University of York

What you'll study

This NMC-approved pre-registration programme combines theory, simulation and supervised clinical placements to develop the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required for midwifery practice. Teaching is research-informed and emphasises normal physiological birth, psychosocial aspects of maternity care, public health and safeguarding.

• Core clinical modules: antenatal care, labour and birth management, postnatal care and newborn assessment, supporting physiological childbirth and recognising complications.
• Sciences underpinning practice: anatomy and physiology in pregnancy and childbirth, pharmacology relevant to maternity care, maternal and neonatal physiology.
• Public health and professional issues: community and public health approaches, health promotion, safeguarding vulnerable women and infants, equality and cultural competence.
• Evidence and research: research methods, critical appraisal of evidence, applying evidence to practice and quality improvement projects.
• Practice learning: multiple clinical placements across a range of settings (hospital labour wards, birth centres, community midwifery, neonatal units), supported by practice assessors and practice supervisors; simulation and skills lab sessions prepare students for hands-on care.
• Assessment methods: a combination of written exams, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), coursework, reflective practice portfolios and assessed practice hours to meet professional standards.

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate academic achievement, relevant experience and the personal attributes required for midwifery. Selection typically involves academic evidence, occupational health checks and a formal interview or selection process.

• Academic qualifications: A-levels or equivalent level-3 qualifications in relevant subjects are normally required; applicants with prior higher education or vocational qualifications may be considered.
• GCSEs: evidence of competency in English and mathematics is normally required at GCSE level or equivalent.
• Relevant experience: some experience of healthcare or working with people in supportive roles is advantageous and may be explored at interview.
• Regulatory and health checks: successful applicants must meet professional requirements such as occupational health clearance, immunisation status, an enhanced criminal record check (DBS) and any other statutory checks required for practice placement.
• Personal qualities: resilience, communication skills, empathy, capacity for reflective practice and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams are essential.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as midwives and typically begin their careers in NHS maternity services. Career paths include roles in hospital labour wards, birth centres, community midwifery teams, neonatal units and public health programmes.

• Specialist clinical roles such as advanced midwifery, community team leaders, or roles in perinatal mental health.
• Progression into education, practice development, leadership and management within maternity services.
• Opportunities in research, audit and quality improvement; graduates may pursue postgraduate study (e.g. MSc, PGDip) to specialise further.
• Non-clinical careers in policy, commissioning, voluntary sector organisations and international midwifery or development work.

Why study at University of York

The University of York offers midwifery education within a research-active health sciences environment, combining strong academic teaching with established clinical partnerships across regional NHS trusts. Students benefit from modern clinical skills facilities, simulation suites and small-group teaching that supports development of practical competence and professional judgement.

Teaching staff include experienced midwives and researchers, and the programme emphasises interprofessional learning, student support for academic and wellbeing needs, and a structured approach to practice placement preparation and supervision. The course is designed to meet professional standards and to prepare graduates for safe, evidence-based midwifery practice.