Midwifery

Midwifery is a specialist health profession at the centre of some of the most significant moments in family life. Midwives hold clinical responsibility for the care of women through pregnancy, labour, and the postnatal period, working autonomously in straightforward cases and in close collaboration with obstetricians and the wider healthcare team when complexity arises. The profession requires both precise clinical knowledge and the relational qualities that enable midwives to build trust with women and families under conditions that are often intense and emotionally charged.

At the University of Leeds, this three-year full-time programme uses a blended learning approach, combining online and campus-based study to develop students who are future-focused and capable of critical thinking in a rapidly evolving clinical environment. You will study the physiological and psychological dimensions of pregnancy and childbirth, newborn care, pharmacology, safeguarding, clinical assessment, and the evidence base for midwifery practice. The blended approach develops your independence as a learner while maintaining close engagement with clinical placements, where you will build the competence and confidence needed for NMC registration.

The programme is designed to develop midwives who can be role models for colleagues and who place the wellbeing of women and families at the centre of every decision.

Graduates register as midwives with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and enter a profession where demand consistently exceeds supply. Career paths include roles in NHS and independent midwifery practice, community midwifery, hospital settings, and specialist areas such as fetal medicine, infant feeding, safeguarding, and midwifery education. With experience, midwives move into consultant midwife roles, management, and academic positions.

Postgraduate study in public health, midwifery research, and leadership is also available for those who wish to develop specialist expertise.