University of Leicester

What you'll study

The MSci Midwifery combines theoretical learning, simulated skills training and supervised clinical placements to prepare you for professional registration and advanced practice. Core areas include anatomy and physiology in pregnancy, antenatal assessment and screening, intrapartum care, postnatal and neonatal care, public health and maternal mental health. You will study pharmacology and pain management in labour, complex care for high-risk pregnancies, safeguarding and ethical and legal issues in maternity care.

Research and evidence-based practice are threaded throughout the programme. You will study research methods, statistics and critical appraisal, and complete an independent research dissertation or capstone project in the final year that builds research skills relevant to midwifery practice.

The course structure typically progresses from foundational biological and communication skills in early years to higher-level clinical decision-making, leadership, service improvement and research in later years. Substantial practice placements in a range of settings — hospital labour wards, antenatal clinics, community midwifery and postnatal care — give you experience with diverse populations and pathways of care.

• Foundations of midwifery and pregnancy physiology
• Antenatal assessment, fetal monitoring and screening
• Intrapartum care, normal birth and recognising complications
• Postnatal care, neonatal wellbeing and breastfeeding support
• Pharmacology, pain relief and clinical decision-making
• Public health, safeguarding and maternal mental health
• Research methods, statistics and a substantive research project
• Leadership, quality improvement and professional issues

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold secondary school qualifications (such as A‑levels or equivalent) and meet the university’s standard entry requirements for undergraduate/ integrated master’s study. Admissions typically look for evidence of academic ability, good communication skills and numeracy. Prior study in a science or health-related subject is desirable but not always required.

Applicants must demonstrate suitability to work with vulnerable people; this includes an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, occupational health screening and required immunisations. Relevant work or volunteer experience in a healthcare or community setting is advantageous and will strengthen an application. International applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (subject to successful completion of the programme’s professional requirements) and typically begin careers as newly qualified midwives within NHS trusts, community teams and independent midwifery services. Career paths include community midwifery, consultant midwife roles, specialist practice (for example in neonatal care, maternal mental health or perinatal public health), clinical education and practice development.

With experience and further postgraduate study, graduates can move into advanced clinical roles, midwifery-led service leadership, research and policy roles, or academic careers. Some graduates work with voluntary or international health organisations, or pursue midwifery prescribing and advanced practice qualifications.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers midwifery students a combination of strong clinical partnerships with local and regional NHS trusts, hands-on simulation facilities and research-informed teaching. Placements provide exposure to urban, suburban and community settings, supporting learning across the full continuity of maternity care.

Teaching is delivered by staff with a range of clinical and research expertise, and students benefit from interprofessional learning opportunities with other health programmes. The university provides student support services including academic skills development, careers guidance and wellbeing resources to help you meet the demands of professional training.

Studying in Leicester also provides access to a diverse patient population and community contexts, which helps develop culturally competent practice and prepares graduates to work in varied clinical environments.