Midwifery
Midwives provide full-scope support for women through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
Area
Detail
Pathway
Typical pathway: 1. GCSEs (At least 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A–C), including English, Maths, and Science*). 2. A Levels (Usually 3 A Levels — at least one in a science-related subject). 3. Degree (Complete a BMid or BSc (Hons) Midwifery — typically 3 years full-time). 4. Registration (Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)). 5. Optional further training.
Possible alternative pathways
Can study another degree at university then reapply. There are also courses available with Foundation Years with lower grade thresholds for the purpose of widening participation.
GCSE Grades necessary
AAA minimum with As in Chemistry and Biology. General Studies, Critical Thinking, or 2 overlapping subjects will not be counted separately (e.g. Maths and Further Mfaths). You will also need to sit either the UCAT or BMAT in Year 12 during the university application process.
A Level grades necessary
Typically BBB–ABB. Biology or another science preferred. Helpful: Sociology, Psychology, Health & Social Care.
Degree necessary
Yes — a degree in Midwifery approved by the NMC.
Which degree(s) are needed/helpful
Bachelor of Midwifery (BMid), BSc (Hons) Midwifery, or MSc Midwifery (pre-registration).
Accreditations needed
Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Courses to do (post-graduate)
MSc in Midwifery, Maternal Health, Advanced Clinical Practice, or Public Health.
Courses/prep work to do now
Volunteering in healthcare, First Aid courses, Health & Social Care qualifications, attending university open days.
Passive income prospects
Limited — possible through writing, teaching, or online education.
Day to day tasks/roles
Supporting women during pregnancy and childbirth, monitoring mother and baby, delivering babies, providing education, maintaining records.
Hours of work (how flexible is this)
Around 34.5 - 37.5 hours/week, where you would typically work 3-4 12-hour shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Some flexibility for part-time/community roles.
Average salary
Newly qualified: £28,000. Experienced: £35,000–£42,000. Consultant: £50,000–£70,000+.
Free time
Shift-based work; free time varies but some flexible patterns available.
Self employed/employed
Usually employed by NHS/private hospitals, though independent midwives can be self-employed.
Autonomy
Moderate to high — midwives manage low-risk pregnancies independently.
Career progression opportunities
Senior Midwife, Specialist Midwife, Consultant Midwife, Team Leader, Educator, Researcher, or Manager.
Respected companies you could work for
NHS Trusts, Nuffield Health, BMI Healthcare, independent practices, universities.
Potential future role of AI
Maybe AI for fetal monitoring, predictive analytics, improved data systems — unlikely to replace interpersonal care.
Any further information
Midwifery is rewarding but demanding. Emotional resilience and Continuing professional development are essential for long-term success.
Where to learn more about this pathway
NHS Careers: www.healthcareers.nhs.uk, NMC: www.nmc.org.uk, UCAS: www.ucas.com, Royal College of Midwives: www.rcm.org.uk
Midwifery
Midwives provide full-scope support for women through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
Area
Detail
Pathway
Typical pathway: 1. GCSEs (At least 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A–C), including English, Maths, and Science*). 2. A Levels (Usually 3 A Levels — at least one in a science-related subject). 3. Degree (Complete a BMid or BSc (Hons) Midwifery — typically 3 years full-time). 4. Registration (Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)). 5. Optional further training.
Possible alternative pathways
Can study another degree at university then reapply. There are also courses available with Foundation Years with lower grade thresholds for the purpose of widening participation.
GCSE Grades necessary
AAA minimum with As in Chemistry and Biology. General Studies, Critical Thinking, or 2 overlapping subjects will not be counted separately (e.g. Maths and Further Mfaths). You will also need to sit either the UCAT or BMAT in Year 12 during the university application process.
A Level grades necessary
Typically BBB–ABB. Biology or another science preferred. Helpful: Sociology, Psychology, Health & Social Care.
Degree necessary
Yes — a degree in Midwifery approved by the NMC.
Which degree(s) are needed/helpful
Bachelor of Midwifery (BMid), BSc (Hons) Midwifery, or MSc Midwifery (pre-registration).
Accreditations needed
Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Courses to do (post-graduate)
MSc in Midwifery, Maternal Health, Advanced Clinical Practice, or Public Health.
Courses/prep work to do now
Volunteering in healthcare, First Aid courses, Health & Social Care qualifications, attending university open days.
Passive income prospects
Limited — possible through writing, teaching, or online education.
Day to day tasks/roles
Supporting women during pregnancy and childbirth, monitoring mother and baby, delivering babies, providing education, maintaining records.
Hours of work (how flexible is this)
Around 34.5 - 37.5 hours/week, where you would typically work 3-4 12-hour shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Some flexibility for part-time/community roles.
Average salary
Newly qualified: £28,000. Experienced: £35,000–£42,000. Consultant: £50,000–£70,000+.
Free time
Shift-based work; free time varies but some flexible patterns available.
Self employed/employed
Usually employed by NHS/private hospitals, though independent midwives can be self-employed.
Autonomy
Moderate to high — midwives manage low-risk pregnancies independently.
Career progression opportunities
Senior Midwife, Specialist Midwife, Consultant Midwife, Team Leader, Educator, Researcher, or Manager.
Respected companies you could work for
NHS Trusts, Nuffield Health, BMI Healthcare, independent practices, universities.
Potential future role of AI
Maybe AI for fetal monitoring, predictive analytics, improved data systems — unlikely to replace interpersonal care.
Any further information
Midwifery is rewarding but demanding. Emotional resilience and Continuing professional development are essential for long-term success.
Where to learn more about this pathway
NHS Careers: www.healthcareers.nhs.uk, NMC: www.nmc.org.uk, UCAS: www.ucas.com, Royal College of Midwives: www.rcm.org.uk
Midwifery
Midwives provide full-scope support for women through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
Area
Detail
Pathway
Typical pathway: 1. GCSEs (At least 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A–C), including English, Maths, and Science*). 2. A Levels (Usually 3 A Levels — at least one in a science-related subject). 3. Degree (Complete a BMid or BSc (Hons) Midwifery — typically 3 years full-time). 4. Registration (Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)). 5. Optional further training.
Possible alternative pathways
Nursing route (Train first as a Registered Nurse, then complete an 18-month midwifery course). Midwife Degree Apprenticeship (Combines paid work and study, usually 4 years). Access to Higher Education Diploma in Midwifery for mature students.
GCSE Grades necessary
AAA minimum with As in Chemistry and Biology. General Studies, Critical Thinking, or 2 overlapping subjects will not be counted separately (e.g. Maths and Further Mfaths). You will also need to sit either the UCAT or BMAT in Year 12 during the university application process.
A Level grades necessary
Typically BBB–ABB. Biology or another science preferred. Helpful: Sociology, Psychology, Health & Social Care.
Degree necessary
Yes — a degree in Midwifery approved by the NMC.
Which degree(s) are needed/helpful
Bachelor of Midwifery (BMid), BSc (Hons) Midwifery, or MSc Midwifery (pre-registration).
Accreditations needed
Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Courses to do (post-graduate)
MSc in Midwifery, Maternal Health, Advanced Clinical Practice, or Public Health.
Courses/prep work to do now
Volunteering in healthcare, First Aid courses, Health & Social Care qualifications, attending university open days.
Passive income prospects
Limited — possible through writing, teaching, or online education.
Day to day tasks/roles
Supporting women during pregnancy and childbirth, monitoring mother and baby, delivering babies, providing education, maintaining records.
Hours of work (how flexible is this)
Around 34.5 - 37.5 hours/week, where you would typically work 3-4 12-hour shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Some flexibility for part-time/community roles.
Average salary
Newly qualified: £28,000. Experienced: £35,000–£42,000. Consultant: £50,000–£70,000+.
Free time
Shift-based work; free time varies but some flexible patterns available.
Self employed/employed
Usually employed by NHS/private hospitals, though independent midwives can be self-employed.
Autonomy
Moderate to high — midwives manage low-risk pregnancies independently.
Career progression opportunities
Senior Midwife, Specialist Midwife, Consultant Midwife, Team Leader, Educator, Researcher, or Manager.
Respected companies you could work for
NHS Trusts, Nuffield Health, BMI Healthcare, independent practices, universities.
Potential future role of AI
Maybe AI for fetal monitoring, predictive analytics, improved data systems — unlikely to replace interpersonal care.
Any further information
Midwifery is rewarding but demanding. Emotional resilience and Continuing professional development are essential for long-term success.
Where to learn more about this pathway
NHS Careers: www.healthcareers.nhs.uk, NMC: www.nmc.org.uk, UCAS: www.ucas.com, Royal College of Midwives: www.rcm.org.uk