Midwife: Entry requirements

A degree in midwifery is essential for entry. The three or four-year degree programme is open to graduates and diplomates from all degree and HND courses, but life sciences may be preferred. Registered nurses can do a 12-18 month shortened course. There are no shortened graduate courses in midwifery for graduates in other disciplines.

Entry to midwifery training without a degree or HND is also possible. Applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) and at least two A-levels (or equivalent) for degree programmes. Check individual entry requirements with course providers. The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)  sets minimum requirements in literacy and numeracy. Course entry is also possible through recognised access programmes, or in England, foundation degrees in healthcare or related subjects

Applications for degrees and diplomas in England and Scotland are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) . Information on degrees in Wales is available from the National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare (Wales)  and applications should be made through UCAS. Details for individual institutions in Northern Ireland are available from the Northern Ireland Practice & Education Council for Nursing & Midwifery and applications are made directly to the institution.

Acceptance on a course will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and criminal records bureau (CRB) checks. Some medical conditions may exclude entry. If you are a student with special needs, you will be asked to identify any additional requirements related to your disability.

Pre-entry experience in a caring role within health and social care is a distinct advantage. Many midwives with previous nursing experience believe that it came in useful when they started midwifery training. Useful voluntary experience for direct entrants might include supporting teenage parents, working with breastfeeding groups or charities dealing with issues such as birth defects, bereavement or miscarriage.

You will need to show evidence of the following:

• an intuitive, caring, objective and flexible approach;
• strong teamworking and advocacy skills;
• a calm and alert manner, especially in stressful situations;
• the ability to react quickly and effectively;
• strength, stamina and physical fitness;
• a commitment to equal treatment for all women, irrespective of their background or circumstances.

Courses cover applied psychology and sociology as well as biological sciences and professional practice. Most modules are continually assessed.

All midwifery students funded by The National Health Service (NHS)  have their contribution to tuition fees paid in full by the NHS. Student midwives on diploma courses are eligible for a non-means-tested bursary. Students on degree courses receive a means-tested bursary and are eligible for student loans. If you attend a course in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, broadly comparable arrangements will apply, but you will need to consult the relevant national authorities for details. Non-European Union nationals may not be eligible for funding and may need a student visa to study. Course providers can also provide further information on finance. For study in England, you can find detailed information, including eligibility criteria, from NHS Student Bursaries .

Gaining a place on a direct entry course to midwifery is highly competitive, so you should aim to apply early.

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