FAQs about careers in midwifery
This page has some frequently asked questions about careers in midwifery.
- How do I train to become a midwife?
- What qualifications do I need to train as a midwife?
- Do I need to be a nurse before I can train as a midwife?
- Would it be better to train first as a nurse because of the competition for places on midwifery degrees?
- Can I do an apprenticeship in midwifery?
- I want to work with babies, so would I make a good midwife?
- What is the highest I can earn as a midwife?
- Is there a shortage of midwives? If so, why are there so few training places at university?
- Is there financial help to support while I’m training to be a midwife?
- Can I train on-the-job to be a midwife?
- Where can I find more information about a career in midwifery?
How do I train to become a midwife?
You'll need to take an approved course in midwifery or secure a place on a midwifery degree apprenticeship. Have a look at our information about training in midwifery which explains about the training.
What qualifications do I need to train as a midwife?
Each university sets its own entry requirements to get onto a full-time degree in midwifery (as do employers offering degree apprenticeships), but as a general guide you'll need at least 5 9-4/A-C grade GCSEs (including English and a science subject) and at least 2 (preferably 3) A' levels - biology may be required by some.
Alternative level 3 qualifications such as an approved access to midwifery course, BTEC National Diploma or International Baccalaureate may be acceptable, but you must check with each university or employer directly before making an application.
Use our course finder to get a list of universities approved to run degrees in midwifery.
Have a look at our information about midwifery which explains about entry requirements.
Do I need to be a nurse before I can train as a midwife?
No, you do not need to be a nurse first - although this is one of the routes into the profession. Have a look at our midwifery role page.
Would it be better to train first as a nurse because of the competition for places on midwifery degrees?
If you train first as a nurse, with a plan of later doing further study to register as a midwife, you need to be aware that it is up to each NHS employing organisation to decide whether or not it will support staff to do this training. The decision is based partly on perceived future workforce needs.
You also need to bear in mind that nursing and midwifery are two separate and very different professions, and if you decide to train first as a nurse, your UCAS personal statement will need to demonstrate your interest in nursing and not midwifery.
Can I do an apprenticeship in midwifery?
A midwifery degree standard apprenticeship has been approved for delivery. This offers an alternative route to taking a full-time university course, although you will still need to be able to study at degree standard. You would apply for degree apprenticeships in midwifery with individual NHS and other healthcare organisations.
Some healthcare organisations also run apprenticeships in health care/care and these may provide you with sufficient experience and qualifications to be able to apply for a pre-registration degree in midwifery or progress onto the midwifery degree apprenticeship.
To find current apprenticeship opportunities in the NHS, visit the NHS Jobs website and Find an apprenticeship website.
I want to work with babies, so would I make a good midwife?
Having a love of babies is clearly important, but as a midwife, your main role will be monitoring the unborn baby and expectant mother while providing advice and support.
If you want to have more contact with babies, you might want to consider roles such as a newborn hearing screener, maternity support worker, healthcare assistant or a neonatal nurse
What is the highest I can earn as a midwife?
Under the Agenda for Change (AfC) system, a consultant midwife can earn up to the top of band 8c
Find out more about the AfC system.
Is there a shortage of midwives? If so, why are there so few training places at university?
The number of places at university is decided by each university.
Use our course finder to get a list of universities approved to run degrees in midwifery.
Is there financial help to support while I’m training to be a midwife?
Visit our financial support pages for the latest information.
Can I train on-the-job to be a midwife?
To train as a midwife, you will need to do an approved degree in midwifery at university or a midwifery degree apprenticeship, which combines working and studying.
If you are a nurse, you can apply for a shortened 18-month midwifery programme.
Use our course finder to search for degree and 18-month programmes in midwifery.
Read more about working and training to be a midwife.
Where can I find more information about a career in midwifery?
You can find more information about a career in midwifery by visiting our explore roles section.