Are you considering your career options? Does a career in midwifery appeal to you? If so, there are certain academic steps you’ll need to take to gain your registration, which leaves many would-be midwives asking the question ‘how long is a midwifery course?’. This being a perfectly valid question for any student, but especially for those who are looking to juggle their midwifery studies with family commitments or full-time work.
Thankfully, there are various options at your disposal, and one of those is online learning. With the flexibility to tailor your study schedule around your existing commitments, you can gain an accredited qualification at your own pace. After which, you will be able to progress onto study an approved midwifery degree.
The amount of time it takes to gain a midwifery qualification is dependent on where you currently sit in your academic journey. For instance, whether you’re studying A Levels/Level 3 equivalent or you are at the final stage of your journey at university. Below, we have outlined what’s involved in midwifery courses and how long it takes to complete one.
What You Learn in Midwifery Courses, UK Students
Undertaking a midwifery degree in the UK will give you all of the information, skills and techniques you require to become a professional midwife. This role involves providing professional care and support to an expectant mother throughout her pregnancy and labour. You will also be required to provide postnatal care and teach the new mother how to feed and care for their newborn.
Studying midwifery courses will help you develop your abilities, and what you learn during your academic study will allow you to fulfil the following duties and responsibilities:
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Full antenatal care – This form of care can vary, ranging from parenting classes to clinical examinations and screenings
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High-risk pregnancies – Through training, you will be able to identify any pregnancies that may be high risk. If this is the case, you will provide the mother-to-be with all of the information and professional advice they need to carry their baby to term safely
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Monitoring – No two pregnancies are the same, so it is important that you monitor any changes experienced by the mother and take the necessary steps
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Support – You are likely to be the first point of contact from a health professional point of view during the pregnancy, but your work doesn’t end there. You will provide support during labour and the birthing process
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Postnatal care – After the baby is born, you will teach the new mother how to properly feed and bathe their newborn. The first few weeks can be overwhelming, especially for new mums, so your professional guidance is crucial
You will cover an array of topics and subjects that will help you perform these duties when you eventually become a professional midwife.
The learning journey begins at GCSE level, in which you will likely need around 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or C and above. Generally, grades in English, Maths, and Biology are required. Next, you will need a certain amount of A Levels, though the number will be specified by each university. If you don’t have A Levels, you have alternative options.
An Access to Higher Education Diploma can earn you the equivalent of 3 A Levels, and most universities accept one as part of their entry requirements to a midwifery degree course. Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers, with more than 650 courses. So, if you don’t have A Levels, your dream of going to university to study midwifery is not over.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) provides you with an accredited qualification and the foundation knowledge you need to progress into further study. It is important to note that the time it takes to complete an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) can be much shorter than completing traditional A Levels.
How Long Does a Midwifery Course Take?
If you enrol with Stonebridge Associated Colleges, then your chosen course will be 100% online, and you can complete it in less than a year! You will be given all of the online course materials as soon as you enrol, so you can begin learning instantly! Included in the course will be contact details for your tutor and access to Student Support Officers. The structure of this online midwifery course is made up of various units, and at the end of each one, you will be required to complete an assignment.
It is up to you when you complete the assignment, and when you do, you will be given feedback from your tutor on how to improve and progress in your midwifery courses. Over the course of your study, you will learn some of the following subjects:
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Human Reproduction, Growth and Development – During this unit you will learn the structure and function of the human reproductive system and how hormones play a key role. As well as this, you will be taught the various events that happen from conception to childbirth
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The Roles and Responsibilities of the Midwife – You can only become a qualified midwife if you earn a degree approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). In this section of your study, you will understand the governing body’s role, as well as your daily responsibilities
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Mental Health and Illness – Understanding psychological disorders will allow you to perform your midwife duties with expectant mothers who have mental health issues or disorders, or suffer from postnatal depression
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Academic Writing Skills – Given that there are end-of-unit assignments to complete, you need to know how to write academically and to a high standard. You will also be taught how to prepare a written assignment to help with your upcoming tasks
Benefits of Studying Your Midwifery Course Online
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) offers students a way to become a midwife without A Levels. Having the opportunity to go to university with the backing of a Diploma is arguably the biggest draw, but the fact that it is online is a huge benefit.
Unlike traditional studying, you don’t have to commit to learning in a classroom and you can tailor study time to fit around your existing requirements. If you have children to look after or you’re working full-time, you can schedule study time so that you don’t have to neglect your commitments.
Stonebridge Associated Colleges provides you with all the online course materials you need, so you won’t need to spend extra money on academic textbooks. You will be able to contact your tutor for help throughout the course, as well as Student Support Officers. The flexibility this midwifery course offers allows you to take full control of your study.
How Long is a Midwifery Course at Uni?
If you are successful in gaining a place on a midwifery uni course, full-time study should last for at least three years. The structure is made up of academic learning at university, as well as supervised practical experience. An approved course will meet the NMC’s standards of education and training, but depending on the university you choose, the content of the course may differ slightly.
The facilities of the practical training, as well as the elements involved, might also be different depending on the university you are attending. Keep in mind that you may also be eligible for degree apprenticeships, which combines degree-level study and practical experience.
Can I Do a Part-Time Midwifery Course?
For those of you who work in an existing role that is relevant to midwifery, you could be eligible for a part-time course. If you opt for this, then it should take you between five and six years to complete it.
Enrol Today!
If you are wondering how to get into a midwifery course, then our Course Executives at Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help. If you are looking for the A Level equivalent, then the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) could be a stepping stone to securing a place at university to study a midwifery degree.
To find out more information about course details or how you can start your path towards a career in midwifery, give us a call on 0121 392 8288 or contact them via the support centre.
