Midwifery

Midwifery is one of the oldest healthcare professions in the world, concerned with supporting women through pregnancy, labour, birth and the early weeks after delivery. A midwife is a specialist practitioner who provides care, information and emotional support to women and their families at one of the most significant periods of their lives, recognising birth as a normal physiological process while remaining alert to complications that require medical intervention. The profession combines clinical knowledge and technical skill with communication, empathy and the capacity to make rapid, sound decisions under pressure.

At the University of Salford, this three-year full-time programme prepares you for professional registration as a midwife and integrates classroom learning with extensive clinical placements throughout all three years. You will develop knowledge of anatomy and physiology relevant to childbearing, normal and complicated pregnancy and labour, neonatal care, public health in maternity, mental health in the perinatal period, pharmacology relevant to midwifery practice, and the ethical and legal frameworks that govern the profession. The placements, which form a substantial part of the programme, place you in hospitals, birth centres and community settings alongside qualified midwives, building the clinical confidence and practical competence that independent professional practice requires.

On successful completion, graduates are eligible to register as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and to practise in the UK. Career paths include hospital labour ward and antenatal care, community midwifery, specialist roles in public health, neonatal care and bereavement support, midwifery education, research and international work. Midwifery is a profession with clear and continuing demand, and registered midwives are employed across NHS trusts, independent birth centres and internationally.

Further study at master's level in midwifery, advanced clinical practice or public health is an option for those who want to develop leadership or specialist roles.