Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Birmingham offers a Master of Science in Midwifery, a two-year full-time program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a midwife. The program is delivered through a blended teaching approach, combining lectures, small-group seminars, and placements with local maternal health providers.

Course Structure

The course comprises 180 credits of taught material and 1,800 hours of work placement. The program is structured into two years, with the following modules:

• Year 1:
  • Creating and Applying Evidence (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • Exploring additional health needs in a maternity system (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • Newborn and infant health assessment (10 credits, Semester 2)
  • Professional Midwifery Practice (10 credits, Semester 1)
  • Safe and effective midwifery care (20 credits, Full Term)
  • The midwife as a developing practitioner (0 credits, Semester 1)
  • Universal midwifery care across the childbearing continuum (20 credits, Semester 1)
• Year 2:
  • Advanced Practice Research Project (40 credits, Full Term)
  • Enhancing midwifery care for complex cases (20 credits, Semester 1)
  • Leading and managing a caseload (20 credits, Full Term)
  • The midwife as a skilled practitioner (0 credits, Full Term)

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, applicants must meet the general entry requirements and those specific to the course. The requirements include:

• A 2:1 Bachelors degree in Nursing (adult field) or a non-nursing subject with a certified qualification in adult nursing
• GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature and Mathematics or equivalent
• Evidence of recent academic study within the last five years
• A minimum of 12 months of clinical experience as an adult nurse
• Live/current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK and the ability to meet the requirements for NMC revalidation as an adult nurse for the duration of the program
• Self-declaration of health and character, satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service, and occupational health assessment/BBV clearance
• Access to IT and digital literacy to enable engagement with the program
• A suitable reference that supports claims made on the personal statement

Fees and Scholarships

NHS England funded places are available, covering tuition fees and a mid-point band 5 salary.

Career Opportunities

Completion of the MSc Midwifery degree enables students to register with the NMC as a midwife. Graduates can expect a high level of employment and are prepared to work in all maternity settings, including hospitals and community care. The program also provides a foundation for advanced clinical, leadership, management, research, and education roles in midwifery.

Research Areas

The program is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of the staff, with opportunities for students to engage with research centers, including Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research and The Centre for Global Women’s Health. Students work alongside experienced academics, researchers, clinical midwives, and experts in their fields, exploring issues related to women, their families, and newborns.