Midwifery BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate
Professionally Accredited Programmes

A woman giving birth in a blue water bath with two nurses either side and a visitor behind her for support

Our Midwifery BSc (Hons) degree provides aspiring midwives with a comprehensive curriculum to prepare for the crucial role of supporting women, babies and their families throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 years full-time

Course code

HU08

Start date

September 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Midwives have an essential role in assisting women, babies and their families during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. This course aims to empower you to become a compassionate, skilled and culturally competent midwife, committed to providing excellent care to women and their families during a transformative time in their lives.

Our approach supports you to develop a strong sense of professional identity as a midwife from the outset.
Prepares you to promote optimal maternal and newborn health outcomes, support informed decision-making and advocate for social justice within diverse communities.
Focus on one academic module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.
50% of your learning will take place in diverse practice-based learning environments^2,5. You’ll have the chance to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world practice while being supported by experienced registered professionals including practice supervisors, practice assessors and practice development midwives.
Successful completion of this course makes you eligible to apply for professional registration as a midwife with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) (please see Accreditation section for more information).
All eligible students on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the government of £5,000 per year⁶. You can apply for additional payments if you incur childcare costs.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

We aim to develop you into a midwife who improves and impacts the lives of mothers, newborn infants and communities with clinical competence, compassionate care and evidence-informed practice.

Taught by experienced registered midwives who will support you in developing the knowledge, skills and abilities to deliver professional, impactful, evidence-informed care.
Learn to collaborate and thrive across and within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate evidenced-based, safe care delivery.
Develop your leadership skills and critical thinking.
Supportive learning environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion.
Engage in simulated practice that closely mirrors the real-world scenarios you will encounter in your future career.
Focusing on digital fluency, curiosity, critical and reflective thinking, this course instils you with the ability to access, evaluate and apply evidence to inform your practice.
Access to success coaches and placement supervisors as well as specialist support for mathematics and academic writing⁴.

Our placement trusts

Your practice placements aim to shape your future as a compassionate and skilled midwife^2,5. Our midwifery degree is supported by three main trusts which have all maintained a CQC rating of ‘Good’ for safety.

George Eliot Hospital Maternity Services: With a CQC rating of ‘Good’, George Eliot Hospital provides a nurturing environment for your clinical placements, where you will find visible and effective leadership. You’ll learn from committed professionals who prioritise safety, personalised care and women's wellbeing.
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust Maternity Services: At SWFT, you’ll thrive in an ‘Outstanding, well-led’ CQC-rated setting. Here, safe compassionate care is celebrated, and staff are dedicated to continual improvement. Their highly committed approach to leadership ensures a supportive and inclusive learning experience.
UHCW Maternity Services: UHCW is the first trust to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating for ‘well-led’ in the national maternity inspection programme. The trust focuses on personalised care, safety and what matters most to women and birthing individuals.

Studying in the School of Health and Care

Gain the skills and experience to transform lives, communities and the future of healthcare delivery. We aim to empower you to become a stand-out healthcare professional, capable, competent and confident in your field and role within the wider healthcare team.

While continuously developing your sense of professional identity as a midwife from day one, you'll also collaborate with learners from other School of Health and Care fields, learning in an environment that puts inclusivity, diversity and dignity at its heart.

10th

for Midwifery

Guardian University Guide 2025

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited¹ and recognised by the following body:

UK Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)

The course is currently accredited by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)¹. Following changes that have been made to improve the course, we will apply for re-accreditation for entrants of 2025-26. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

This is a normal part of the process of continuous improvement of our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

Nursing at Coventry University

We have an excellent reputation for the quality of the education provided to trainee and qualified nurses.

Why study with us

We have an excellent reputation for the quality of the education provided to trainee and qualified nurses.

What you'll study

The pre-registration midwifery degree prepares you to become a qualified midwife, focusing on comprehensive care for mothers and newborns. You will study anatomy, physiology and pathologies related to pregnancy and childbirth and will be supported to develop safe skills related to midwifery practice. The curriculum includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, covering antenatal, intrapartum, postnatal and neonatal care. You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in hospitals and community settings^2,5, developing competence in supporting and managing normal and complex pregnancies and births.

All modules are compulsory.

Modules

Introduction to Midwifery Theory and Skills - 20 credits

This module delves into the fascinating world of maternity care. You will explore fundamental skills related to human anatomy, mother and baby physiology and sexual reproduction. You will look closer into the professional responsibilities of midwives, gaining insight into their vital role in supporting bonding, attachment and safe infant feeding. You will start to learn the importance of how to progress and cultivate compassionate and respectful relationships with women, partners, families and colleagues.

Compulsory

Placement 1: First Steps into Midwifery Practice - 20 credits

As you embark on midwifery training, you are introduced to the world of clinical practice^2,5. You will be supported by practice supervisors who will guide you as you learn about midwifery care in the clinical setting. You will have access to various aspects of midwifery, including caring for women, families and babies in the community setting and supporting care throughout the childbirth continuum, during the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods. You will have the opportunity to take a supporting role in the delivery of care for women and babies with the direct support of your practice supervisors

Compulsory

Safe Midwifery Care - 20 credits

This module aims to support you to gain an understanding of holistic care and the relevant theories for assessing the health and wellbeing of both mothers and their babies during uncomplicated childbirth. It is designed to help you learn the necessary skills and knowledge to provide care to women during normal physiological labour and birth while working in partnership with women and their families.

The module emphasises supporting the mother and infant during the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding, and on understanding normal neonatal physiology.

Compulsory

Placement 2: Optimising Midwifery Care - 20 credits

This module is designed to provide exposure to clinical practice and opportunities to gain experience and develop your midwifery skills^2,5. During this placement, you will become involved in the hands-on aspects of care delivery by working alongside midwives and other members of a multi-disciplinary team to meet the needs of women requiring low-risk maternity care. During this placement, you will be encouraged to observe and, under supervision, participate in the systematic examination of the newborn (SEN).

Skills and knowledge are acquired through hands-on learning out in clinical practice, working alongside clinical midwives and the wider multi-disciplinary team at the forefront of care.

Compulsory

Becoming a Professional Practitioner - 20 credits

This module aims to equip you with the values, behaviours and actions essential for professional practice. We will support you to develop your personal and academic skills, providing you with opportunities to reflect on your knowledge, skills and values. We will work with you to foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration and valuing diversity to prepare you to work within multi-professional environments.

Compulsory

Evidence: Your Profession in a Global Context - 20 credits

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to understand and appreciate the role of evidence in both your profession and the wider health and care sector. The module supports you in understanding how your personal views and experiences may influence your thinking in developing your professional identity. This module will help you develop critical thinking skills by encouraging you to question, challenge and reflect. You'll learn to use evidence to build your approaches, making you a more inclusive, evidence-based practitioner.

Compulsory

Modules

Caring for Women and Babies with Complex and Diverse Needs - 20 credits

During this module you will start to develop the skills to recognise and respond appropriately to complications and additional care needs for both women and babies. There will be a focus on effective working in multi-professional teams and developing you to be a confident advocate for those in your care. You will also explore how to advocate for the woman, including when decisions are outside clinical guidance, to minimise risk and maintain relationships.

Compulsory

Placement 3: Developing Midwifery Skills - 20 credits

During this module you will experience a placement^2,5 in clinical practice and will have the opportunity to use all the knowledge you have gained so far at university and consolidate and build upon this in practice. This placement will encompass a range of experiences to allow you to develop the skills you have acquired to this point, including labour care, antenatal care and postnatal care.

You will become more involved in the provision of care to women and babies with complex needs, and support infant feeding, bonding and attachment. You will also continue to develop skills and knowledge around the systematic examination of the newborn (SEN).

Compulsory

Placement 4: Enhancing Midwifery Skills - 20 credits

During this placement, you will become involved in the hands-on aspects of midwifery care^2,5. You will continue to work towards meeting the needs of women requiring low-risk care and working with the wider multi-disciplinary team. You will also aim to explore and contribute to the continuity of midwifery care across the whole continuum of care for all women and newborn infants. This placement encourages you to explore delivering appropriate care to families with higher-risk pregnancies and understanding the role of the midwife in meeting the needs of those in their care.

Compulsory

Developing Expertise and Proficiency in Midwifery Practice - 20 credits

Midwives play a crucial role in anticipating and identifying potential emergencies that may arise during childbirth for both the mother and the baby. This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills to promptly recognise, manage and escalate as required. This involves collaborating with the multi-professional team and addresses the influence of human factors and relevant clinical governance approaches. You will explore the continuity of midwifery care for all women and newborn infants and consider how this may impact outcomes.

Compulsory

Global Perspectives in Midwifery - 20 credits

Midwifery plays a pivotal role in maternal and newborn care worldwide. With approximately 139 million births annually, midwives face the multifaceted challenges of delivering high-quality care to women and babies across diverse contexts.

In this module, you will delve into critical aspects of this, including equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. By exploring religious, cultural and ethical perspectives relevant to childbearing populations, you will gain a deeper understanding of midwifery's impact.

Furthermore, this module highlights how midwives stand at the forefront of health promotion and education, advocating for the human rights of women and babies.

Compulsory

Exploring Knowledge Through Curiosity - 20 credits

This module explores methods of enquiry utilised in daily practice. You will aim to develop your ability to analyse the knowledge, theory and practice-based evidence within health and care. This module explores how daily inquiry methods can be transformed into more systematic approaches to data collection and analysis. You'll learn about quantitative and qualitative research, evaluation and audit techniques. Through exploration and debate, you will aim to develop an appreciation of interdisciplinary and profession-specific evidence and how to use this learning within the practice context.

Compulsory

Modules

Role Modelling and Education in Midwifery Practice - 20 credits

This module is designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel as a colleague and leader in the field of midwifery. We will explore the impact of positive role modelling on midwifery practice and how our actions shape the culture of care.

The module looks at the midwife's role in educating others using effective teaching strategies within the health and care environment. Using evidence-informed approaches, you will explore how to provide optimal learning experiences for fellow learners, peers and the families within your care.

Compulsory

Service Innovation and Promoting Excellence - 20 credits

In this module, you will aim to empower yourself as a student midwife to redefine care practices. By blending evidence-based approaches with compassionate service, you should be equipped to champion excellence. From enhancing patient experiences to shaping policy, you will aim to emerge as an architect of change. Throughout the module, you should gain insights into change management, continuous improvement, audit procedures and policy development.

Compulsory

Placement 5: Consolidating Midwifery Skills - 20 credits

As a final-year student midwife, you will begin taking the lead in care, under direct and indirect supervision of the multi-disciplinary team^2,5. You will put your knowledge and skills into practice to ensure women, babies and their families receive appropriate, safe and timely care. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in supporting other student midwives at earlier stages on the course, tying in all you have learned during your training to become a midwife. You will aim to continue to develop skills in undertaking the SEN and support infant feeding, bonding and attachment in line with the Baby Friendly Initiative.

Compulsory

Placement 6: Transition to an Autonomous Midwife - 20 credits

During this placement module, you will aim to demonstrate your ability to take the lead and plan and deliver care with reducing supervision2,5. You will aim to demonstrate your competence in undertaking systematic examination of the newborn (SEN) and appropriately advocating for those in their care.

Compulsory

Leading for the Future as a Health and Care Professional - 20 credits

Our health and care workforce is required to lead the delivery of high-quality care, whilst navigating a complex health and social care ecosystem. This module aims to foster confident and accountable leadership through an interprofessional learning experience. By collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds, you'll look to gain fresh perspectives and analyse contemporary theory, practice and evidence to redefine leadership for yourself. The module aims to foster your development as a reflective leader.

Compulsory

The Evidence-based Practitioner: Professional Project - 20 credits

In this module, you'll have the opportunity to learn to critically evaluate, interpret and apply the latest national and international research to improve care. You'll aim to gain the skills to analyse, safely use and share these findings, ultimately shaping best practices in your field. This module should also equip you with the skills to conduct an independent study. We'll support you as you develop your research and communication abilities, empowering you to share your findings with healthcare professionals, policymakers and the public.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

We understand that everyone learns differently, so this course will consist of structured teaching sessions which can include:

lead lectures which may be delivered online or face-to-face
seminars
workshops
student-led group work
self-directed learning
reflectivity
experiential learning
skills and simulation.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20-credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary depending on year of study and module. During your first year you can expect 10-12 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Practice-based learning:

Practice-based learning forms an essential and significant part of your learning experience. Practice hours will differ between placements and different health and care courses. You will have access to university staff, but should expect to spend the majority of your contact time with practice collaborators undertaking placement activity. Overall, the hours you undertake in practice-based learning will need to satisfy the eligibility requirements set by the professional body regulating profession, the NMC. No less than 2300 practice-based hours gained from a combination of placement and simulated learning will need to be completed over the course of your degree.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

written assignments
practice placement^2,5
phased tests
simulations
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
presentations
vivas
dyad*
portfolios of evidence.

*A dyad is an assessment involving the student and an expert where they really take time to assess student learning in the real-life setting.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	128
A level	ABB to include one from Psychology, Sociology, Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sport Science, Health and Social Care. Excludes General Studies.
GCSE	GCSE maths, English and one science at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	DDM in a Health, Sport or Science based subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme	30 points to include 15 points at Higher level.
Access to HE Diploma	The Access to HE Diploma in a Science or Health subject to include 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English at grade 4 / C or above.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is not permitted for pre-registration midwifery programmes.

Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section⁵.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available

A non-repayable grant of £5,000 and extra payments worth up to £3,000 may be available to eligible students for each year of study⁶. Read more about this in the NHS Learning Support Fund information booklet.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The Alison Gingell Building is designed to foster hands-on learning experiences, emphasising the unique challenges and responsibilities you will encounter in your new career⁴. This includes hands-on experience with our cutting-edge healthcare simulation facilities which include a dedicated midwifery suite, two community houses, an ambulance, hospital wards, an intensive care unit and an operating theatre.

Nurses in training standing around a dummy patient on a hospital bed

Alison Gingell Building

Our Alison Gingell Building features mock hospital wards built to NHS standards, an operating theatre, critical care settings and other real-life nursing environments.

Community houses

Learn how to work with patients outside of a hospital setting in our simulated, two full-size community homes, specifically built for teaching.

Midwifery suite

Our midwifery suite is equipped with delivery facilities including water birth options. Student midwives also use mannequins to simulate routine and emergency care for mothers and babies.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

As a newly qualified midwife, you have a variety of career opportunities available to you. You can work in a hospital, providing care in labour and delivery wards, antenatal and postnatal units, and neonatal intensive care units. Community midwifery roles involve visiting patients at home, running antenatal clinics and offering postnatal support. Midwives can also pursue roles in specialised areas such as maternal mental health, breastfeeding support or high-risk pregnancy care. Additionally, opportunities exist in education and research, public health and international midwifery, providing diverse pathways for career growth and specialisation.

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

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Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2025/26. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

⁴Facilities

⁵Placements

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks, you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is, therefore, unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

⁶NHS payment

The rules may be subject to review by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the future and as a result may change. Please therefore check the NHSBSA website for up-to-date information before applying.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.