University of Leicester

What you'll study

This integrated programme begins with a foundation year that develops essential academic skills, biological and social science knowledge, and professional behaviours required for practice-based healthcare education. After successful completion of the foundation year you progress into the core midwifery programme leading to registration as a midwife with an integrated master's year emphasising leadership, policy and research applied to maternity care.

• Foundation year: study skills for higher education, human biology, introduction to public health and sociology of health, communication and professional practice, and basic numeracy and evidence appraisal to prepare for clinical learning.
• Core midwifery years: anatomy and physiology related to pregnancy and childbirth; normal and complex maternity care across the antepartum, intrapartum and postnatal periods; pharmacology in midwifery; infant feeding and neonatal care; mental health and safeguarding in the perinatal period; public health and community midwifery practice.
• Clinical practice and placements: substantial, assessed practice hours in a range of settings including hospital labour wards, antenatal clinics, postnatal wards, community teams and home births. Clinical learning is supported by skills labs and simulation to develop practical competence and professional decision-making.
• Leadership and research year (MSci stage): modules on clinical leadership, service improvement, quality and governance in maternity services, health policy and commissioning, research methods and an independent dissertation or practice-based project focusing on a leadership, service development or research question within maternity care.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to demonstrate academic potential at A‑level/IB or equivalent alongside GCSEs in English language, mathematics and a science subject at grade C/grade 4 or above (or recognised equivalent). Typical offers reflect a balance of academic achievement and evidence of suitability for a regulated healthcare role.

• Successful completion of the foundation year is required to progress to the professional midwifery programme.
• All applicants must satisfy professional fitness-to-practise requirements, which normally include an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check, occupational health screening, and required immunisations.
• Applicants should demonstrate relevant interpersonal skills and motivation for midwifery — this is usually assessed via personal statements, references and, where used, interview or selection exercises.
• Mature applicants with prior health-related qualifications, prior learning or significant relevant experience may be considered; entry requirements are applied with consideration of equivalent qualifications and experience.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme eligible to register as a midwife, able to practise in a variety of clinical settings. Career paths include hospital midwifery (labour ward, antenatal and postnatal services), community and public health midwifery, and specialist roles such as neonatal liaison or perinatal mental health midwife.

• The MSci leadership and research focus prepares graduates for senior clinical roles, service management, education and roles influencing local or national maternity policy.
• Graduates may pursue further study such as doctoral research, advanced clinical practice qualifications, or professional development programmes in leadership, education and public health.
• Skills developed on the programme — clinical assessment, communication, multidisciplinary working and quality improvement — are also transferable to related health and social care roles.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers midwifery education integrated with a strong health sciences environment and collaborative relationships with local NHS trusts, providing diverse and supervised clinical placements. Students benefit from well-equipped simulation suites, dedicated clinical skills teaching, and interprofessional learning opportunities with nursing and allied health students.

Leicester has active research in maternal and child health that informs teaching and provides opportunities for practice-based projects and research supervision during the MSci year. The university also provides structured student support, academic tutoring and career development services to help prepare students for professional registration and leadership roles in maternity care.