Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This three-year honours degree integrates theory, evidence-based practice and extensive clinical experience. Core topics include anatomy and physiology in pregnancy, normal labour and birth, antenatal care, postnatal care and newborn assessment, pharmacology relevant to midwifery, perinatal mental health, public health and safeguarding for mothers and infants.

Teaching emphasises clinical decision-making and continuity of care models. You will study research methods and statistics for midwifery, professional and ethical issues, and approaches to working with diverse families. In your final year you usually complete a research or practice-based project and modules focused on leadership, complex care and transition to professional registration.

Practical learning is delivered through simulated clinical skills sessions in skills and simulation suites and through supervised placements across community and hospital settings, including antenatal clinics, labour wards, postnatal wards, neonatal care environments and home or birth-centre settings. You will gain experience working as part of multidisciplinary teams and develop communication, assessment and emergency response skills in realistic scenarios.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary education with qualifications in relevant subjects; many successful applicants hold A-levels (or equivalent) including a science such as Biology or Human Biology, or a relevant BTEC. Practical experience and evidence of commitment to working with pregnant women and families, for example through health care or voluntary placements, strengthen applications.

Applicants must meet professional and statutory requirements for practice, including satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, occupational health clearance and fitness to practise declarations. You will normally be required to attend an interview or selection day as part of the admissions process. International applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved test.

Career prospects

Graduates who successfully complete the programme and meet professional requirements are eligible to apply for registration as midwives with the statutory regulator. Typical first posts are as banded midwives working in hospital maternity units, community midwifery teams or birth centres. With experience career paths include roles in neonatal services, specialist midwifery (for example perinatal mental health or continence), public health, safeguarding, education and research.

Many midwives progress to advanced practice roles, leadership and management, policy or education positions, or undertake postgraduate study such as postgraduate certificates/diplomas, MSc programmes and practice-focused qualifications that lead to consultant or advanced practitioner roles. The degree also provides transferable skills relevant to health promotion, commissioning and non-clinical roles within health services.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers midwifery education grounded in research and close partnership with local NHS maternity providers. The programme benefits from a dedicated midwifery research centre and staff with clinical and academic expertise who bring current practice into teaching. You will train in modern skills and simulation facilities and gain practical experience through a variety of placements across community and hospital settings in the region.

The curriculum places emphasis on person-centred, evidence-based care and interprofessional learning, preparing students for collaborative practice. Students receive structured placement support from practice mentors and academic tutors, and the university provides career and employability services to support transition into the workforce and beyond into postgraduate study or specialist career pathways.