings
Details
Year 1
Lay the foundations for your career as a midwife, from developing clinical skills and professional attitudes to learning about human reproductive biology. Explore the wider determinants of health and well being. Learn about pharmacology and the importance of safe medicine management. Develop your reflective practice, literature searching, essay writing and exam technique. Before Christmas, undertake the first of your supervised clinical placements in maternity settings.
Core modules
MID401
Professional Midwifery Practice
40 credits
This module will introduce the students to professional issues and clinical skills underpinning midwifery practice, aligned with the regulatory body proficiencies. Students will gain a foundation of holistic midwifery practice in core and domain-specific skills and proficiencies under direct supervision and direction in maternity and related clinical settings.
100% Clinincal exams
MID402
Biology for Midwifery
20 credits
A module encompassing a general overview of human biology, including biological functions, anatomy and physiology, with a focus on reproductive and developmental biology associated with the childbearing continuum.
100% Examinations
MID403
Wider Determinants of Health and Wellbeing
20 credits
This module will introduce students to factors that contribute to wider determinants of health and wellbeing, situating midwifery care within a social context and focusing on principles of public health and health promotion. The module will champion a human rights perspective, promoting respectful and non-discriminatory care, meaningful communication skills, choice, cultural sensitivity and individualised care.
100% Coursework
MID404
Pharmacology and Medicines Management
20 credits
Pharmacology and medicines management, including legal, professional and ethical aspects for midwives, across the continuum of pregnancy, labour, puerperium and neonatal care.
100% Practicals
MID405
Evidence Based Practice
20 credits
The module introduces students to the concept of evidence based practice and facilitates them i) to retrieve information ii) promotes their ability to differentiate between the main research designs and methodologies iii) begin judging the reliability of data and information. The module also introduces basic underpinning scholarly activities to promote responsibility for the nature and quality of their outputs.
100% Coursework
HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1
Year 2
Building on Year 1 biology studies, you’ll learn more about preconception, conception and childbearing. Explore conditions particular to pregnancy and birth including when women and families have additional needs. Learn how to undertake a full systematic physical examination of the newborn infant and work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team. Develop your ability to identify and apply evidence based midwifery practice. Put your improved clinical and theoretical skills into practice on placement, gaining further experience of midwifery settings.
Core modules
MID509
Developing Midwifery Practice
40 credits
This module will develop the student’s professional and clinical skills in the context of midwifery practice and role in the wider professional team. Students will build on their evidence informed knowledge to develop as a safe, competent, woman centred practitioner. This will ensure that the student is able to contribute with decreasing supervision and direction, in line with the regulatory body proficiencies.
100% Practicals
MID510
Reproductive Health and Pregnancy
20 credits
This module aims to teach students about a broad range of reproductive health issues and link this with possible effects on pregnancy. Students will study preconception, gynaecological and antenatal care and will analyse factors which may cause complications during pregnancy.
100% Coursework
MID511
Physiological Childbirth and additional needs
20 credits
This module aims to teach biological concepts relating to anatomy, physiology and epigenetics of labour and birth. Through application of holistic evidenced based care, the student will understand the importance of birth to public health and wellbeing to meet the changing health and care needs of people during all life stages.
100% Examinations
MID512
Postnatal and Neonatal Care
20 credits
This module enables the student to demonstrate complex knowledge of the postnatal care of women and their babies, their role in this care and appropriate referral to other health care professionals.
100% Clinincal exams
MID513
Developing Evidence Based Practice
20 credits
This module consolidates student midwifery research scholarship by: demonstrating knowledge of research through the academic processes of structured literature searching and application to evidence based midwifery practice.
100% Coursework
HIPL500
Interprofessional Learning 2
Final year
In your final year, you’ll further develop clinical skills for planning, assessing, implementing and evaluating pregnancy and childbirth care. Working with midwives within a continuity of carer model, you’ll see what it takes to be an effective practising midwife. You’ll explore complexities in midwifery care, developing the ability to support women and families in a variety of situations. Using what you’ve learnt on the course, you’ll identify and undertake an extended project. Prepare for your future as Registered Midwife in your final clinical placements.
Core modules
MID607
Advancing Midwifery Practice
40 credits
This module promotes excellence in the future midwife’s role as colleague, scholar and leader. It ensures that the student demonstrates evidence-based competent practice in all core and domain-specific skills and procedures in line with the regulatory body proficiencies, under appropriate supervision.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
MID608
Complexity in Midwifery (1)
20 credits
A module encompassing management of complexity in midwifery across the whole childbearing continuum of care with a focus on conditions peculiar to pregnancy, pre-existing conditions impacting on pregnancy and postnatally. Pathology, wellbeing and the midwife’s role as part of the multidisciplinary team will be explored.
100% Coursework
MID609
Complexity in Midwifery (2)
20 credits
A module encompassing management of complexity in midwifery across the whole childbearing continuum of care with a focus on managing intrapartum midwifery / obstetric emergencies. Pathology, wellbeing and the midwife’s role as part of the multidisciplinary team will be explored.
100% Examinations
MID610
Research and Quality Improvement
40 credits
To develop students’ skills in critical appraisal of a body of evidence in relation to midwifery practice, which underpins a research proposal or Quality Improvement / practice development project. This will involve exploration and application of evidence based practice to the clinical area and development of students’ ability to search for and critique primary and secondary sources of research literature. Students will also be challenged to recognise and understand how they can facilitate change promoting evidence based practice by producing a research proposal or Quality Improvement /practice development project.
100% Coursework
HIPL600
Interprofessional Learning 3
Blended learning route
The blended BSc and MSc degrees are suited if you are self-motivated and able to study independently online, accessing engaging digital learning materials for the theoretical element, with regular support from tutors in local areas.
You will also undertake weekly integrated clinical placements in one of the maternity units across the South West of England, where practice supervisors support you to learn and progress to achieve the required NMC standards of proficiency for midwives.
Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:
Experience
Being such a hands-on programme is the best way to learn. Spending time with patients, seeing your first birth and making a difference are always special moments. Placements made me so much more confident and prepared me for what working life will look like.
In this video, second-year student Abbie Eatough shares her experience taking part in a series of home and water birth scenarios, which put her knowledge and skills to practise in our simulated hospital wards and home simulation suite at InterCity Place.
Clinical skills sessions like these allows you to practise and build upon skills in a safe environment at your own speed, being able to watch and get involved in hands-on demonstrations, ask questions and discuss and reflect on placement experiences with your peers.
Hands-on learning
InterCity Place
A unique new learning space where undergraduate and postgraduate students from the largest breadth of health disciplines in the South-West learn together under one roof, with expert practitioners.
Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre (PIHC)
Experience an interprofessional learning environment across our health programmes that will prepare you for life as a healthcare professional.
Become a healthcare professional of the future
Collaboration across the schools helps students to learn with, from and about each other, gaining the real-world experience employers seek.
Real-world experience
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) require students in placement to experience a wide array of work patterns during the course, therefore you will be required to undertake these shifts during your placement.
You will spend 50% of your time on placement, working under the supervision of Registered Midwives in the South West of England.
Your placements will be based in one of the seven NHS Trust areas: Barnstaple, Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton, Torbay, Truro and Yeovil.
You will be given a range of placements that provide learning opportunities for the development of skills, from the initial consultation between the woman and the midwife, to postnatal and neonatal care, and much more.
Learn from experienced healthcare professionals
Our midwifery team is an experienced and diverse group of professionals with a range of clinical and academic backgrounds.
Excellent networks exist between the team and local maternity services, providing you with a a strong foundation of support.
The midwifery team is committed to providing an accredited curriculum that will equip you with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience to provide safe, compassionate and empowering midwifery care.
Ms Rachel Stanyer
Associate Professor of Midwifery (Education)
Dr Heather Hopper
Associate Professor Midwifery (Education)
Miss Victoria Shaw
Lecturer in Midwifery
Join our midwifery society 'MidSoc'
Plymouth Midwifery Society is a support network for aspiring midwives, student midwives and anyone interested in providing care for women. The society has opportunities for members to gain lifelong learning through study days, workshops and speakers to expand academic horizons. We aim to support and celebrate you and your achievements throughout your time at the University, as well as support and enable your study and awareness of all things that affect maternity care.
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Midwifery is a fascinating and rewarding career with many different areas to work in and the support from the University and placements is second to none.
Lucy Oates
BSc (Hons) Pre-Registration Midwifery graduate
BSc (Hons) Pre-Registration Midwifery graduate
As a midwife, you will support women throughout pregnancy, labour and the post-natal period, providing expert care tailored to individual needs. You'll work with women from diverse backgrounds, offering parenting and health education while considering psychological and social impacts on pregnancy and birth.
Key roles include:
- Antenatal care: Assisting with parenting classes, clinical exams and screenings to assess the baby’s health.
- High-risk pregnancies: Supporting women with conditions like diabetes, HIV, obesity, or those who are very young or over 35.
- Labour and birthing: Monitoring and supporting women throughout the labour and delivery process.
- Postpartum care: Offering advice on recovery, feeding and baby care.
- Challenging pregnancies: Supporting women and families going through severe life challenges such as stillbirth, miscarriage, termination, neonatal death and neonatal abnormalities.
The midwifery profession offers diverse career opportunities in the NHS and private sectors.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Opportunities for postgraduate study
Once you've qualified as a midwife you may be interested in developing and advancing your knowledge and skills.
The
Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions)
meets the needs of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals working across all healthcare sectors.
Alongside core modules you will have a choice of modules to tailor the course to meet your needs and focus on your specific area of interest.
This programme may be studied full time over one year or part time over up to five years, offering flexible delivery and exit points.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
£18,650 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement activities.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
NHS Training Grant
Midwifery students on pre-registration courses receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back, subject to eligibility criteria.
For more information please visit the NHS Student Services.
Midwifery Widening Participation bursary
The School of Nursing and Midwifery, with funding from National Health Service England, offer a significant bursary for a range of our pre-registration courses to promote the entrance of students from a wide range of backgrounds into the midwifery profession.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Secure your place this September
Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the University of Plymouth.
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
120 UCAS points
120 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
Five GCSEs grade C/4. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application. Please note that if you do not have this GCSE profile please contact the Admissions Team directly on +44 1752 585858 or email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk and they will be happy to advise you further.
A levels
120 points to include a grade B in a science – preference is given to Chemistry, Biology or Physics but Psychology and Sociology may also be considered. Excluding general studies and key skills.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3, 30 at distinction level including 15 L3 credits biology. A further 15 credits at L3 must be at merit level. In addition, must have 5 GCSE’s grade C / 4 or above to include Mathematics, English and Science. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application. Note the admissions tutor will consider the BTEC Level 2 in Science with a minimum of a merit overall in lieu of GCSE Science C / 4. Please note that if you do not meet the GCSE criteria please contact our Admissions Team for further support and advice.
BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM-DDM – needs to have strong science/health element.
International Baccalaureate
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
T level
Accepted pathway: Health. Must achieve a Merit overall to include a grade B in the Year One Core Component.
Extended entry requirements
- Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
- In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is required.
- Please note we do not accept Key Skills Level 2 in place of GCSE English or mathematics.
- You must pass
disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course. - If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification at the grades stated below.
- IELTS – overall score is at least 7.0, with a score of at least 6.5 in all elements.
Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further. -
Attend an interview -
English language requirements - We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our
tariff glossary.
Further information
Enhancing your application
Meeting the academic minimum does not guarantee you a place, you need to make sure that you are strong across all sections of your application form.
NHS constitution
University pre-registration programmes for health professionals are required to select their applicants using a ‘values based’ approach. As part of this process, your UCAS personal statement should include evidence of your personal commitment to NHS values laid out in the NHS constitution.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
B721
B721
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
120 UCAS points
120 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
B721
B721
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes to this course
If you do not have the required qualifications for this course, you may be able to gain them through the
University of Plymouth International College (UPIC)
.
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.