Best Universities For Midwifery In The UK: The 2024 Guide
Welcome to the definitive guide to the best universities for midwifery in the UK in 2024. Aspiring midwives play a vital role in ensuring safe and positive childbirth experiences for women and their families. Choosing the right university to pursue a midwifery degree is crucial for shaping a successful career in this esteemed profession. Join us as we delve into the top institutions offering exceptional education and training, equipping future midwives with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of mothers and babies across the country.
Table of Contents
Why Study Midwifery in the UK?
Studying midwifery in the UK offers a unique and rewarding path towards a fulfilling career in healthcare. Here are several compelling reasons why aspiring midwives choose to pursue their education in the UK:
High-Quality Education: The UK has many prestigious universities and world-class education system. They maintain rigorous academic standards and provide comprehensive training in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Specialised Curriculum: Midwifery programmes in the UK are specifically designed to prepare students for the demands of the profession. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including prenatal care, labour and delivery, postnatal care, neonatal health, and women’s reproductive health.
Clinical Experience: Students benefit from extensive clinical placements in hospitals, birthing centres, and community settings. Here, they can gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced midwives.
Professional Recognition: Midwifery qualifications obtained from UK universities are highly respected worldwide. Graduates are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), allowing them to practice as qualified midwives in the UK and many other countries.
Top Midwifery Universities in the UK
Here are the best universities for Midwifery degrees in the UK entering 2024 using the latest league table from The Guardian.
- Southampton
- Oxford Brookes
- Cardiff
- Edge Hill
- Swansea
1. Midwifery (BSc) - University of Southampton Review
This midwifery course offers comprehensive training to become a skilled midwife. They focus on the physical, mental, and social aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. It involves a balanced mix of campus study and practical placements. This includes opportunities at Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton and abroad. Research is integral to the curriculum, with students completing two research-based assignments. The course generally adopts a holistic approach, integrating social and psychological considerations into clinical practice. It also nurtures leadership and critical thinking skills. Upon graduation, students are eligible for registration as a midwife, as the BSc Midwifery degree is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
2. Midwifery BSc (Hons) - Oxford Brookes University Review
The midwifery programme at Oxford Brookes University stands out for its exceptional quality and personalised approach to education. With small year group sizes and strong support from teaching staff, students benefit from a close-knit community and collaborative learning environment. Ranked 2nd in the UK Guardian 2024 subject rankings, the programme offers unbeatable partnerships, diverse learning opportunities, and an influential teaching team actively engaged in research and clinical practice. Students here have the freedom to tailor modules to their interests, exploring various areas of midwifery, including international practice and niche specialties. Additionally, the programme promotes diversity in its classrooms and offers free language courses, enhancing students’ overall educational experience.
3. Midwifery (BMid) - Cardiff University Review
The midwifery programme at Cardiff University shines as a top-tier choice, consistently ranked within the top 5 by The Guardian Best UK Universities Guide 2022. Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), it ensures students receive a high-quality education that meets professional standards. As a World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborative Centre, Cardiff University’s midwifery programme is globally recognised for its excellence in education and research. Students typically benefit from early clinical exposure, spending half of their programme on valuable placements alongside experienced professionals. Moreover, the availability of NHS bursary funding, open to both UK and overseas students, making it an excellent choice for aspiring midwives seeking a comprehensive and rewarding learning experience.
4. Midwifery BSc (Hons) - Edge Hill University Review
Edge Hill University’s BSc (Hons) Midwifery degree stands out for its comprehensive approach to preparing students for a fulfilling career as competent and compassionate midwives. Throughout the programme, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide holistic, person-centred care in diverse midwifery and neonatal settings. Emphasising the importance of evidence-based practice and research, students gain the confidence to deliver safe and high-quality care in today’s maternity services. The programme also offers a range of practical experiences in person-centred midwifery care, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for various career opportunities both in the UK and abroad. With accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council, successful completion of the midwifery course at Edge Hill University opens doors to registration as a qualified midwife, cementing its reputation as a leading institution in midwifery education.
5. Midwifery, BMid (Hons) - Swansea University Review
The midwifery programme at Swansea University stands out as a top choice for aspiring midwives, boasting an outstanding reputation with a ranking of 5th in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide 2024. Led by a team of experienced academic staff who are registered midwives actively engaged in both practice and research, the programme offers students a unique blend of theoretical depth and practical expertise. Additionally, the opportunity to have tuition fees covered through the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme, along with maintenance funding and reduced-rate loans from Student Finance, makes this programme financially accessible for those committed to working in Wales post-graduation. Swansea University’s midwifery programme thus provides a comprehensive and rewarding educational experience, preparing students for successful careers in midwifery while also offering valuable support and opportunities for financial assistance.
Midwifery University Rankings in the UK
Here is the latest list of the best universities for Midwifery in the UK as we enter 2024:
| Rank | Institution | Guardian score/100 | Satisfied with teaching | Satisfied with feedback | Student to staff ratio | Spend per student/10 | Average entry tariff | Value added score/10 | Career after 15 months | Continuation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southampton | 100 | 88.4 | 91.3 | 12.5 | 8 | 152 | 7 | n/a | 96.7 |
| 2 | Oxford Brookes | 99.1 | 90.9 | 90.9 | 10.7 | 8 | 142 | 8 | n/a | 98.6 |
| 3 | Cardiff | 90.9 | 98 | 91.2 | 21.9 | 9 | 164 | 4 | n/a | 96.7 |
| 4 | Edge Hill | 90.2 | 86.7 | 80.7 | 16 | 5 | 155 | 8 | n/a | 93.5 |
| 5 | Swansea | 87.6 | 73.1 | 68.3 | 17.1 | 9 | 176 | 8 | n/a | 88.7 |
| 6 | Bangor | 83.1 | 95.8 | 96.9 | 16.1 | 3 | n/a | n/a | 96 | 87.5 |
| 7 | Kingston | 79.9 | 68.1 | 56.7 | 14.4 | 8 | 160 | 6 | 100 | 92.5 |
| 8 | Coventry | 79.6 | 84.5 | 58.5 | 12.3 | n/a | 154 | 6 | n/a | 94.7 |
| 9 | Huddersfield | 79.5 | 80.8 | 81.7 | 17.3 | 6 | 155 | 8 | 100 | 89.2 |
| 10 | Bolton | 79.3 | 78.8 | 68.1 | 13.6 | n/a | 145 | n/a | n/a | 92 |
| 11 | Plymouth | 78.2 | 90.6 | 78.5 | 16.7 | 6 | 168 | 3 | 98 | 90.4 |
| 12 | York | 77.8 | 93.7 | 74.3 | 10.8 | 10 | 145 | 5 | n/a | 87.3 |
| 13 | Leeds | 77.3 | 65.8 | 57.2 | 15.6 | 9 | 164 | 4 | 100 | 96 |
| 14 | Nottingham | 76.9 | 86.8 | 73.3 | 16.4 | 4 | 163 | 4 | 98 | 91.6 |
| 15 | South Wales | 76.2 | 78.3 | 39.1 | 18.6 | 7 | 169 | 5 | n/a | 97.3 |
| 16 | Hertfordshire | 76.1 | 82.9 | 75.7 | 16.1 | 3 | 136 | 8 | 95 | 95.7 |
| 17 | Bradford | 75.7 | 70.8 | 65.6 | 19.1 | 3 | 143 | 8 | 100 | 95.4 |
| 18 | Keele | 74.5 | 91.7 | 81.3 | 17.3 | n/a | 150 | 5 | n/a | 90.2 |
| 19 | Teesside | 74 | 85.7 | 85.7 | 20.8 | 5 | 152 | 5 | n/a | 92 |
| 20 | Manchester | 72 | 81 | 62.1 | 15.1 | 7 | 159 | 4 | n/a | 91.2 |
| 21 | Queen's, Belfast | 71.4 | 92.3 | 69.2 | 22.8 | 4 | 147 | 7 | 100 | 94.7 |
| 22 | Edinburgh Napier | 70.5 | 95.7 | 77.2 | 27.9 | 3 | 174 | n/a | 98 | 97.7 |
| 23 | Liverpool John Moores | 69.8 | 71.6 | 64.7 | 19.5 | 4 | 167 | 2 | n/a | 97 |
| 24 | UWE Bristol | 68.8 | 68 | 61.3 | 16 | 4 | 155 | 5 | 99 | 93.1 |
| 24 | West of Scotland | 68.8 | 78.6 | 59.9 | 21.4 | 3 | 171 | n/a | 100 | 95 |
| 26 | Middlesex | 68.7 | 73.7 | 76.1 | 16.2 | 7 | 134 | 7 | 97 | 90 |
| 27 | Surrey | 67.8 | 88.7 | 78.5 | 18.9 | 7 | 158 | n/a | 99 | 85 |
| 28 | UEA | 67.4 | 85.1 | 70.4 | 16.9 | 3 | 149 | 9 | n/a | 86.3 |
| 29 | Robert Gordon | 66.8 | 83.2 | 78.3 | 23.4 | 3 | 170 | n/a | 100 | 93.6 |
| 30 | Wolverhampton | 65.6 | 75.8 | 52.3 | 16.7 | 6 | 144 | 6 | n/a | 91.7 |
| 31 | Sheffield Hallam | 65.5 | 73.9 | 60.9 | 19.7 | 4 | 153 | 8 | 99 | 88.6 |
| 32 | Northumbria | 65.2 | 79.5 | 65.2 | 16 | 4 | 156 | 1 | 100 | 93.4 |
| 33 | Brighton | 64.6 | 81.3 | 73 | 17.3 | 5 | 154 | 3 | n/a | 90.5 |
| 34 | Canterbury Christ Church | 63.2 | 76.5 | 77.1 | 15.9 | 4 | 130 | 6 | 100 | 90.6 |
| 34 | Salford | 63.2 | 77.8 | 59.8 | 18.6 | 4 | 143 | 7 | 99 | 90.8 |
| 36 | West London | 61.9 | 83.8 | 69.5 | 19.2 | 7 | 135 | 9 | 100 | 82.9 |
| 37 | Staffordshire | 61.2 | 52.2 | 51.7 | 16.9 | 5 | n/a | 8 | n/a | 90.8 |
| 38 | Anglia Ruskin | 60.3 | 91.9 | 79.4 | 26.1 | 8 | 140 | 5 | n/a | 91.3 |
| 39 | City | 60 | 71 | 64.4 | 20.8 | 7 | 152 | 8 | 95 | 88.4 |
| 40 | Worcester | 57.5 | 70.3 | 61.5 | 23.9 | 3 | 146 | 7 | 100 | 90.8 |
| 41 | Suffolk | 57.1 | 68.8 | 48.4 | 15.9 | 7 | 140 | 6 | n/a | 86.9 |
| 42 | De Montfort | 56.5 | 79 | 58.8 | 19.4 | 6 | 140 | 4 | 96 | 92.9 |
| 43 | Northampton | 56.4 | 87.5 | 55.2 | 14.8 | n/a | 144 | 7 | 95 | 84.4 |
| 44 | Greenwich | 53.4 | 93.1 | 68.4 | 24.9 | 3 | 128 | 7 | 96 | 92.1 |
| 45 | Birmingham City | 51.4 | 72.6 | 62.2 | 17.8 | 5 | 156 | 1 | 99 | 87.8 |
| 46 | Bedfordshire | 48.8 | 78.4 | 67.6 | 23.4 | 2 | 142 | 8 | n/a | 83.8 |
| 47 | Central Lancashire | 46.4 | 72.1 | 52 | 19 | 3 | 163 | 1 | n/a | 89.5 |
| 48 | King's College London | 46.2 | 72 | 44.9 | 20.8 | 9 | 147 | 1 | 100 | 91.1 |
| 49 | Chester | 46.1 | 55.6 | 63.9 | 19.3 | n/a | 129 | 7 | n/a | 88.3 |
| 50 | Bournemouth | 45 | 64.6 | 43.4 | 23.3 | 4 | 146 | 6 | 98 | 89.9 |
| 51 | London South Bank | 39.2 | 72.5 | 33.9 | 17 | 5 | 146 | 5 | n/a | 79.9 |
| 52 | Hull | 34 | 64.2 | 54.6 | 21.9 | 3 | 148 | 2 | n/a | 85.7 |
How are the Rankings Measured?
This league table presents a comprehensive overview of various universities in the UK, showcasing their performance across multiple metrics. The calculation methodology involves aggregating data from diverse sources to offer insights into each institution’s educational quality, resources, and outcomes. Key factors such as satisfaction with teaching and feedback, student-to-staff ratio, spend per student, average entry tariff, value-added score, and career prospects after 15 months are considered. Each metric is meticulously assessed and assigned a numerical value, which is then collated to generate an overall ranking. This approach provides prospective students and stakeholders with valuable information to make informed decisions regarding university choices, reflecting the diverse strengths and characteristics of each institution within the higher education landscape.
Factors to Consider in Choosing a Midwifery Programme
When selecting a midwifery programme, several key factors should be carefully considered to ensure that the chosen programme aligns with your academic and career goals. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Accreditation: Ensure that the midwifery programme is accredited by the appropriate regulatory bodies, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK.
Curriculum: Evaluate the curriculum to ensure it covers essential topics in midwifery practice, including prenatal care, labour and delivery, postnatal care, neonatal health, and women’s reproductive health.
Clinical Placements: Look for programmes that provide diverse clinical experiences in various healthcare settings. This allows students to gain exposure to different aspects of midwifery practice.
Resources and Facilities: Evaluate the resources and facilities available to students, such as simulation labs, libraries, and study spaces. Access to modern facilities and technology can enhance the learning experience and prepare students for real-world practice.
Location: Think about the location of the university and its proximity to clinical placement sites. Consider whether the location offers opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as a supportive community for students.
Reputation and Rankings: Research the reputation of the university and its midwifery programme. Consider factors such as rankings, student satisfaction ratings, and alumni success stories. This can help to gauge the programme’s quality and reputation within the field.
Career Opportunities for Midwifery Graduates
Midwifery graduates possess a diverse skill set that opens up a wide range of career opportunities in various healthcare settings. Here are some of the career paths available to midwifery graduates:
Registered Midwife: Many midwifery graduates choose to pursue careers as registered midwives, working in hospitals, birthing centres, or community settings. Registered midwives provide comprehensive care to women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period, including prenatal assessments, labour support, and postpartum care.
Midwifery Educator: Some midwifery graduates pursue careers in education, teaching and mentoring future generations of midwives. They may work as lecturers in universities, clinical educators in healthcare institutions, or facilitators of continuing professional development programmes for practicing midwives.
Advanced Practice Roles: With further education and training, midwifery graduates can pursue advanced practice roles, such as nurse-midwife, midwifery consultant, or midwifery nurse practitioner. These roles may involve additional responsibilities, such as prescribing medications, managing complex cases, or leading clinical teams.
Dissertation Topics for Midwifery
When choosing a dissertation topic for midwifery, it’s essential to select a subject that aligns with your interests, addresses a gap in the existing literature, and has practical relevance to the field of midwifery practice. Here are some potential dissertation topics for midwifery students to consider:
- Exploring the Impact of Continuous Support from a Midwife on Women’s Birth Experiences
- The Role of Midwives in Promoting Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration
- Midwifery-Led Care for Women with Complex Medical Conditions
- Exploring Women’s Experiences of Home Birth
- The Impact of Cultural Competence on Midwifery Practice
- Midwives’ Experiences of Providing Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- The Role of Midwives in Supporting Women’s Mental Health during Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Exploring the Impact of Trauma-Informed Care in Midwifery Practice
- Midwifery-Led Models of Care for Marginalised and Vulnerable Populations
- Perceptions and Experiences of Midwifery Students Regarding Clinical Placement
Frequently Asked Questions about UK Midwifery Universities
A midwife is a trained healthcare professional who provides care and support to women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Midwives offer a range of services, including prenatal assessments, labour support, childbirth assistance, and postpartum care for both mother and baby.
In the UK, aspiring midwives typically need to complete a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Midwifery, which is usually a three-year full-time programme. After completing their degree, they must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to practice as a qualified midwife.
Midwives have diverse responsibilities, including providing antenatal care, monitoring the progress of labour, assisting with childbirth, conducting postnatal checks, offering breastfeeding support, providing emotional and psychological support to women and families, and educating women about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care.
While both midwives and obstetricians are involved in pregnancy and childbirth care, they have different roles and areas of expertise. Midwives focus on providing holistic, woman-centred care throughout the childbirth process, while obstetricians are medical doctors specialising in managing high-risk pregnancies, complications during childbirth, and surgical interventions such as caesarean sections.
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