Swansea University

What you'll study

This three-year honours programme combines theory, practical skills and supervised clinical practice to develop competent, reflective midwives. Modules cover anatomy and physiology in pregnancy, antenatal and postnatal care, labour and birth, perinatal mental health, pharmacology for midwives, public health and safeguarding, and evidence-based practice. You will learn core midwifery skills such as antenatal assessment, intrapartum care, postnatal support, newborn examination, breastfeeding support and emergency obstetric responses.

Learning is delivered through lectures, small-group tutorials, simulation-based training in a clinical skills environment and assessed clinical placements across birthing units, home-birth services and community teams in NHS Wales. Students complete a programme of supervised practice hours that meets professional requirements and undertake reflective portfolios, case-based assessments and academic assignments to demonstrate competence and professional development.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need a secondary education qualification (such as A-levels or equivalent) with a focus on science or health-related subjects preferred but not always essential. Typical offers are based on UCAS points from suitable qualifications; applicants should consult the university for the current entry profile. GCSE-level maths and English (or equivalent) at specified grades are usually required. Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience and commitment to midwifery through references and a personal statement.

All applicants are subject to pre-admission checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, occupational health screening (including immunisation checks) and fitness to practise requirements. Mature applicants and those with alternative qualifications or healthcare experience are considered on an individual basis; selection may include interview or values-based assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and typically move into roles in hospital maternity units, community midwifery, home-birth services and specialist perinatal mental health teams. Career pathways include clinical practice as a banded midwife, specialist midwifery roles (for example neonatal, bereavement or liaison midwives), leadership and management positions, education and preceptorship, research and public health posts.

Many graduates undertake further study such as postgraduate certificates or master's degrees in related fields (advanced practice, public health, midwifery education or research) and there are opportunities to develop specialist skills in fetal monitoring, obstetric ultrasound-related pathways, or community and public health initiatives. International employment is also a possibility where local registration requirements are met.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University combines academic teaching with extensive clinical partnerships across NHS Wales, providing a wide range of placement experiences in urban and rural settings. The School of Health and Social Care offers simulation facilities and clinical skills suites where students practise emergency scenarios and routine midwifery care in realistic environments.

Students benefit from interprofessional learning opportunities with allied health and nursing programmes, access to research-active staff, and support services for placements, wellbeing and careers. The course is structured to meet professional standards for midwifery education, ensuring graduates are prepared for safe, compassionate practice in diverse maternity settings.