Midwife

You can do a degree in midwifery as long as it's approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council .

If you already have a degree that is not in midwifery, you can do a postgraduate midwifery course to become a midwife.

You may be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 2 or 3 A levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma or access to higher education in health, science or nursing

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
• NHS Learning Support Fund|https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund

You can do a Midwife Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This typically takes 48 months to complete and includes learning on the job and studying at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You'll find it helpful to get some volunteering experience in healthcare before you apply for a course.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT .

If you're a registered adult nurse you may be able to take a conversion course to become a midwife. These usually take between 18 and 24 months.

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Career Tips

When applying for degree courses and apprenticeships, you'll be expected to show an understanding of how the NHS values apply in your work.

Further Information

You can find more on how to become a midwife from the Royal College of Midwives and Health Careers .

In this role you could:

• advise pregnant people and check they are healthy
• run classes about pregnancy and parenting
• manage labour and deliver babies
• advise on ways to manage pain during labour
• give advice after the baby is born
• visit homes to check on parents and the baby

You could work at a client's home, at a health centre, at a GP practice or in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.