Program Overview

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Midwifery PhD

Research Overview

Our research has a truly international outlook and wide-ranging impacts on society, the economy, health and welfare, culture, public policy, and the environment.

The School of Health Sciences commands a reputation for world-leading research and education, with 96% of the school's research ranked as internationally excellent or world leading (REF 2021). The QS World University Rankings (2025) ranked the University of Nottingham 15th in Northern Europe and 24th in Europe.

A PhD in Midwifery allows you to extend your body of knowledge about nursing as you become a successful independent researcher within this field of study.

Our research is carried out in collaboration with clinical partners, global research centres, and healthcare organisations. We have a dedicated Centre for Evidence Based Healthcare that works with our research groups and healthcare partners to provide methodological input, evidence synthesis, and training.

We welcome all applications that align with the research interests of our staff and research groups. Prior to submitting an application, please identify and contact a relevant supervisor.

Course Content

You will develop and conduct an original and independent research project, with supervision and support from our research experts. Skills you'll learn include:

• Knowledge and research skills
• Personal effectiveness skills
• Research governance skills
• Knowledge exchange skills

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis, and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Home / UK Students

• Degree: 2:1 (or international equivalent) at undergraduate level and a minimum of a merit (or international equivalent) at master's level

EU / International Students

• Degree: 2:1 (or international equivalent) at undergraduate level and a minimum of a merit (or international equivalent) at master's level
• International and EU equivalents: We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.
• IELTS: 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
• English language requirements: As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB, and O level English.

Meeting Our English Language Requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

Visa Restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university's Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Applying

We only accept applications for PhD that are aligned with our research groups. We strongly recommend consulting with a supervisory academic from the appropriate research group to ensure your proposal is relevant for their programme of work, and that they have supervisory capacity.

Fees

UK fees are set in line with the national UKRI maximum fee limit.

Additional Information for International Students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire, and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional Costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your personal budget, including any running costs for your project such as printing or equipment, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

The school contributes to some costs relating to conference/course attendance and some research consumables. The full cost of your course will vary depending on the nature of your research project, for example, there may be additional costs for projects which require specific equipment or travel, and you'll need to have sourced funds for this.

Funding

For UK students, there are numerous funding opportunities from:

• NHS
• National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)
• Government research councils (such as the Economic and Social Research Council or Medical Research Council)
• Healthcare charities or foundations

Many of our international students seek funding support from governmental agencies or academic institutions. Find out more about our international scholarships.

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Support

The School of Health Sciences offers an extensive research seminar programme open to staff and students. In addition, we run regular doctoral events that are accessible to part-time students or those studying or working off-campus.

The University and school also provide a wide range of funding opportunities for research networking activities, conference attendance, and internships.

Researcher Training and Development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members' area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses, and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Graduate Centres

Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.

Each space has areas for:

• Studying
• Socialising
• Computer work
• Seminars
• Kitchen facilities

Student Support

You will have access to a range of support services, including:

• Academic and disability support
• Childcare services
• Counselling service
• Faith support
• Financial support
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Visa and immigration advice
• Welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students' Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

• International students
• Black and minority ethnic students
• Students who identify as women
• Students with disabilities
• LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent, and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial, and academic difficulties.

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry, or haven't yet decided, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills, and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course, or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters, and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for:

• NHS trusts (such as clinical specialists, advanced practitioners, modern matrons)
• Universities (such as lecturers and senior academics, lecturer practitioners, clinical academics, and researchers)
• Private practices

98.6% of postgraduates from the School of Health Sciences secured graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £25,986.

Where You Will Learn

Medical School – Queen's Medical Centre

Our Medical School is based in Queen's Medical Centre, one of the UK's largest hospitals.

There are dedicated clinical skills facilities, including a dissection suite and teaching laboratories for medicine and healthcare students.

The hospital is located opposite University Park Campus and connected by a footbridge for easy access. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings, and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students' Union, sports village, and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.