Home > Caring & Education > Training to Become a Midwife

Training to Become a Midwife

By: Maggie Lonsdale BA (hons) - Updated: 8 Aug 2019 | comments*Discuss
 
Midwife Midwifery Midwives Training Nhs

Becoming a midwife can be one of the most rewarding career changes. Babies are born every day and the NHS actively recruits midwives, as do many private birthing centres and hospitals.

Training and Qualifications

Training to become a midwife takes around five to six years, on average, depending on what relevant qualifications you have to start with. If you have no relevant training or qualifications, but have at least five A-C GCSEs, you can start to train as a midwife by enrolling onto an access course. If you have three A-Levels, you can go straight to applying for a degree in Midwifery.

Not all universities offer degrees in Midwifery, although most that offer medical degrees do. A midwifery degree in the UK takes three years of full-time study, or four years in Scotland, with the majority recommending a 50% placement and 50% theory, which takes considerably longer.

The NHS also offers ‘pre-registration midwifery short courses’ for qualified nurses wishing to specialise in midwifery. These courses offer part-time study alongside practical work – both in your existing area and midwifery – in order to become a midwife.

The UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council delivers a range of approved training and education courses, focused around half practical work and half theory, with a long list of locations and timetables available on its website.

Although large numbers of midwives are employed by the NHS, there are many other employer options for both qualified midwives and those looking to train. Many private hospitals employ midwives, as do birthing centres which are rapidly gaining popularity as a highly personal birthing choice.

Money Issues

Midwifery is a relatively well-paid career, with NHS roles offering a secure career that has regular pay reviews and incremental increases, with the midwifery roles in the private sector often slightly higher paid, but with perhaps less job security. The NHS pay scale for newly qualified midwives starts at around £20,000 per annum, going up to around £27,000 for a midwife with around 3-5 years' experience and £30,000 for a more experienced person. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that this does not include any London weighting, shift allowance or overtime, all of which can considerably increase your take home pay.

Career Choice for Men and Women

It is also important to point out that midwifery is a career choice with no discrimination. Both men and women are encouraged to apply for midwifery training, in both the public and private sector and, while it may still be considered an unusual career choice for men, this misconception is slowly changing. After all, we’re all used to male gynaecologists.

While there are no gender discrimination issues in being a midwife, there are certainly personality types that are more suited to the role. A large part of the midwifery training is focused on promoting health and wellbeing in pregnant women and understanding, promoting and facilitating normal childbirth in accordance with the pregnant woman’s wishes. As such, a ‘good’ midwife needs to be able to communicate well, have empathy and be comfortable dealing with often stressful situations.

There is also what the NHS calls ‘Fitness to Practise’ for medical professionals including midwives that is related to the health and wellbeing of its trainees and employees. As midwifery is a relatively physical job, Fitness to Practise, or FtP requires that midwives are not excessively overweight and are capable of fulfilling the physical demands of the job.

Becoming a Nurse

Find out what qualifications you need for a career in nursing, and how you can get into this invaluable profession in our article Becoming A Nurse.

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[Add a Comment]
Hi, I’m 29 years old. I’m currently a bar maid and part time nail technician and a mother of 3. My highest qualifications are 2 A-levels in law and psychology. I have thought about training as a midwife for years but always thought it was just too late to start training in something new. So where do I start with concerns to training? I also have concerns as to how I would pay my bills and cost of living whilst training full time. Thank you for any help.
Chantelle - 8-Aug-19 @ 9:02 PM
hello, im 23 years old and I currently work as a support worker for vunerable adults who suffer with PMLD ( profound multiple learning disabilities) and as much as I love my job im really looking for change in my career, would really like to be a midwife but im unsure as to how someone gets into that line of work.
pd - 10-Mar-19 @ 1:49 PM
Hi I am 26 I have 3 a-levels including Health and Social Care, I currently work full time as a product manager, I have always wanted to become a midwife but at the time of going to university I went with a different option, I own my own house and would worry that if I went back into full time education I wouldn't be able to afford my bills, I really don't want it to hold me back again as I have tried a few times to get advice from different career sites and universities themselves but don't really know what optiona are available to me?
HG - 5-Oct-18 @ 2:58 PM
Rachellax - Your Question:
Hi I’m qualified hairdresser nvq level 2 and a nail technician I’m looking at changing careers I left high school with zero gcse’s What do I need to do to become a midwife I’m 30 years old with 3 children of my own and feel it’s the right time to take the step x

Our Response:
To start with, contact your local FE colleges to find out how you can take some GCSEs. You should be able to do these part time. Once you've achieved the equivalent of 5 GCSEs you can consider an access course or A levels in order to start a midwifery degree.
ACareerChange - 11-Apr-18 @ 3:14 PM
Hi I’m qualified hairdresser nvq level 2 and a nail technician I’m looking at changing careers I left high school with zero gcse’s What do I need to do to become a midwife I’m 30 years old with 3 children of my own and feel it’s the right time to take the step x
Rachellax - 11-Apr-18 @ 3:10 PM
Mols - Your Question:
Hi, I’m currently 22 years old and currently designing kitchens. I’ve applied to do an access course in September 2018 to then go to university to study Midwifery. I’ll be 26/27 years old once I qualify and will want to start about thinking about starting a family. Is it common for newly qualify midwives to become pregnant or would you recommend how long you’d wait after qualifying to start a family? Thankyou

Our Response:
We can't really advise on something like this as it's really a personal decision. Perhaps talking to other midwives might give you an idea of what to choose.
ACareerChange - 12-Dec-17 @ 2:44 PM
Hi, I’m currently 22 years old and currently designing kitchens. I’ve applied to do an access course in September 2018 to then go to university to study Midwifery.I’ll be 26/27 years old once I qualify and will want to start about thinking about starting a family. Is it common for newly qualify midwives to become pregnant or would you recommend how long you’d wait after qualifying to start a family? Thankyou
Mols - 11-Dec-17 @ 7:24 AM
Hello. My name is Leah, I wonder if you can offer some advice? I'm 26, I work full time and want to go to university to complete a degree in Midwifery. I have completed my access course and therefore meet the entry requirements. Unfortunately, due to responsibilities such as paying my mortgage I can not afford to quit my current full time job and go to university unpaid and all courses are full time and require full commitment. Are there any options?
Leah - 14-Sep-17 @ 11:20 AM
Hi im a qualifed social worker in the uk. Ive been qualifed 12 yrs i hild a BSc (Hons) in Social work i am desperate for a change in career and wondered what the easiest route into nursing/midwifery would be for me to earn as i learn as im a single mom of school age children and would need a regular i come come in whilst im learning.Is there such an option ??
Me - 25-Jul-17 @ 9:58 AM
Hello, I'm a currently a register nurse in United States, I have a Bachelors Degree in nursing and took several post graduate courses towards my midwifery/advanced practice degree. I did not finish due to a family health matter. I have worked as a labor and delivery nurse in the US and I am Certified in Obstetrics. I was born in Scotland and my family emigratedto the states when I was a child. I am interested in attending university in Scotland to become a midwife. Would my current degree and experience over the last 20 years be valid or transfer. Thank you in advance. - A
AnneRN - 6-Jun-17 @ 8:32 AM
I'm 45 years old I've be a home mum, and a full time career to one of my children with autism, I've been desperately thinking of wanting start a career in midwifery, but feel I've left it too late, I did well at school, but worried I've left it too long any advice please
Kez - 15-May-17 @ 6:39 PM
Maya - Your Question:
Hi,I am 33, and currently work in Marketing in the UK. Considering a career change and qualify as a midwife, but have done all my studies in France - are there equivalents?Thanks!

Our Response:
Most universities will look at your qualifications and let you know how you stand if you contact them directly and ask them.
ACareerChange - 5-May-17 @ 10:47 AM
Hi, I am 33, and currently work in Marketing in the UK. Considering a career change and qualify as a midwife, but have done all my studies in France - are there equivalents? Thanks!
Maya - 4-May-17 @ 1:31 PM
Tash - Your Question:
I'm 46 and have been seriously thinking about training to become a midwife for a very long time but due to my 3 children coming along, just haven't had the time. Now I feel is the time! I left school with an O level and a few cse's but not great grades. Where do I start on my lifelong goal of training to be a midwife - don't want to delay any longer. Thank you in advance, natasha

Our Response:
Ask at your nearest FE college. You may need to take some GCSEs or a vocational course that can get you the towards the equivalent A levels or NVQs to gain access to a midwifery degree course.
ACareerChange - 2-May-17 @ 11:58 AM
I'm 46 and have been seriously thinking about training to become a midwife for a very long time but due to my 3 children coming along, just haven't had the time. Now I feel is the time! I left school with an O level and a few cse's but not great grades. Where do I start on my lifelong goal of training to be a midwife - don't want to delay any longer. Thank you in advance, natasha
Tash - 1-May-17 @ 11:14 AM
Hi there, I have 2 degrees BA (Hons) in Advice work and a LLB. I haven't been able pursue a career in law - and currently work as a receptionist at a hospital. Iv had an interest in midwifery for some time now especially after having two children - the help and care that is given by the midwifes is just so inspirational. iv been reading through on what the qualification/requirements needed to get in to midwifery - but just wanted to know for someone who already has a degree but in another field like myself is there any way round it or what is the requirements here??
didi - 22-Apr-17 @ 4:09 AM
Hi im a qualified beauty therapist with five yrs experience of working in a salon ,I am cibtac and cidesco qualified and im just wondering would my qualifications enable me to pursue a midwife course and how long wod the course be.
Pc - 20-Apr-17 @ 9:20 PM
Hi I'm 28 and want to get into nursing I have level 3 children and young people,would this enable me to apply for child nursing or midwifery courses??
Sammyl - 18-Apr-17 @ 7:56 PM
I'm 40 yrs old i left school with no qualifications but would like to become a midwife is this possible?I currently work as a housekeeper within the NHS.
Miss Lunn - 12-Apr-17 @ 10:29 PM
Jhelisa- Your Question:
Hi I'm 21 and I have 2 children aged 5 and 1. I want to become a midwife but left school with basically nothing. What's the best route to take?

Our Response:
Ask at your local colleges to see if you can sit GCSEs and then either A levels or an equivalent health related qualification. Once you're armed with these qualifications you can look at universities which offer midwifery courses (some may also offer a post-gcse access course to negate the need for A levels).
ACareerChange - 6-Apr-17 @ 2:07 PM
Hi I'm 21 and I have 2 children aged 5 and 1. I want to become a midwife but left school with basically nothing. What's the best route to take?
Jhelisa - 5-Apr-17 @ 7:47 PM
I am 24, have a mortgage alone and hoping to study midwifery at uni in sept. Please can you explain how I will be able to logistically and financially make this work.
Hatz - 24-Mar-17 @ 5:27 PM
Hi I have 5 gcse's, I'm 25, and I'd like to become a midwife, where do I start please, I work full time at the moment thanks
Lauren - 21-Mar-17 @ 10:11 AM
Jayde - Your Question:
Hi I'm 21 and have got 5 GCSE's C and above also got a BTEC in science. Just wondering my next steps to become a qualified midwife. Also have two young children, and don't know where to start. Thank you Jayde

Our Response:
Firstly look at midwifery courses at any local colleges/universities near to you (the UCAS website has a list). The course requirements will be listed, usually A levels are needed, but often a BTEC might be considered too, especially if you are a "mature" student. Try calling the admissions staff for more information if the website is not clear enough.
ACareerChange - 13-Mar-17 @ 2:19 PM
Hi I'm 21 and have got 5 GCSE's C and above also got a BTEC in science. Just wondering my next steps to become a qualified midwife. Also have two young children, and don't know where to start. Thank you Jayde
Jayde - 10-Mar-17 @ 7:08 PM
Hbird - Your Question:
Hello. Will a CertHE in Early Childhood enable me to apply for Midwifery or must it be Health & Social Care?I have a level 3 teaching & learning qualification too and work in a nursing home as a HCA

Our Response:
The easiest way to find this out would be to contact the insitution where you're considering studying for your midwifery degree. Sometimes a website will give this information but a phone call is often clearer.
ACareerChange - 22-Feb-17 @ 2:25 PM
Hello. Will a CertHE in Early Childhood enable me to apply for Midwifery or must it be Health & Social Care? I have a level 3 teaching & learning qualification too and work in a nursing home as a HCA
Hbird - 18-Feb-17 @ 1:05 PM
Mrs Chelsey Marie Ta - Your Question:
Hi I am 26 years old. I have 2A* 4As and 4Bs at GCSE level then a BTEC NAT DIP IN BEAUTY THERAPY SCIENCES WITH A TRIPLE DISTINCTION and 8 years experience. What would I need to retrain as a midwife.

Our Response:
You may be able to get access on to a foundation course towards a nursing degree on the strength of your GCSE results etc. You should contact institutions that offer a nursing degree course and find out. It may be that you need to sit A levels or similar to access a degree course directly.
ACareerChange - 17-Feb-17 @ 12:04 PM
Hi i am 26 years old. I have 2A* 4As and 4Bs at GCSE level then a BTEC NAT DIP IN BEAUTY THERAPY SCIENCES WITH A TRIPLE DISTINCTION and 8 years experience. What would I need to retrain as a midwife.
Mrs Chelsey Marie Ta - 17-Feb-17 @ 11:00 AM
Hi I'm 30 in February I'm a qualified hairdresser and have been for 15years. I'm looking in to becoming a midwife or nurse and would like to no the best routes to do this?
Samsam - 13-Jan-17 @ 8:50 PM
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