Midwifery Degree ApprenticeshipBSc

If you are already working in an employed support role and looking to study and graduate with full registration as a midwife, this degree apprenticeship is for you! As the demand for midwives in the UK soars each year, modern midwives play a vital role in the community and make profound impact in countless ways. Designed in collaboration with practice partners, service users, and advocacy groups, to tackle NHS workforce shortages, you will transform into an exceptionally skilled midwife dedicated to delivering safe, compassionate care. 

• Our state-of-the-art maternal and neonatal facilities will allow you to develop your clinical skills in a safe environment before applying in real-world practice.
• Experience online teaching for a flexible learning experience.
• Learn from senior academics, researchers, and clinical midwives at a leading research-intensive university renowned for its groundbreaking work in maternal and neonatal health.
• Develop holistic care and decision-making skills through your very own Virtual Midwifery Caseload. 
• By collaborating with an active public engagement midwifery group, we are dedicated to ensuring our programme and resources prioritise the needs of service-users.

Gain real-world experience through local clinical placements

Our strong placement partnerships with local NHS employers ensure you will be supported and exposed to a range of specialist, high-quality, local placements tailored to your needs. Supported by academic assessors, practice supervisors, and placement managers, you'll rotate through clinical areas, carry a small caseload, and follow women to their appointments and births. You'll also undertake a specialist placement block, working with midwifery experts, agencies, and researchers.

• Online learning - Engage in live lectures, seminars, interactive workshops, and small group tutorials. Access dedicated online materials for flexible study.
• Virtual Midwifery caseload - You will be allocated your very own Virtual Midwifery Caseload which reflects the insights of those who have directly experienced maternity services. 
• Skills and simulation days - Prior to placements, you'll practice key midwifery skills, engage in simulations, and learn pelvic examinations with our gynaecological teaching associates. 

Support during your studies

You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:

Personal academic tutors – Your personal tutor will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.

Student Services Centre - Based within the Medical School, access many services from drop in sessions for advice and guidance, referral to internal and external services to support regarding extenuating circumstances. Here you will find our Wellbeing Officers. They provide professional support, advice and guidance across a range of issues.

Academic Skills Centre - The centre is a place where you can develop your mathematical, academic writing and general academic skills. Become an effective and independent learner through the use of a range of high-quality and appropriate learning support services.

Our student experience team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, placement support, and help you prepare for your post-university career. They also organise social events to help you meet fellow students from your course.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning. Assessments methods will vary with each module and could include:

• Coursework such as essays
• Oral presentations
• Computer-based problem solving
• Formal exams and assignments

Contact hours

Year 1: Approximately 25% in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice), 25% on independent study and 50% on placement.

Year 2: Approximately 25% in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice), 25% on independent study and 50% on placement.

Year 3: Approximately 20% in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice), 30% on independent study and 50% on placement.

Number of A levels required: 3

In order to access this apprenticeship training opportunity you must already be in a support role and your employer must have an updated Employer Apprenticeship Agreement contract before the University can share an application link. Full employer support and confirmation of Levy funding is required from NHS employers.

Required subjects and grades

Grade B or above in a Science, Health or relevant Social Science subject. Relevant subjects that meet the Science/Social Science requirement include Biology, Applied Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Applied Science, and Sociology.

GCSE requirements 

Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature, Mathematics or equivalent

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Minimum Grade 6 in a Higher-Level Science, Health or Social Science subject. Overall score of 32 with 6,5,5 at HL. Subject requirements as per A level.

T Levels

Health or Science T Levels accepted. Distinction overall with minimum grade B in the Core. 

BTEC qualifications

• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social / Applied Science standard offer of D*DD.
• BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Health & Social / Applied Science standard offer of DD + A.
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate standard offer of D + AB. 

Access to Higher Education (Health or Science):

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 including 36 at distinction, 9 at merit (to include study of Physiology or Biology). Access courses must have been completed within the last two years to be valid. You must also meet the GCSE entry requirements in full for the programme.

Minimum age requirement

As this programme has a mandatory clinical placement, every applicant for admission to the University must have reached the age of 18 years on 1 October of the year of entry.

Applications and recruitment are handled by NHS Employer Partners, not the university.

If you are currently employed by an NHS trust in a support role you will need to apply for the Apprenticeship through your employer who will have their own selection criteria, you can also contact your employer’s Education/Apprenticeship Lead for information about the apprenticeships offered. If you are looking for a support role you can apply through NHS Jobs .

For any apprenticeship enquiries please contact the Central Apprenticeship Teams on  apprenticeship enquiry form.

Propel yourself into a wide range of career opportunities inside and outside NHS employer partner trusts, including options to work as a hospital or community-based midwife, in research or education, specialist midwifery, leadership, management or in an international position. Become a confident practitioner and future leader, adept at using research and evidence to guide your practice.

We encourage our NHS employer partners to offer apprentice contracts that stipulate an offer of guaranteed employment as a midwife on successful completion of the programme.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.