BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Pre-registration)

Gain the knowledge, skills, and compassion to make a difference in mothers' and babies' lives. Become a confident, competent midwife and leave a lasting impact on families and communities.

Typical offer: 120–128
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,535 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: B720
Course length: Full time: three years
Find out more
Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36

The Janice Ann McNaughton Bursary

£3,000 (paid in the first year of study) is awarded every year to two first year students studying on this course. Students are eligible to apply if they are care-leavers or care-experienced students aged 18-24. If the cohort does not include two students who meet the above criteria, students under the age of 25 who are the first in their family to attend university may be considered.Applicants must fill in a short application form.

Find out more about scholarships, grants and bursaries

NHS Learning Support Fund
Training grants of at least £5,000 a year are available for eligible healthcare students which you will not have to pay back. You may also be eligible for an additional £2,000 towards childcare costs to help balance your studies with family life and £3,000 for students who find themselves in unforeseen financial hardship.

Find out more about the NHS Learning Support Fund

2nd in the East of England for nursing and midwifery (Complete University Guide, 2025)

Gain hands on experience in our simulation hospital wards

Provide essential care during pregnancy, labour and after the birth

Meet our students

Course overview

Midwives provide essential care during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period to both mothers and their babies. On this midwifery course, you’ll gain sound knowledge of what's normal and healthy in childbearing women and recognise and manage any problems that may arise. You’ll learn how to perform examinations on the mothers-to-be as well as their infants after birth. Alongside studying the theory of midwifery, half of your time will be spent in various clinical settings partnering with experienced midwives.

Why choose this course?

We have an excellent reputation and will help you to develop the qualities needed that define a University of Hertfordshire graduate midwife. With the BSc (Hons) Midwifery course you gain sound midwifery knowledge of normality, enabling you to become competent in recognising and managing deviations from this normality.

You will benefit from the inclusion of the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) competency which provides you with advanced knowledge to support the care provided. Our commitment to achieving UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Accreditation enables learning that supports best practice in relation to infant feeding.

In addition to university study skills support, lecturers also provide close guidance to students both in the university and in practice. The University is ranked 7th in the UK for both learning opportunities and organisation and management for nursing and midwifery (National Student Survey, 2024).

Professional accreditations

When you successfully complete the BSc (Hons) Midwifery course, you can apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the regulatory body governing Midwifery practice in the UK. It is necessary to register in order to practice as a midwife in the UK.

Your future career

This course will lay the foundation for your continuing personal and professional development throughout your career, with opportunities when you graduate for post-qualification study at masters and doctoral level.

100% of graduates are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course (Graduate Outcomes, 2019/2020).

See what recent graduates are up to

What you'll study

The midwifery degree will see you spending 50% of your time on campus where you’ll build your theoretical knowledge in lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratories.

You will strengthen your ability for self-directed study and further your interpersonal skills. You’ll also develop your writing, presentations and computer literacy skills through case studies, individual and group projects and other student-centred activities.

In your first year, we’ll start you right from the beginning. You’ll explore a woman’s journey into motherhood. You’ll understand the well-being of the childbearing woman from antenatal to the postnatal period. You’ll see the importance of working as part of one multi-professional group to help a new parent make informed pregnancy and birthing choices.

In your second year, you will get to explore social and cultural aspects to consider in midwifery in more detail. You will also look at disorders of body systems, medical conditions caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding conditions and challenges. At the end of the second year, you will also have the opportunity to undertake an elective placement. If you choose this option, you will get to spend three weeks in a different midwifery setting either in the UK or abroad.

In your final year, you’ll find that you have grown to love certain topics that you just need to learn more about. For example, this could be the parent-baby attachment or how culture or religion affects the neonatal care you give to new mothers. It’s up to you to decide what you want to focus your final literature review on.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Woman's Journey to Motherhood 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module considers the development, health and well-being of the childbearing woman and her baby during the intrapartum and the postnatal period. It covers the psychological basis for the provision of care and the role of the midwife. The NMC Code is explored from a wider social perspective, specifically to gain an in-depth understanding of cultural and health issues affecting the wellbeing of women and their families. This module considers local and national developments that may impact on the organisation and provision of maternity care, with the support of a multi-professional approach. Units of learning will include foundation anatomy and physiology involving the different body systems in the intrapartum and postnatal period (including reference to genetics, geonomics, epigenetics and psychology) to maternal health, the childbirth experience, intrapartum and postnatal care, care of the newborn and newborn screening, reflective practice, emotional support in the postnatal period, family dynamics and building a close mother-baby relationship.
Woman's Journey to Motherhood 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module considers the development, health and well-being of the childbearing woman and her baby during pregnancy. The underpinning knowledge provides the physiological and psychological basis for the provision of antenatal care. The role of the midwife in providing midwifery care in accordance with the NMC Code is explored from a wider social perspective, specifically to gain an in-depth understanding of cultural and health issues affecting the wellbeing of women and their families. This module considers local and national developments that may impact on the organisation and provision of maternity care, with the support of a multi-professional approach.
Arts and Skills of Midwifery	30 Credits	Compulsory

Infant Feeding and Relationship Building	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module considers the knowledge and skills required to assist mothers within interprofessional practice in building a strong, loving relationship with their baby, in order to protect, promote and support breastfeeding, in line with the UNICEF UK BFI standards. It is recognises that supporting healthy relationships are important for all babies, mothers and their families, therefore, alternative feeding practices are also considered. The underpinning knowledge provides the physiological and psychological basis for the provision of care. The role of the midwife and the multi-disciplinary team in promoting breastfeeding and supporting women with their infant feeding choice is explored from a wider social, cultural, political and global perspective, specifically to gain an in-depth understanding of how health may be influenced by these factors

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Understanding Research	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, qualitative and quantitative research approaches will be addressed. The development of research questions, the research process and the classification of research designs and methodologies will also be explored. This will include concepts of rigour, representation and control, validity and reliability. Students will begin to develop skills to enable them to identify, critically analyse and interpret research evidence and local, national and international data and reports. Research methodology will include exploration of ethical issues, population, sampling, data collection and data measurement. An overview of statistical methods will be included.
Health Conditions in Childbearing	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module covers a range of medical and psychological conditions that may pre-exist or present for the first time in the childbearing period. This will/ include/ conditions directly arising/ from/ pregnancy and birth./ Topics covered may include the following (list of content is not exhaustive): Disorders of body/ systems/ including the/ respiratory, cardiac,/ neurological,/ reproductive,/ endocrine, renal/ and blood/ systems./ Medical conditions/ caused/ by/ pregnancy,/ including obstetric/ cholestasis,/ hyperemesis gravidarum,/ pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes/ and symphysis/ pubis/ dysfunction, physical disabilities, including hearing/ loss, visual/ impairment,/ mobility/ impairment, learning disability, breast/ conditions, mental/ health/ disorders,/ including/ those/ which/ pre-date pregnancy,/ such/ as anxiety and/ depression/ and those/ resulting/ from/ childbirth,/ such/ as/ post-natal/ psychosis, postnatal depression, post traumatic stress disorder: tochophobia, obesity and eating/ disorders, pregnancy/ loss, perinatal loss and beareavement, referral pathways for women with additional care needs and recognise the woman s own expertise of her own pre-existing conditions.
Applied Midwifery Skills	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module/ will/ build on the learning achieved in year 1, furnishing students with evidence-based knowledge and skills to enable them to safely care for women and babies in challenging situations./
Midwifery Perspectives of Public and Global Health	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module will explore the implications of specific/ lifestyle, life diversities/ and social issues and their impact on the transition to parenthood and potential influence during/ infancy and the early years./ Predisposing factors and evidence around inequalities in health for childbearing women will be linked to current local, national and global guidelines and policies including government s public agenda and drivers aimed at improvements in outcomes./ / / Additional content may include a range of social issues such as: parent / infant attachment, training and retention of the health workforce worldwide. There are a range of opportunities to study topics such as the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, gender equality, violence and the exploitation of women, human rights including women s sexual and reproductive health care services. Diverse public health subjects will also be studied along with the role of the midwife in documenting, referring and care planning in the context of health promotion.
Enhanced Neonatal Studies	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will explore a range of conditions that can impact on the health of the newborn baby, with a specific/ emphasis on the 3Hs (hypoxia,/ hypoglycaemia, hypothermia) along with jaundice and neonatal sepsis. A key/ focus of the module will be the metabolic adaption related to the neonatal energy triangle for students/ to understand the mechanisms and how they relate to each other. The content will be structured around prevention, anticipation, assessment, recognition, medication, and clear management of each of the conditions, enabling recognition of deviations from the norm. Key reports related to perinatal morbidity and mortality will be examined to support understanding of factors that impact on neonatal outcomes. The parent-baby interaction/ and attachment, infant feeding, and support when baby is in neonatal unit, along with consideration of ethical, cultural, religious or psychosocial issues surrounding/ neonatal care will be applied to enhance holistic care. Key considerations around communication with the mother/parents and collaborative work with the interdisciplinary and multiagency teams to provide care to neonates and their families will be highlighted./

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Preparing for Midwifery Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explore the key drivers and influences affecting the provision of maternity services across a range of settings. A variety of quality improvement and governance initiatives will be explored and evaluated. Professional and organizational support mechanisms will be reviewed and analysed in the context of the midwifery profession. Knowledge and skills will be utilized to promote advocacy, to personalize care and promote normality to enhance women's experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. Practical initiatives will be included to prepare students for admission to the NMC register as competent, research informed and resilient practitioners with the ability to problem solve. Students will be equipped with knowledge and skills to work within contemporary midwifery practice.
Emergency Skills - Saving Mothers and Babies	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the management of emergency situations within the midwives' sphere of practice and in accordance with the NMC Code and the decision-making processes necessary for midwives to provide appropriate care for women. The recognition and management of emergencies during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium is linked to known pathophysiology. Initial management of emergencies are considered, together with appropriate referral. The recognition of how high risk cases may necessitate individual midwifery care pathways to support women and families is linked to current evidence and the appropriate interpersonal skills and communication skills. A key focus of the module is the midwife as part of a multidisciplinary team to minimize risk and improve safety for all service users.
Independent Midwifery Investigation	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will be delivered in accordance with the School teaching, learning and assessment strategy. This module enables students to investigate a chosen aspect of midwifery practice. Students will develop their literature searching abilities and will conduct a critical review of the literature, including professional and political influences on their chosen topic. Alongside independent working, students will share ideas within small groups, supported by a facilitator and will be encouraged to communicate using the University s Virtual Learning Environment. Guidance will be offered on the choice of topic area. The learning outcomes will be achieved using a range of teaching and learning strategies, which may include workshops, specialist lectures and seminars/tutorials. The taught components will enhance students knowledge relating to the development of a suitable focus for their investigation: this will include advanced literature searching skills, IT skills, revision of research methods and critical evaluation skills.
Inter Professional Education for Midwives	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to give students further opportunities of working in multi-professional groups in order to/ improve understanding across professional boundaries and encourage collaborative learning and working that/ will bring benefit to patient/service-users including continuity of care. The justification for inclusion of inter-professional working within health care is addressed./ / The module requires students to bring specialist in-depth knowledge of their profession and professional codes/ of conduct to a group setting so that health and social care pathways are critically reviewed in the context of/ professional practice./ To develop the students / resilience/ in the face of challenges within the midwifery profession./
Examination of the Newborn	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students will critically explore the behavioural and physical attributes of the newborn infant. The full physical examination of the newborn is approached in a holistic manner, but particular emphasis will be given to the cardio-vascular and respiratory systems; the testes; eyes and hip stability. The use of contemporary evidence and local/national standards will be interrelated within the development of practice skills. A mid-point review on progress is provided in-order to develop personal and professional practice. The critical review of knowledge gained will be related in practice to professional responsibility and accountability and the acquisition of new skills within the scope of midwifery practice

What if I need support?

You’ll get a personal tutor to guide you through your course and you will also have a student buddy to help you when needed. Additionally, all our sites have practice education facilitators with who we work closely, they will support you in practice in addition to lecturers.

You might also want or need extra support during your time with us. Rest assured, no matter what you study, we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both our LRCs run drop-in study skills sessions. And the best thing is, it’s all free.

Where you'll study

You’ll share College Lane campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus bar or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.

Check out our student blogs

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	120–128
Typical A Level offer	BBB–ABB: including at least grade B in a Biological or Behavioural/Social Science.
Typical IB offer	120–128 points from a minimum of one HL at grade 5 or above in a biological or behavioural/social science and one HL subject at a grade 4 or above (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).
Typical BTEC offer	DDM: in Applied Science or Health related subject.
Accepted T Level offer	Healthcare science (B required in core component); Health (B required in core component ); Science (B required in core component)
Access courses	Access to Nursing and Midwifery, Health Professions or similarly named course - students must achieve a minimum of 30 Distinctions at Level 3 and the remainder at Merit.
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English language, mathematics and science.
Interview	Once you have applied via UCAS, you may then be invited for an interview. The face-to-face interview involves a group workshop and multiple mini interviews over the course of half a day. Tutors want to see your passion and enthusiasm for the career and an understanding of what being a midwife entails.
Additional Information	We do request that applicants have (normally) undertaken some form of formal study within the last five years. All offers will be subject to the applicant's demonstration of the NHS constitution’s “Values and Behaviours”, satisfactory interview, occupational health screening and the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks. You can view the full NHS Constitution for England on the Government website. All applicants will be subject to fraud and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and Occupational Health (OH) Screening on commencement of the programme.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
September 2025	Full time	Apply via UCAS

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Apply through Clearing

Make sure you've got your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

Apply online and get an instant response

Click to call or dial 0300 303 6300

Find out more before you apply

Our Clearing hotline is open Monday – Thursday, 09:00 – 16:45, and Friday 09:00 – 15:45. To apply you will need your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

Find out more about the NHS Learning Support Fund

NHS Funding for UK/EU Students
Students studying on nursing, midwifery or allied health professional courses funded by Health Education England will have access to the same student loans support package and support for living costs as other students.

You could also benefit from the NHS learning support fund if you study an eligible nursing, midwifery, or allied health course. If eligible, the different kinds of support you could get include a training grant, parental support, money back for travel and temporary accommodation whilst on placement, and financial hardship (which you won’t need to pay back).

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,535 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU students	Full time	£18,280 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International students	Full time	£18,280 for the 2025/2026 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Pre-registration)	Download PDF

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Pre-registration)	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years

BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Pre-registration)

Gain the knowledge, skills, and compassion to make a difference in mothers' and babies' lives. Become a confident, competent midwife and leave a lasting impact on families and communities.

Typical offer: 120–128

Fees: £9,535 per year (UK)

UCAS code: B720

Course length: Full time: three years

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Scholarships available on this course

Grants available on this course

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Professional accreditations

Your future career

See what recent graduates are up to

Angelina Ankomah

Sophie Wilkins

Angelina Ankomah

A passion for nursing

Studying at Herts

Life after Herts

Charity work

The future

Words of advice

Sophie Wilkins

Study at Herts

Expert help

Peer support

The future

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Where you'll study

Check out our student blogs

Alina - Week at a glance

Alina - Things you should know

Alina - Why I chose Herts

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Student Blogs

My week at a glance

Student Blogs

Things you need to know before studying Midwifery at Herts

Getting to know what midwifery is about

Commitment

Assessments

Independence

Student Blogs

Why I chose Herts

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

Undergraduate degrees and courses

Student Life at Herts

Chat with students and staff

Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

My week at a glance

Things you need to know before studying Midwifery at Herts