Postgraduate Midwifery Courses at University of Plymouth

A midwife provides support and care during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. They help people make informed choices and are the lead professional for all women with uncomplicated pregnancies.

Postgraduate midwifery students will become experts in antenatal and postnatal care, as well as the childbirth process. It will prepare you for work in hospitals, birthing centres and in people’s homes.

There are almost 40 universities offering around 60 postgraduate courses in midwifery across the UK, ranging from postgraduate certificates and diplomas to master’s in advanced practice, as well as doctoral research programmes.

What to expect

You’ll usually need an undergraduate degree to study a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or master's degree in midwifery. If that degree is not in a related health care subject, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong interest in the area, along with lots of relevant practical experience.

If your degree is in nursing, you can take a fast-track pre-registration midwifery programme rather than a postgraduate course. It lasts 80 weeks, and you graduate with a degree in midwifery. There is no need to take an additional postgraduate qualification if you already hold a midwifery degree.

After qualifying and gaining a midwifery role, you'll have Continuing Professional Development (CPD) meetings where you discuss future career goals and keep your skills and knowledge up to date.

It’s worth remembering that while it’s an incredibly rewarding career, midwives have a lot of responsibility. The role can be mentally and physically challenging as you'll be on your feet a lot and involved in difficult situations such as bereavement and abuse.