Swansea University

What you'll study

The programme provides concentrated study of contemporary maternity care, emphasising safe, evidence-based practice across the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods. Typical module themes include:

• Physiology of pregnancy and childbirth – normal processes, risk assessment and promoting physiological birth.
• Antenatal and postnatal care – screening, health promotion, infant feeding and perinatal mental health.
• Fetal surveillance and labour management – cardiotocography interpretation, assessment of labour progress and decision-making.
• Safeguarding and public health in maternity – recognising vulnerability, safeguarding procedures and community public health approaches for mothers and infants.
• Evidence-based practice and research methods – critical appraisal of research, audit and the application of evidence to clinical practice.
• Professional issues and leadership – interdisciplinary working, legal/ethical frameworks, and quality improvement in maternity services.

Teaching blends lectures, seminars, skills-based workshops and simulation, with assessments typically comprising written assignments, case-based portfolios and practical competencies. The programme is credit-bearing and can be studied flexible part-time to fit around practice commitments, and credits may be transferable towards further postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally registered midwives or other registered health professionals with relevant clinical experience in maternity or women’s health. Typical entry expectations include an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification and evidence of practice in a maternity setting. Applicants should provide an employer reference or confirmation of practice placement capacity where clinical skill development is required. International applicants must meet Swansea University's English language requirements and provide equivalent professional registration documentation where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates enhance their clinical capability and may progress to roles such as specialist midwife, community or caseload midwife, maternity clinical educator, or service development roles within NHS or community services. The certificate also provides a pathway onto postgraduate diploma or MSc programmes for those wishing to move into advanced practice, leadership, public health or research careers in maternal and neonatal health.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University’s health programmes are delivered within a faculty experienced in maternal and neonatal care and allied public health disciplines. Students benefit from partnerships with local health boards and clinical units, access to simulation and clinical skills facilities, and interprofessional learning with other health and social care students. The programme emphasises practice relevance and research-informed teaching, supporting practitioners to translate evidence into improved care for women and families.