Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

Midwifery (blended learning)

This blended learning course provides the knowledge, skills and cultural competence to support the health of childbearing women and families. With flexible online study and regular tutor support, you'll be ready to offer individualised care.

Our typical offer

120 UCAS points

Flexible learning

With a flexible approach to learning, this course will help you to balance university life with other commitments.

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.
BSc (Hons) Midwifery (blended learning)
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About

You really do have a long-term impact on a family whether you are a midwife or a student, they just remember you as being someone who was there and held their hand and listened to them.

Abbie Rich explains the moment she realised she wanted to be midwife.

This course is for you if...

you aim to become a registered midwife equipped to meet the needs of 21st-century healthcare
Stethoscope over heart
you want the flexibility to undertake online theoretical study when it is convenient for you
Two healthcare professionals, one with stethoscope
you're passionate about supporting women and families throughout the maternity journey
Clipboard with heart showing heart beat
you're eager to gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings
Badge with cross on, depicting health profession

Details

Year 1

The first year of the course includes initial modules that will focus on the midwife as a professional and practitioner, clinical skills, factors influencing health and wellbeing, medication calculation and an introduction to research.
Child nursing skills session. Nursing and midwifery facilities

Core modules

MID401BL
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% Clinical exams

MID402BL
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

MID403BL
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

MID404BL
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.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

MID405BL
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

The second year will build on essential midwifery knowledge and skills, and extend your understanding and application of theory and research to all areas of midwifery practice.
Child nursing students

Core modules

MID509BL
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.

50% Coursework

50% Practicals

MID510BL
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

MID511BL
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

MID512BL
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% Clinical exams

MID513BL
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

The final year will include a research or practice development project, and enable you to develop the ability to support women with more complex needs through pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period (including the newborn and infant physical examination – NIPE).
Midwifery skills sessions. Nursing and midwifery facilities

Core modules

MID607BL
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

MID608BL
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

MID609BL
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

MID610BL
Research and Quality Improvement 40 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% Coursework

HIPL600
Interprofessional Learning 3

 
 
 

Undertake theoretical study when it is convenient for you

  • Asynchronous learning allows you to base your study around your weekly clinical placements and home-life commitments – putting you at the centre of your midwifery journey.
  • You will spend 50% of your time learning through online academic study and lectures and 50% in clinical practice in weekly placements. Regular facilitated tutorials offer additional tailored support from expert midwifery lecturers.
Clinical skills wards: hospital simulation ward, Intercity Place

Find the right course for you

We offer a range of opportunities for you to fulfil your dreams of training as a Midwife.

Ranked 10th in the UK

We are ranked 10th for nursing and midwifery courses in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2026.
We are also ranked 1st in the South West for graduate prospects.

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:

BSc (Hons) Midwifery blended learning programme specification_7329

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.

Lotta

Lotta Gilmour, profile shot 
 
 
 
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
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.
Medical students using the Anatomage table clinical
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.
First choice for health
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 NHS Trust hospital and community settings across the South West in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.

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)


Associate Professor of Midwifery (Education)

Dr Heather Hopper Associate Professor Midwifery (Education)


Associate Professor Midwifery (Education)

Miss Victoria Shaw Lecturer in Midwifery


Lecturer in Midwifery

Show all
 
 
 

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.
Join MidSoc
Intercity Place wards being used by Midwifery students.
 
 
 

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

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city

Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options

Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Group of female members of cheerleading society
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

Lucy Oates,  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.
  • Pregnancies with complex care needs: Supporting women and families navigating experiences such as miscarriage, stillbirth, termination, neonatal loss, and congenital conditions.
  • 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.
  • >

    100% of our midwifery graduates find their current work meaningful

  • ]

    95% of our midwifery graduates are using what they learnt during their studies in their current work

  • ~

    95% of our midwifery graduates' current work aligns with their future plans

*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.
Nurses on ward, Derriford Hospital

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
Part-time study
N/A per 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 .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
120 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
Five GCSEs grade C / 4 or above to include Mathematics, English and Science.

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
30 - 32 points to include two subjects with Grade 5 at higher level, once must be a science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology or Sociology Maths and English accepted within as GCSE equivalent.
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
B72X
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(with placements)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
South West of England
  • Apply at UCAS.com
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