Midwifery

Midwifery is a profession that sits at the centre of one of the most significant experiences in human life. Midwives support women through pregnancy, labour and the period following birth, providing clinical care, emotional support and professional guidance at a time of great physical and psychological change. The discipline requires a thorough grounding in the physiology of pregnancy and childbirth, the pharmacology of midwifery care, the assessment of maternal and neonatal health, and the management of both normal and complex situations, alongside the communication and interpersonal skills that woman-centred care demands.

This three-year full-time degree at the University of Southampton prepares you to qualify as a midwife with advanced professional accreditation. You will develop in-depth understanding of the physical, mental and social dimensions of healthy and complex pregnancy and childbirth, and you will build the skills to make a lasting impact on the lives of women and their families. The programme combines academic study with substantial clinical practice in a range of settings, including hospitals and community care, under the supervision of experienced midwives.

Theory and practice are integrated throughout, so that you develop the clinical reasoning and professional judgement that safe, effective midwifery requires.

Graduates are eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, which is required to practise as a midwife in the UK. Most graduates enter the NHS, working in hospital maternity units and in community midwifery. The profession offers considerable variety, with roles in antenatal care, labour ward, postnatal support, specialist clinics and community practice.

Advanced practice, specialist roles in high-risk obstetrics or education, and leadership positions in maternity services are all available to experienced midwives. Many graduates continue their professional development through postgraduate study.