Sophie H
"The state-of-the-art simulation suites allowed me to practise and refine my skills in a realistic, supportive environment. Having access to such advanced facilities played a huge role in my development as a midwife, and it's one of the things that made my experience at Surrey so rewarding."
Course
Midwifery BScWhy I wanted to become a midwife
At the age of 13, I was fortunate to witness the birth of my niece, a moment that profoundly impacted me and sparked a lifelong passion for midwifery. From that day forward, I knew it was a path I was destined to pursue. Starting a family at a young age, I chose to build my career around being present for my children while also dedicating myself to meaningful work. My professional journey has been rooted in the care sector, including elderly care, additional needs support and independent mental health advocacy. I am deeply committed to person-centred, holistic care and have always sought to make a real difference in people’s lives through compassionate healthcare. I knew that midwifery was where my heart truly belonged, and I promised myself that when my children were older, I would follow my dream and pursue this calling. When the time came to choose where to study, Surrey was my only choice and the one place I applied to, as it aligned perfectly with my aspirations.
My course
One of the aspects I love most about my Midwifery course is the blend of academic learning with hands-on clinical experience. The balance between theory and practice allowed me to fully understand the physiological, psychological and emotional aspects of childbirth. I found it incredibly rewarding to learn about the science behind pregnancy and childbirth while also developing the interpersonal skills needed to support women and their families during such a critical time. The course truly prepared me to offer holistic care, and I appreciated the emphasis on promoting normality in childbirth while being trained to handle emergencies confidently.
Learning at Surrey
What I enjoy most about Surrey is the exceptional facilities that enhance both learning and clinical practice. The state-of-the-art simulation suites allowed me to practise and refine my skills in a realistic, supportive environment. Having access to such advanced facilities played a huge role in my development as a midwife, and it's one of the things that made my experience at Surrey so rewarding.
The real-time simulation events were a highlight for me, as they provided an opportunity to respond to lifelike scenarios – everything from routine antenatal care to emergency situations – while receiving immediate feedback from experienced professionals. In my third year, I took on the role of a labour ward coordinator. I was responsible for managing a busy labour ward, where I had to make quick decisions, prioritise care and coordinate a multidisciplinary team in real time. This experience was invaluable in helping me develop leadership skills, sharpen my decision-making abilities and practise effective communication under pressure – all within a safe and supportive environment. The opportunity to step into such a critical role during my training was one of the most empowering aspects of my education at Surrey. It gave me a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of being a midwife, especially in high-pressure situations, and left me feeling well-prepared for my career.
My clinical placements
During my clinical placements, I had the opportunity to work in various settings, including antenatal clinics, labour wards and community midwifery teams. One of the highlights was being able to support several women throughout their entire pregnancy journey, from the first antenatal visit to postnatal care. I vividly remember these births and the connection I was able to make with the women and their families; it’s an incredibly emotional and empowering experience to support a woman through her pregnancy continuum and witness the birth of her baby.
Life after Surrey
I have successfully secured a position as a newly qualified midwife at Frimley Park Hospital. Before embarking on this new chapter, I plan to spend some much-needed quality time with the family and friends who have supported me throughout my university journey.
My advice
For anyone considering studying midwifery, my advice would be to go into it with an open heart and mind. Midwifery is as much about emotional resilience and empathy as it is about medical knowledge. Be prepared for long hours, both in the classroom and during placements, and know that the work can be physically and emotionally demanding. However, the rewards are immense. There’s nothing quite like the privilege of being present at a birth and knowing you’ve played a part in bringing new life into the world. Also, take advantage of every learning opportunity, ask questions and learn from every experience, whether it’s a smooth delivery or a challenging one. Finally, remember the importance of self-care, as looking after yourself is essential to providing the best care for others.
Find out more about our Midwifery BSc.
