Midwifery

Midwifery is a profession rooted in one of the most fundamental of human experiences: the birth of a child. Midwives are the lead professionals in normal childbirth, providing expert care to women, birthing people and their families across pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. They are autonomous practitioners with a wide scope of clinical responsibility, requiring thorough knowledge of physiology, strong clinical skills and the interpersonal capabilities to support people through moments of vulnerability, pain and profound change.

At Edge Hill University, this three-year full-time programme leads to eligibility to register as a qualified midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council on completion. The programme recognises that midwives are experts in normal childbirth and prepares you to practise with the clinical confidence and professional values that registration requires. Theory and practice are developed in parallel throughout the degree, with clinical placements integrated from early in the programme.

You will study the physiology of pregnancy, labour and the puerperium, pharmacology and medicines management in midwifery, the assessment and recognition of complications and when to refer, neonatal care, public health, safeguarding, mental health awareness and the professional and ethical frameworks that govern midwifery practice. Clinical placement experience develops your practical skills, your patient communication and your ability to function effectively in multidisciplinary maternity care teams.

On qualifying and registering, you will be able to work as a midwife in NHS maternity services and the independent sector, across hospital and community settings. Career pathways include community midwifery, labour ward practice, specialist roles in antenatal screening, bereavement support and high-dependency obstetrics, as well as midwifery education, research and management. Postgraduate study is available for those who want to develop advanced clinical or leadership expertise.