Postgraduate taught programme

MSc

Midwifery (Shortened)

A Masters-level route for Registered Adult Nurses to qualify as midwives. Designed for those balancing study with other commitments, this course replaces traditional lectures with engaging online learning that fits around weekly clinical placements.
MSc Midwifery (Shortened)
About Details Careers, industry and research Postgraduate student life Fees and funding Apply Register for open evening

About

The MSc Midwifery (Shortened) blended course offers Registered Adult Nurses a focused, practice‑intensive route to becoming a Registered Midwife. 
You’ll split your time between academic study and real clinical placements, developing the skills, confidence and professional insight needed to support women and families throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. With advanced clinical training at InterCity Place, a strong emphasis on evidence‑based practice and a deep understanding of the social and psychological aspects of maternity care, you’ll graduate as an autonomous, future‑ready midwife prepared to deliver safe, compassionate and continuity‑driven care.
Midwifery skills sessions. Nursing and midwifery facilities
 
 
 

Fast‑track to registration 

Qualify as a Registered Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council on successful completion, building on your existing nursing expertise.

Flexible, future focused learning

Combining online study with weekly clinical placements offers the flexibility to fit learning around other commitments while still maintaining the full experience of a modern midwifery degree.

Patient‑centred care

Gain deep insight into the psychological and social aspects of pregnancy and early parenthood, enabling you to communicate effectively and provide truly person‑centred, continuity‑driven support.

Details

Year 1

The first year of the programme includes an individual learning needs assessment, with development of essential midwifery knowledge and skills, and will extend students’ understanding and application of theory and research to all areas of midwifery practice. 
Child nursing skills session. Nursing and midwifery facilities

Core modules

MID606BL
Developing Midwifery Practice

This module will enable students to contribute to holistic midwifery practice under decreasing supervision and direction in maternity and related clinical settings, aligned with the regulatory body proficiencies.

MID702BL
Reproductive Health and Pregnancy

This module aims to teach students about a broad range of reproductive health issues and link this with possible effects on pregnancy. Students will study preconception, gynaecological and antenatal care and will analyse factors which may cause complications during pregnancy.

MID703BL
Physiological Childbirth and additional needs

This module aims to teach biological concepts relating to anatomy, physiology and epigenetics of labour and birth. Through application of holistic evidenced based care, the student will understand the importance of birth to public health and wellbeing to meet the changing health and care needs of people during all life stages.

MID704BL
Postnatal and Neonatal Care

This module enables the student to demonstrate mastery in the examination of the newborn and care of the postnatal woman by critically interpreting and synthesising the evidence base of this role in midwifery.

MID705BL
Developing Evidence Based Practice

This module consolidates student midwifery research scholarship by: demonstrating a mastery of complex knowledge of research through structured literature searching and application to evidence based midwifery practice. The student will demonstrating a systematic understanding of methodological approaches and critically respond to the interpretation of this knowledge base.

MID710BL
Developing Midwifery Practice

This module will advance the student's professional skills in the context of midwifery practice and role in the wider professional team. Students will extend their knowledge to develop as a safe, competent, woman centred, critical practitioner. This will ensure that the student is developing towards being an evidence informed midwife, at the point of registration, in line with the regulatory body proficiencies.

Final year

The second year will include a research or practice development project, and enable students to develop the ability to support women with more complex needs through pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period (including the newborn and infant physical examination – NIPE). Students qualifying as midwives following completion of the MSc Midwifery (Shortened) at the sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ go on to practice as autonomous practitioners across the UK, with the potential to practice midwifery almost anywhere in the world. The programme will also equip graduates for further educational development at PhD level if they wish. 
Nursing and midwifery facilities. 

Core modules

MID706BL
Advancing Midwifery Practice

This module promotes excellence in the future midwife’s role as colleague, scholar and leader through demonstration of systematic understanding, critical awareness and new insights. It ensures that the student demonstrates comprehensive evidence-based practice in all core and domain-specific skills and procedures in line with the regulatory body proficiencies, under appropriate supervision.

MID707BL
Complexity in Midwifery (1)

A module exploring management of complexity in midwifery across the whole childbearing continuum of care with an in-depth focus on conditions peculiar to pregnancy, pre-existing conditions impacting on pregnancy and postnatally. Pathology, wellbeing and the midwife’s role as part of the multidisciplinary team will be explored.

MID708BL
Complexity in Midwifery (2)

A module encompassing management of complexity in midwifery across the whole childbearing continuum of care with an in-depth focus on managing intrapartum midwifery / obstetric emergencies. Pathology, wellbeing and the midwife’s role as part of the multidisciplinary team will be explored.

MID709BL
Research and Quality Improvement

This module will support students to complete a systematic and in-depth research proposal or quality improvement/practice development project. Students will demonstrate their ability to understand practice development and master the underpinning theories to develop an area of practice, critically evaluating the potential impact on the clinical area or research proposal.

Choose your pathway

A range of midwifery courses is available to suit different learning styles and career routes. Whether you prefer a traditional on‑campus experience or the flexibility of blended learning, each pathway provides high‑quality theoretical teaching, practical experience and professional support.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Midwifery (Shortened) blended learning programme specification_7331

Careers, industry and research

 
 
 

Practice-based learning

You’ll spend 50% of your programme on placement, working under the supervision of Registered Midwives across the South West of England. Placements may involve travel across a wide geographic area and will be based within one of seven NHS Trusts: Barnstaple, Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton, Torbay, Truro or Yeovil. There is also an opportunity to complete an optional four‑week placement during the programme.
Practice in our hospital simulation ward for an immersive, hands‑on learning experience. This facility helps build confidence and job‑ready skills ahead of placements, whilst also benefiting from a dedicated community home suite to simulate safe home birth experiences.
Please note: In order to successfully complete your course and be eligible to apply for a professional registration you must undertake the full period of practice placement along with your theoretical study. This is a requirement of the NMC. The induction week forms part of these hours, and it is vital you attend ALL sessions. You’ll only be able to take personal holidays during the specified leave periods for your course, and will be required to work the full 24-hour pattern of care.

Why I opted for blended learning

"The blended learning option really appealed to me - some of the theoretical teaching is delivered online to make learning more accessible. Having an existing degree made me eligible to achieve a Master's in three years, rather than four.
Blended learning means that, while I do all of the same clinical and placement requirements, I can do some of the textbook work and lectures online, meaning I don’t have to travel down all the time. It’s tempting to anyway as I love the sea, and swim when I can! But it’s great to balance family time too. I’ve surprised myself with my grades, and I’ve really enjoyed the research and applying evidence-based care."
Pip Raud - Midwifery (Pre-Registration) (blended) graduate
Pip Raud student midwife
 
 
 
Health outreach - midwife

Upholding the values of the NHS Constitution

All our students are expected to adhere to the principles and values laid out in the NHS Constitution.
N
 
 
 

Explore diverse career pathways

Midwifery offers far more variety than many people realise. 
Beyond supporting births, midwives can build careers in research, leadership, management, education, and a wide range of specialist areas such as diabetes care, bereavement support, foetal medicine, public health, case loading, homebirth services, and many other pathways.

During my studies, I thought about other specialities or avenues I could go down once I had gained my qualifications. The fact that I had very supportive and inspirational academic teachers ensured that my initial spark and interest in midwifery education grew, leading me to think about taking my career in that direction.

InterCity Place at night with view of train in foreground

Exceptional facilities

Develop your skills and techniques in our purpose‑built learning space, InterCity Place, where undergraduate and postgraduate students from the widest range of health disciplines in the South West learn side by side with expert practitioners.
Clinical skills wards: hospital simulation ward, Intercity Place
Hospital simulation ward, Intercity Place
Clinical skills wards: hospital simulation ward, Intercity Place
 
 
 
 
 
 

Meet your lecturers

Mrs Angela Thompson Lecturer in Midwifery


Lecturer in Midwifery

Programme Lead & Admissions Tutor
Ms Rachel Stanyer Associate Professor of Midwifery (Education)


Associate Professor of Midwifery (Education)

Academic Lead
Dr Heather Hopper Associate Professor Midwifery (Education)


Associate Professor Midwifery (Education)

Deputy Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery

Postgraduate student life

Postgraduate study at the sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ is about more than just getting a qualification — it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
Our supportive teaching and welcoming student community means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking while preparing you to become a compassionate and confident midwife. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Plymouth offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
 
 
 
 
Joyita - student blogs web page

The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.

Joyita
MSc Advanced Psychology

 
 
 

Your Plymouth community

At the sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½, you get the same access to support, sports and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Plymouth community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer – get involved, stay connected and make the most of your time here.
 

Join our midwifery society 'MidSoc'

Plymouth Midwifery Society is a support network for aspiring midwives, student midwives and anyone interested in providing care for women. The society has opportunities for members to gain lifelong learning through study days, workshops and speakers to expand academic horizons. We aim to support and celebrate you and your achievements throughout your time at the University, as well as support and enable your study and awareness of all things that affect maternity care. 
Intercity Place wards being used by Midwifery students.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about Fees and costs of studying. 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As a postgraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including postgraduate masters loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

You may be eligible for a £5000 NHS training grant

The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students. It is supplementary financial support to the mainstream student loans system and is intended to support students whilst they train and gain professional registration. The is for at least £5,000.
 
If you are a registered nurse, you may be eligible to apply for a funded place to study midwifery. Please speak with your employer regarding this and indicate this on your application. . 

Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)

You may be eligible to apply for a to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
 

Tuition fee discount for sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students 
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

  • Registered Adult Nurse, Part 1 NMC registrant, relevant degree BSc or above usually with 2:1 or above. 
  • A minimum of one year of nursing experience is also required. 
  • In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is usually required. Ideally this should be one of the qualifications listed here, but the admissions team will assess on a case-by-case basis.
  • Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health (OH) clearance checks are also mandatory, along with two satisfactory references and evidence of relevant clinical experience and recent study (within the last 10 years).
  • Applicants meeting academic requirements will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview.

Extended entry requirements

  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.

Ready to apply?

All applications for postgraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.

    • After you apply

    You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
    We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
    Programme code
    B72Z
    Duration

    2 years
    (with placements)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    South West of England
     
     
     

    Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening

    Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
     
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    Student in art classroom in Roland Levinsky Building