About this course
This course will teach you how to become a midwife. You'll gain 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.
We are no longer taking applications for September 2021. Explore our range of related courses.
This midwifery 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 BSc Midwifery degree is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). On graduation you'll be able to register as a registered midwife.
Support for students with a disability/health condition
We are fully committed to supporting students with disabilities who wish to join programmes of study which require the acquisition and practise of professional competencies.
We offer students personal, informal advice by telephone, email or face to face, and we are happy to discuss your specific needs prior to you applying. This could include how your specific needs may impact on your ability to meet the clinical competencies. This will not affect your application in any way, but may help you to select the right programme for you.
Please contact the admissions team for further details.
NHS Learning Support Fund
As a student on this course you may be eligible for help from the NHS Learning Support Fund. This can include a training grant of £5000 per academic year, parental support of £2000 for students with at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs, and help with travel and temporary accommodation costs for placements.
Find out more on the NHS Learning Support Fund website.
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
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.
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
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including one pure science subject with a pass in the practical
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level including a pure science
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D*D in the BTEC Diploma plus A in a pure science A-level
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
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 additional information
Additional information.Must be Science Based
Irish Leaving Certificate
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 certificate additional information
Plus English and Maths Ordinary Level O4 or higher
Scottish Qualification
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) 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
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including a science subject
or
AA from two A levels including a science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall to include a pure science subject
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 7.0
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 7.0
- listening
- 7.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways. Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Non-academic entry requirements
Satisfactory Occupational Health and Police Checks. Recent relevant study within 3 years
For Academic year 202122
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.
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
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including one pure science subject with a pass in the practical
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level including a pure science
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D*D in the BTEC Diploma plus A in a pure science A-level
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
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 additional information
Additional information.Must be Science Based
Irish Leaving Certificate
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 certificate additional information
Plus English and Maths Ordinary Level O4 or higher
Scottish Qualification
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) 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
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including a science subject
or
AA from two A levels including a science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall to include a pure science subject
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 7.0
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 7.0
- listening
- 7.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways. Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Non-academic entry requirements
Satisfactory Occupational Health and Police Checks. Recent relevant study within 3 years
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
You’ll take a number of core modules each year, and they must all be passed in order to complete your midwife training. 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 overview
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 overview
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 overview
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
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
At the heart of this interprofessional module is the belief that all health care students should not only share the same core values and skills that underpin their professional practice, but they should also have learning opportunities that enable them t...
This module introduces the core principles and scope of midwifery practice in order for you to contribute to the provision of safe, competent and evidence-based care throughout the childbearing continuum.
The practice experience provides a work-based environment to enable you to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills learnt in academic module/s, and to develop, consolidate, and enhance the practice knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a midwife...
The practice experience provides a work-based environment to enable you to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills learnt in academic module/s, and to develop, consolidate, and enhance the practice knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a midwife...
This module provides theoretical underpinning that will enable you to promote and protect health and wellbeing in individuals, communities and populations. It will also consider vulnerable groups, mental capacity, ethical considerations and psychological...
This module enables you to underpin midwifery practice with the appropriate science base. This includes a comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, and the ability to apply that science to the provision of midwifery care.
This is a core module for attendance and the completion of required skills and EU and programme requirements. This module does not contribute to classification and will result in a pass/Fail however, you are required to maintain the competencies achieved ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module enables you to build on the knowledge and skills from previous experience, and modules to empower you to contribute effectively to the provision of safe and effective care for the woman and her fetus, with complex health challenges during the ...
This module enables you to undertake professional development activity of your choice. This activity must be agreed/negotiated with your academic tutor/ programme lead to ensure it is: • in line with NMC educational guidelines for professional midwifery ...
This module builds upon the knowledge and skills base within the Midwifery Care for Women with Concurrent Health Challenges module. By the end of this module you will have the knowledge and skills rehearsal to be an active team member during obstetric em...
The practice experience provides a work-based environment to enable you to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills learnt in academic module/s, and to develop, consolidate, and enhance the practice knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a midwife...
The practice experience provides a work-based environment to enable you to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills learnt in academic module/s, and to develop, consolidate, and enhance the practice knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a midwife...
Healthcare professionals should be able to engage with different forms of inquiry (such as research, audit and service evaluation) and understand how these can help inform practice. This module begins by focusing on the reasons we carry out research and o...
This is a core module for attendance and the completion of required skills and EU and programme requirements. This module does not contribute to classification and will result in a pass/Fail however, you are required to maintain the competencies achieved ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module comprises 50% theory and 50% clinical practice. Theoretical component The theoretical component will include a week of learning activities associated with decision-making followed by interactive sessions that build into transition to bec...
This module enables you to continue to develop your research knowledge base and analysis skills from years one and two. It facilitates reflection on practice to further appreciate the importance of evidence based midwifery practice. The module encourages ...
Tomorrow’s healthcare professionals will work in a context characterised by continual change, challenging environments, rapidly evolving technologies and the need for innovation. To operate successfully in this context, these professionals must be able to...
The practice experience provides a work-based environment to enable you to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills learnt in academic module/s, and to develop, consolidate, and enhance the practice knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a midwife...
The practice experience provides a work-based environment to enable you to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills learnt in academic module/s, and to develop, consolidate, and enhance the practice knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a midwife...
This module will build on your knowledge and skills from the Research Methods module, allowing you to carry out and disseminate your project. This will be supported through a series of supervision seminars and directed and self-directed learning.
You must also choose from the following 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)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Ellen Kitson-Reynolds is the course leader.
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
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- This course is not available to EU and 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
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.
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.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
