A Certified Nurse Midwife is a healthcare provider specialising in gynecologic and family planning services, preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and newborn care.
Midwives working in the UK need to be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council and popular midwifery courses to study in the UK include the Bachelor of Midwifery (BMid) and MSc Midwifery. Midwifery courses in the UK for registered nurses generally take a minimum of three years to complete. However, for those interested in dual registration, a reduced training course of 18 months is available.
For those interested in becoming a midwife, training takes place at an NMC-approved educational institution. Half of the program is based on clinical practice, which provides direct contact with women, their babies, and their families. This can include home, community, and hospital settings and other maternity services such as midwife-led units and birth centres.
Learn more below about how to become a midwife in the UK or book a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
How to Become a Midwife in the UK
- Complete GCSEs and College Level Courses
To become a midwife in the UK, the first step is to complete GSCEs and college-level courses. University studies for midwifery generally require the completion of several General Secondary Certification Education (GCSE) courses. Typically, you need five GCSE courses in grades 9 to 4 (A to C).
Courses that are typically valuable include English, science and mathematics. Additionally, you will likely need to finish two or three A-level courses or a level 3 diploma in science or health.
- Get a Degree from an NMC-approved Institute
Becoming a midwife requires a degree in midwifery, which is a three-year program at the undergraduate level and one year at the postgraduate level. If you are already a registered adult nurse, you can take a shorter course, which is only eighteen months long.
After you complete the necessary qualifications, you will be able to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), allowing you to practice as a midwife.
You'll spend approximately half of your degree on practical placements in various settings, allowing you to gain first-hand experience. You'll also receive lectures and seminars on a broad range of topics related to maternity care, such as the UK's physical, emotional, social, political and cultural aspects.
- Complete a conversion course if you are a registered nurse
If you already have a bachelor's degree in nursing and are registered, you can become a midwife by taking a conversion course. The course will last for 18-24 months.
- Register as a midwife
After completing a university degree or apprenticeship in midwifery, the next step is registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Part of this registration process involves passing enhanced background checks so that officials can confirm that you would make a good midwife. Once you're registered, you can start working in your field.
Study Midwifery Course in the UK
Contact SI-UK London today to learn more about studying midwifery courses in the UK or to book a free consultation.