With a midwifery degree from Surrey, you will have the skills to care for women through antenatal, labour and postnatal periods and the experience to be a confident healthcare professional.
Study a hands-on, clinical curriculum, aligned to the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative.
Access our Clinical Simulation Centre, including our Critical Care Unit equipped with birthing pools, to practise real scenarios on lifelike manikins and actors.
Spend half of your training in clinical placements, to practise your skills in healthcare settings like maternity units, under the supervision of qualified practitioners.
Learn from a multidisciplinary team of lecturers, who are all healthcare professionals with experience of working in the NHS. Many are also active researchers, investigating topics like maternal, child and family health.
Get the academic requirements needed to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to work as a midwife once you’ve graduated.
In your first year, you’ll study topics that are fundamental to midwifery, including anatomy and physiology, ethical practice and public health. This will ensure you have a solid foundation upon which to build the rest of your degree.
During your second year, you’ll gain an appreciation for complex midwifery care and how to effectively deal with emergencies such as breech births and hypertensive disorders.
In your final year, we will build on the knowledge you learnt in earlier years adding further complexity, such as critical illness and leadership.
Throughout your studies, you’ll develop a responsive attitude to the needs of childbearing women and those who are pregnant, and their families, reflected in your capacity to assess their needs, make judgements, as well as plan, implement and evaluate care.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the purpose of registration as a qualified midwife.
This three-year course runs over approximately 44 weeks each year, with eight weeks' holiday over the winter, spring and summer holiday periods. The length of the course and the minimum number of hours are requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff.
This module is a year-long module that integrates theory and practice within university learning blocks and placement learning blocks. It offers a sequential learning experience that enables students to build and develop knowledge skills and behaviour¿s required to deliver evidence-based person-centred midwifery care. This will enable the students to start demonstrating professional values, understanding how dignity and respect influence patient interaction in accordance with their code of conduct. It will introduce them to a range of assessment skills within a simulated environment utilising health care equipment and will enable them to develop team working and problem-solving skills using effective professional communication using series of dynamic learning experiences. In addition to interprofessional learning with nursing and paramedic students there will be weekly opportunities whilst in theory blocks for midwifery students to develop a professional identity through facilitated sessions focusing on the midwifery specific elements of the programme.
This module is a year-long module that integrates theory and practice within university learning blocks and placement learning blocks. Students will be supported to apply their knowledge of altered physiology and body functioning to commonly encountered mental, physical, behavioural and cognitive health conditions within maternity care to inform their clinical assessment, decision making and interventions. There will be a focus on management of increased complexity in midwifery care. Students will demonstrate the ability to recognise and respond appropriately to changing risk factors and obstetric emergencies. Students will consider the wider scope of leadership, innovation and change management and its impact on care on maternity multidisciplinary teams and care provision.
This module provides a sequential and integrated learning experience using theory and practice, by a spiraling of content that supports student development. It will prepare students to demonstrate proactive leadership acting as change agents to challenge practice to enhance people’s wellbeing and experience of health care, integrating evidence into their clinical and scholarly practice, becoming an accountable evidence-based professional midwife. Practice within simulation and placement will enable student midwives to draw together learning from university blocks, by consolidating their knowledge and proficiencies within clinical practice in preparation for professional registration.
Our midwifery programme is Baby Friendly accredited by the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly initiative. The means you’ll learn all the skills and knowledge needed to apply ‘Baby Friendly’ principles to your role as a midwife, across various healthcare settings.
You’ll understand the principles which underpin breastfeeding and will support infant feeding. You’ll nurture close and loving relationships, promoting good communication, while managing potential challenges to this.
Teaching staff
As well as being taught by lecturers from Surrey, you'll be taught by guest lecturers, made up of local doctors, nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers.
Throughout your placements, you’ll have an academic assessor, who is an experienced midwife and a group of practice supervisors, who are qualified midwives. They’ll support you on your learning journey and assess your progress.
Day-to-day learning
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
For some modules, you’ll learn alongside students from other health sciences courses, so you can develop an understanding of inter-professional teamwork.
When you’re on placement
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
Demonstration
Discussion groups
Observation
Practice under supervision
Reflective dialogue
Role modelling
Shadowing.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
When you’re out on placement, your knowledge, skills and professional behaviour will be assessed by your mentors.
General course information
Contact hours
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Teaching can take place any time from Monday to Friday between 9am-6pm, with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Due to the practical nature of the course, there may be timetabled sessions on Wednesday afternoons.
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Teaching can take place at any from time Monday to Friday between 9am-6pm, with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Due to the practical nature of the course, there may be timetabled sessions on Wednesday afternoons.
Our Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS degree, nursing and midwifery, and health science courses are taught at the Kate Granger Building (30 Priestley Road), on the Surrey Research Park.
You’ll be expected to attend clinical placements off campus. Please see the Placements section for more details.
Some modules on this course will be taught on our Stag Hill campus.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
100 per cent of our health sciences graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2023, HESA).
Our midwifery course is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which means that on successful completion of your studies, you’ll have the academic requirements needed to register to work as a midwife.
Our alumni can be found working for NHS trusts across the UK, with recent graduates working for Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
Midwifery is one of the largest healthcare professions in the UK and is home to a diverse range of roles in hospitals and community settings. There are specialist areas that midwives occupy, including family planning and managing pregnancy in women with long-term conditions. You may also want to explore alternative paths, including education, management, mentoring and research. Visit the NHS careers website for further information.
You’ll learn in our multimillion-pound facilities, including our Clinical Simulation Centre which includes a birthing suite. You’ll get to use equipment found in the NHS to learn how to deliver babies and much more.
Our virtual environment, lifelike manikins and actors will transport you to the centre of maternity wards, so you can practise your skills and get a taste of scenarios you may face during your training and when you’re fully qualified.
You’ll also get exclusive access to our independent clinical learning room, set up each week with the necessary equipment required to practise your skills.
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
Overall: BBB. Applicants taking the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass.
Recent study within the last 5 years required.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language, Mathematics and Science at Grade 4 (C). Pass in Level 2 functional skills Literacy and Numeracy can be accepted in place of GCSE English and Mathematics.
Overall: DDM.
Recent study within the last 5 years required.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language, Mathematics and Science at Grade 4 (C). Pass in Level 2 functional skills Literacy and Numeracy can be accepted in place of GCSE English and Mathematics.
Overall: 32 overall including 5,5,5 at Higher Level.
Recent study within the last 5 years required.
GCSE or equivalent: English, Maths and Science at HL4/SL4 (including MYP).
Overall: 75%.
Recent study within the last 5 years required.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language (1/2), 6, or (3),7; Maths, 6; Science, 6.
Overall: QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall including 27 at Distinction and 18 credits at Merit.
Recent study within the last 5 years required.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language, Mathematics and Science at Grade 4 (C). Pass in Level 2 functional skills Literacy and Numeracy can be accepted in place of GCSE English and Mathematics. The inclusion of science credits in the Access to Higher Education Diploma can be accepted in place of GCSE Science.
Overall: ABBBB.
Recent study within the last five years required.
GCSE or equivalent: Scottish National 5 English Language, Maths and Science, C.
Overall: BBB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels. Applicants taking the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass.
Recent study within the last 5 years required.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.
GCSE or equivalent: Please check the A-level dropdown for the required GCSE levels.
BSc (Hons):
Merit overall, with minimum C in the Core Component.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language, Mathematics and Science at Grade 4 (C). Pass in Level 2 functional skills Literacy and Numeracy can be accepted in place of GCSE English and Mathematics.
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
As part of the shortlisting process your personal statement and reference will be reviewed and should outline your insight into the subject area as well as your motivation and commitment to undertake the course. You should have a clear understanding of the profession and be able to demonstrate the personal skills and qualities relevant to the course. Wherever possible, and if offered a place, candidates are encouraged to gain some practical work experience prior to undertaking this course, but this is not essential.
If you are offered and accept a place on the course, admission is subject to occupational health screening* and a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check.
Interviews
If you meet the entry criteria, you will be required to take part in a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) conducted through an online system of pre-recorded questions by our academic staff assisted by staff from our clinical practice areas. You will be sent detailed guidance and support on these selection activities with your invitation to interview.
*The Department of Health requires all Midwifery (Registered Midwife) students to be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C during the induction week. Please note that the list of required vaccinations may change, in response to advice from the Department of Health. If you have any concerns with regards to vaccinations, please raise this at the point of application.
Declaration of criminal convictions
This is a regulated course that requires declaration of criminal convictions at the application stage, please visit our criminal convictions web page for more information.
Deferred entry
The course does not accept applications for deferred entry.
Covid-19 vaccinations
On 15 March 2022, regulations revoking the Vaccination as a Condition of Deployment (VCOD) for Healthcare Workers came into force. This means that it will not become a requirement for people to have received a Covid-19 vaccine in order to deliver face-to-face CQC-regulated activities in wider social care settings. Whilst we still encourage everyone to get vaccinated where they can, it is no longer a requirement for this programme.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2025
Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis, cannot pay fees by instalment.
Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
Professional training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
Additional costs
Commuting (local travel expenses): Students are required to pay upfront cost of travel and accommodation expenses incurred when on placements, these may vary depending on the location.
Students starting their studies in 2024/25 will be able to apply for reimbursement of travel and dual accommodation expenses through the Learning Support Fund because of attending practice placements (this model may not apply for the duration of students' studies).
Essential expenses incurred over and above a student’s normal daily travel costs to the University are covered. NHS rules on expenses must be followed and the rates applicable are to be confirmed by the NHS Business Services Authority.
Students are also able to claim travel and accommodation costs via the NHSLSF if they undertake the additional elective placement.
Safety equipment and/or uniform: Although a uniform (tunics and trousers) is provided, you are required to supply your own suitable footwear and any additional uniform. You are also responsible for the costs associated with maintaining/washing your uniform.
All students receive a name badge free of charge before they go out into practice; if a replacement is required (lost/damaged etc) there is a fee of around £4.50.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: The University will meet the cost of one DBS check, completed at the start of each new student’s programme or earlier where applicants indicate they have a conviction in their application.
The DBS check is a programme requirement: it is mandatory that the DBS process is completed, and the student is approved to attend before they can start placement. Applicants offered a place on the programme will be contacted to complete the online process by the deadline specified. The process is not completed until all original documentation has been approved by an appointed DBS approver. This should be completed in advance of applicants starting their programme using main branches of the Post Office, where there will be an £8.22 administration fee.
Following this, students will be required to sign up to the annual online DBS update service which allows you to maintain an updated DBS record. This has an annual cost of £13.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
You’ll spend half of your training in clinical placements, allowing you to develop your knowledge, skills and practice within healthcare settings, under the supervision of qualified practitioners. You’ll complete 37.5 hours a week, for approximately 16 weeks, 26 weeks in your second year and 22 weeks in your third year.
Previous students have completed their placements in the NHS, with private healthcare organisations and with charities. These have been across several settings, including maternity units in hospitals, and out in the wider community.
"All my clinical placements were very insightful: you get a true understanding of how maternity services work and how they connect to other departments."
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
First when we make an offer.
Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
