Midwifery

Midwifery is a health profession dedicated to supporting women and birthing individuals through pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postnatal period, and to the care of newborns in the first weeks of life. Midwives practise autonomously as lead professionals for normal, physiological birth, and as part of multidisciplinary teams for women with more complex needs. The role requires exceptional clinical competence in monitoring maternal and fetal wellbeing, managing the birth process, recognising and responding to complications, and providing care that is sensitive, evidence-based, and centred on the choices and needs of each individual.

At Sheffield Hallam University, this three-year full-time BSc (Hons) Midwifery programme with a foundation year option available includes dynamic and forward-thinking content that encompasses all facets of modern midwifery. You will be prepared to lead care for women, birthing individuals, newborns, and families while collaborating effectively within integrated care teams. Clinical placements are central to midwifery training, providing the real-world experience that allows you to develop and demonstrate the competencies required for professional registration.

You will build a robust portfolio of evidence of your skills and clinical confidence throughout the programme.

You will study the physiology of pregnancy and birth, neonatal care, pharmacology, public health, mental health in the perinatal period, and the ethical, legal, and professional frameworks governing midwifery practice. Communication, compassion, and the ability to support informed decision-making are as central to the role as clinical skill.

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Career settings include NHS maternity units, community midwifery, birth centres, and independent practice. With experience, midwives move into specialist roles in areas such as mental health, bereavement, or consultant midwifery, and into management, education, and research.