Midwifery Studies

Midwifery is the health profession dedicated to the care of women and birthing people during pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postnatal period. Midwives are autonomous practitioners responsible for providing evidence-based, compassionate care across the full continuum of normal pregnancy and birth, and they play a central role in safeguarding the health of mothers and newborns, identifying complications, and working within multidisciplinary teams when additional clinical support is needed. Midwifery combines scientific knowledge with the relational and communicative skills needed to support people through one of the most significant experiences of their lives.

Northumbria University's three-year full-time Midwifery Studies programme prepares you for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and for independent practice as a midwife. You will study the physiology of pregnancy and childbirth, neonatal care, pharmacology relevant to midwifery practice, public health and health promotion in maternity, safeguarding, and the evidence base for maternity care. Clinical placements are central to the programme and are undertaken across hospital and community settings throughout your training, giving you experience of the full range of midwifery contexts, from antenatal clinics and home visits to birth centres and delivery suites.

These placements develop your clinical skills, your professional confidence, and your ability to work effectively within maternity services that may be under significant pressure.

A typical entry tariff of 152 points is required, and selection processes also assess personal qualities including communication skills, resilience, and understanding of the midwifery role.

Graduates are eligible for registration as midwives and to work across NHS midwifery services, independent birth settings, and internationally. Career progression routes include specialist midwifery roles, team leader and supervisor positions, academic and research roles, and practice development within maternity services. Some graduates also pursue postgraduate study in maternal health, neonatal care, or advanced practice.