University of Hull

What you'll study

This three-year, full-time honours degree blends theory and practice to develop the knowledge, clinical skills and professional behaviours required of a registered midwife. Core study areas include anatomy and physiology for midwifery, normal and complex labour and birth, antenatal and postnatal care, newborn assessment and neonatal support, pharmacology relevant to midwifery, public health and safeguarding, and research methods and evidence-based practice.

• Year 1: Foundations of midwifery practice, anatomy and physiology, communication and professional role, and introduction to practice placements to observe and assist in maternity settings.
• Year 2: Managing pregnancy and childbirth, care of the healthy newborn, community and public health midwifery, and extended practice placements with progressively greater clinical responsibility.
• Year 3: Complex care, leadership and governance, research or dissertation project, preparation for transition to registration and consolidated clinical placements to meet professional practice requirements.

Practice learning takes place across a range of settings, including hospital labour wards, birth centres and community clinics, under the supervision of experienced midwives. Teaching methods include lectures, small-group tutorials, simulation-based clinical skills training and supervised clinical practice. Successful completion meets the professional standards required for NMC registration.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need a strong secondary school profile with science or health-related study preferred. The course accepts a range of qualifications including A-levels, BTEC (Health/Science-related subjects), Access to Higher Education diplomas and recognised international equivalents. Prior study or experience in health and social care is advantageous.

• GCSEs: English and Mathematics (or equivalent) at level C/4 or above are normally required.
• A-levels/other Level 3 qualifications: Science or health-related subjects are desirable, particularly biology or human sciences.
• Mature applicants and those with relevant healthcare experience are welcomed; selection also considers motivation, communication skills and suitability for professional practice.
• All offers are conditional on satisfactory occupational health screening, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and demonstration of fitness to practise.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify to apply for registration as a midwife and typically begin their careers working in NHS hospitals, community midwifery teams, birth centres or GP-linked maternal health services. Career pathways include community and public health midwifery, specialist roles such as neonatal liaison or bereavement midwife, clinical leadership and management, education and practice development, and roles in research or policy.

Many graduates continue professional development through post-registration courses, specialist practitioner programmes (for example in ultrasound, perinatal mental health or infant feeding), or postgraduate study such as MSc or professional doctorates in midwifery and related fields.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull's School of Health Sciences offers midwifery training with strong links to local NHS trusts across Yorkshire and the Humber, providing diverse clinical placements and exposure to a wide range of maternity services. Students benefit from modern simulation facilities and well-supported clinical skills teaching aimed at preparing them for real-world practice.

The programme emphasises interprofessional learning with other health disciplines, a supportive teaching environment with approachable academic and practice tutors, and a focus on reflective professional development. Graduates leave equipped for the regulated responsibilities of midwifery practice and ongoing career progression within maternity and community health services.