Midwifery

Midwifery is a profession centred on one of the most significant experiences in human life: the journey of pregnancy, childbirth and the early weeks of a new baby's life. Midwives provide expert care and support to women through the antenatal period, during labour and birth, and in the postnatal phase, working both independently and as part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. The profession requires a combination of clinical knowledge and skill, empathetic communication and the ability to make sound decisions in situations that can change quickly and unexpectedly.

At the University of Suffolk this three-year full-time degree leads to registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, preparing you through a combination of academic study and substantial supervised practice in clinical settings. You will develop knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and the clinical skills needed for safe and effective midwifery care, alongside the communication, advocacy and professional practice skills that define excellent midwifery. The programme combines classroom and simulation-based learning with real placements in hospitals, birth centres and community settings across the region, giving you the breadth of experience required to practise confidently as a newly registered midwife.

Graduation and NMC registration open the door to work as a qualified midwife in NHS and independent settings across a wide range of roles and specialisms. Many graduates begin their careers on NHS band 5 midwife posts before developing expertise in areas such as high-risk obstetrics, neonatal care, labour ward management, community midwifery or infant feeding support. Others go on to roles in midwifery education, research and leadership.

The profession offers clear career progression and the option of further study at postgraduate level in specialist midwifery practice, public health, neonatal care or healthcare leadership.