About this course
This course will give you the skills to make a lasting impact on the lives of women and their families through your in-depth understanding of the physical, mental and social aspects of healthy and complex pregnancy and childbirth.
The course is split equally between campus study and clinical placements. Many placements will be in the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton, but you'll experience a wide variety of other settings, including community midwifery, clinics and GP practices. There’s also the option to gain experience abroad in your second year.
Research is a core element of your degree, and you’ll be able to do 2 research-based assignments on midwifery topics of your choice.
The course takes a ‘whole-person’ approach. Your clinical practice will be enriched by an understanding of the social and psychological aspects of childbirth. You’ll learn about the midwife’s role in public health and we’ll encourage the development of your leadership and critical thinking skills.
This degree is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). On graduation you'll be able to register as a registered midwife.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 366.65 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Highfield campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB including one pure science subject with a pass in the practical
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level including a pure science
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
D*D in the BTEC Diploma plus A in a pure science A-level or D* in the BTEC Subsidary Diploma plus AB in A-level subjects including a pure science at Grade A. We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without a pure science A-Level.
BTEC additional information
We accept Health studies or science
Other qualifications
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
ABB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Midwifery applicants are not just applying for a degree but a professional qualification. This is a very demanding programme and we need to be confident that students can cope with the expectations of academic achievement and placement experience. Our values based interview techniques have been developed with clinicians and service users to ensure we recruit the best applicants. We use contextual information when reviewing an application understanding that perhaps the individual has had less support writing a personal statement compared to others, however we will continue to be mindful of all our applicants from all backgrounds that apply through difficult circumstances, whatever that might be
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in a pure science A-level or D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB in A-level subjects including a pure science at Grade A. We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma without a pure science A-Level.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
Access to HE Diploma additional information
Additional information.Must be Science Based
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H2 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including a pure science
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAAABB including a pure science
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
Plus English and Maths Ordinary Level O4 or higher
Scottish Qualification offers
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three Principle subjects including a pure science subject
Welsh Baccalaureate
AB from two A levels including a pure science subject and Grade B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
There are no additional requirements
European Baccalaureate
80% overall to include a pure science subject
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and Mathematics (minimum grade <4/C).
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band I IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 7.0 in reading, listening, speaking and 6.5 in writing
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 7
- speaking
- 7
- listening
- 7
- writing
- 6.5
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
You will be required to attend a selection day. Satisfactory Occupational Health and Police Checks. Recent relevant study within 3 years
International qualifications
This course is not available to international students.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Course structure
You’ll take a number of core modules each year, and they must all be passed. Around half of your time will be spent learning on campus. For the rest of the time you’ll be on practice placements in various clinical settings.
Placements
You’ll spend 2,300 hours in clinical placements over the course of the 3 years. Most of your placements will be with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, mainly at the Princess Anne Hospital. You'll also work within the community and be expected to accompany community midwives visiting women at home.
The Princess Anne Hospital has been rated one of the best hospitals in the world for maternity care (Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2019).
You’ll work the normal shift patterns of the organisation you’re sent to. For example, if the supervising midwife is working weekends and nights on 12-hour shifts, you’ll do the same.
Learn more about clinical placements.
Year 1
This year you’ll do 3 clinical placements, so from the start you’ll be in contact with women and their families and learn in real-world settings.
You’ll also:
build a solid understanding of anatomy and physiology
learn about the biological, psychological and sociological processes of pregnancy and birth
understand the anatomy and physiology of the breast and lactation
begin to look at medicines and their management
explore the social and public health role of the midwife
Year 2
This year you’ll do another 3 clinical placements. You’ll also choose a unit of study that you feel develops your professional practice. This may include a short observational visit abroad to see maternity care in a different country, working with a woman-centred organisation in the UK, or gaining new knowledge or skills that you can use in midwifery practice.
In your core modules you’ll:
complete a research assignment on a midwifery topic of your choice, looking at the importance of evidence to inform practice
develop the skills to deal with obstetric and neonatal emergencies
learn how to identify and manage pregnancy and labour for women with complex health needs
Year 3
The third year is about getting ready for professional practice. You’ll do another 3 clinical placements. These will include experience of managing your own small caseload.
You’ll also:
do a research-based assignment on a midwifery topic of your choice
explore the wider context of professional practice, looking at ethics, governance, leadership and innovation
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 1:
Modules year 2
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 2:
Modules year 3
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 3:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 10%
- Independent study
- 40%
- Placement
- 50%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 10%
- Independent study
- 40%
- Placement
- 50%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 8%
- Independent study
- 33%
- Placement
- 59%
Course leader
Ellen Kitson-Reynolds is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 13%
- Practical exam
- 52%
- Coursework
- 35%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 55%
- Coursework
- 45%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 50%
- Coursework
- 50%
Careers
This course is approved as fully meeting the academic requirements for registration as a registered midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
The NHS is the UK’s largest employer of midwives, and many of our graduates work in NHS hospitals. You could also work as a community midwife, or be based in a local clinic, children’s centre or GP practice.
As your knowledge and experience increase, you could become a consultant midwife. Alternatively, you may choose to focus on research, as there are fast-track opportunities for high-achievers to enrol in our doctoral programmes.
More information about careers in midwifery can be found on the NHS Careers website.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
This course is not available to international students.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations. Your fee also covers the cost of your uniform for clinical practice.
Find out how to:
Your tuition fees do not cover:
suitable shoes for your practice placements
your own fob watch
your enhanced DBS certificate
your professional registration fee (on graduation)
On your placements you can claim travel and accommodation expenses over and above your normal daily travel costs to university. But there are limits on what you can claim. Learn more about placement costs and expenses.
There will also be other costs not covered by the tuition fee. These may include:
stationery
personal computer or laptop and data storage devices
printing
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Other
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 366.65 KB).
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees.
Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
University life
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You’ll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: B720
UCAS Institution Code: S27
What happens after you apply
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We will also consider how your personal values are aligned with the profession.
Some candidates will be invited to a selection day, which will include an interview. If the admissions tutor decides to invite you to a selection day you’ll receive an email. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.