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.

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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.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
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.
Thank you for any help.
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.
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
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 emigrated to 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
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!
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??
Jayde
I have a level 3 teaching & learning qualification too and work in a nursing home as a HCA
I'm 22 and am not sure what GCSE's I have but know it isn't 5. I'm looking to study midwifery but am unsure on the path to take. Could someone advise?
Thanks,
Alison
I currently work as a support worker, but really would like to be a midwife. I have my functional skills in English and maths and have also got my NVQ level 3 in health and social care. What else would i need to be able to apply for university and how would I do that?
Would really appreciate your advice.
Many thanks Lisa
Anglia Ruskin
280 points from 3 A-levels (BBC) to include at least one of the following at C or above: Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Health and Social Care or Human Biology
Leeds
ABB Typical offer
Specific subjects/grades required for entry:
Biology at grade A.
Liverpool John Moores
128 UCAS points required Average A Level offer AAB One of the A levels (or equivalent) must be science related and must be Grade C or above.Subjects we will accept in this area are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology, Physiology, Combined Science, Psychology and Anthropology. LJMU will accept a combination of Band 4 qualifications e.g. A Levels and BTEC Diploma
I do not have the qualifications for it so how do I go about starting.. Or am I Too late ?
What would I need to do? And is it possible?
I think I will need to do an access course.
Can you pleas help me with colleges near me and also if funding is available?
I have a two year and work part time
So I would need a part time course.
Many thanks
Nicole
I have an A level based on health and social care, also done in Germany. So with all this different degrees it gets quite confusing for me in England. Are there any ways to study whilst still working Part or Full-time. The course seems just so expensive that i won't be able to afford it. Also how would be the way to start? Are there special courses for older ones, already educated people?
Does my training as a healthcare assistant count and also my internship at the maternity ward? Even when its not been done in the UK?
Really would appreciate some advise.
Thanks a lot
With one son of my own although I was tired most of the time I stayed up and retrained to become an Electirican but it's not enough and after talking to staff at the Nursing home where my mother has now been placed I think that I would like to aim for a career as a Midwife.
Thanks
Sidnee
the most competitive job to apply for at university, obviously is a concern, but I'm willing to do anything that would help me get onto the course. Where to start is the confusing part? Applying to do an access course for September, but what else at the time bein would be helpful or would stand out if they were to read my statement? Jobs/volunteer work etc. Any advice would be much appreciated, thank you.
english D
maths F
sience D
art D
health and social care level 2 merrit
animal care level 2 pass
i dont know where to start im just confused on where i need to start ive applied for college on an apprenticeship in hospital care level 2 and if i dont get into that health and social care level 3
can someone pleas help me out im so confused on what i need to get into uni , thanks beth
I would appreciate how to find out information on how to get into this career and apply for course..
thank you
In the right direction. Also i was wondering about money situation as i currently get working tax to top my wages up as only part time.
I`m 36 and a mum of two and am looking for a rewarding career,and am really interested in becoming a midwife.
Although i left school without good gsce grades,i feel i have a lot to give.
Please can you advise me on how i go about starting training,and also wether there is a basic salary whilst training .
Look forward to hearing from you soon
Kind Regards
Nicole
enquire about training for to be a midwife .
Thank you
Paula
I have 11 GCSE's B-C 2 a levels and a non related BSC (hons) degree, I was due to start an access course a couple of years ago but was told at my interview that I'd only have to do one module and so in the end I decided that I was too old and should stick to what I know :( I had at that time given up my job and started to work in caring to gain experiance.
However the burning desire to be a midwife is still there and can anyone tell me if I can apply straight to the college or do I have to do the access course???? I find it so confusing and I want to know if Ill still be able to pay my mortgage hehe as I have children and am alone.... thank you :)
I did not do very well at school did my GCSE but not very well. I really want to train to be a midwife i have two children and i work part time my kids are growing up now and i want to do something worth while and i think midwifes have a very rewarding job and that's what i want to be a part of. Thank you Amanda
Does anyone know what a trianee midwife earns a month? Take home pay? I am currently on 30K a year but hate my job but need to know how much money I will take home to secure my mortgage
Please help :-/
qualifications to do so. Any advice about the subject would be much welcomed.
or can the hospital offer me the training that i need
many thanks
x
Thank you
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