Midwifery Sciences

The BSc Midwifery Sciences programme at Queen's University Belfast offers students a comprehensive and in-depth education designed to prepare them for a rewarding career in midwifery. This undergraduate degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to provide high-quality care to women and their families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. The programme is structured to meet the national standards for midwifery education, ensuring graduates are equipped with the expertise necessary for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and practice across a variety of healthcare settings.

Throughout the course, students will explore subjects including human development, anatomy and physiology, psychology, and evidence-based practice. Emphasis is placed on developing clinical skills through hands-on placements in hospital and community environments, providing real-world experience in diverse scenarios. The programme also encourages understanding of ethical and legal issues, multidisciplinary teamwork, and culturally competent care, ensuring graduates are prepared to serve diverse populations.

The curriculum is delivered by experienced academic staff and practicing midwives who are experts in their fields. Students benefit from modern simulation facilities, incorporating innovations such as clinical labs and mannequins, to enhance their learning experience. Additionally, the programme fosters research skills and critical thinking, preparing students to contribute to the advancement of midwifery practice through scholarly activities.

Queen's University Belfast's Midwifery Sciences degree emphasises the importance of compassionate care, communication skills, and professionalism, recognizing these as critical components of effective midwifery practice. The programme is designed to be challenging yet rewarding, providing a supportive environment for students to develop confidence and competence. Graduates of the programme will be well-prepared to enter the midwifery profession, with employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and community health services across the UK and internationally. Overall, the Queen’s University Belfast BSc Midwifery Sciences degree aims to nurture competent, compassionate, and skilled midwives who will play a vital role in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

This three-year degree programme is the first step in preparing you for an outstanding career in Midwifery. The degree has specific learning outcomes that relate to the knowledge, skills and attitudes to practice that are: woman/family centred, clinically effective, competent and safe, evidence-based, and established on caring and ethical principles. It provides students with direct contact with women, their babies and families in home, hospital and community settings under the supervision and guidance of lecturers and skilled midwives.

The programme is unique in its approach to using facilitated learning experiences to enhance student autonomy in delivering care to women and their families. Modules are designed to develop the knowledge and skills that students will need to deal with normal midwifery practice and to co-ordinate the care of women experiencing more complex pregnancies. The public health role of the midwife is highlighted throughout and students gain experience in planning and co-ordinating care for mothers and their babies.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 7

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

This information is prepared in advance of the academic year to which it relates and the grades stated should be treated as a guide only as requirements can vary from year to year.
Overall academic background will be taken into account when considering applications.
All applicants (except Access/Foundation applicants) must normally have 5 GCSEs at grade B or better to include Mathematics and a Science subject (ie Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Double Award Science or Science). A GCSE Applied Science is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science. A minimum of a grade C in GCSE English Language is also required. Applicants offering Access/Foundation courses must have GCSE Mathematics and a Science subject at grade B or better. Please note that NICATS Mathematics is acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics and a Science module in Biology, Chemistry or Physics would be accepted in lieu of GCSE Science.
In addition to the GCSE requirements, or equivalent, applicants must offer one of the following qualifications:

• A-level BCC including a relevant Science (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics)
  OR
  BBC where a relevant Science subject is not offered.
• BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma (18 Units) Successful completion with 6 Distinctions and 12 Merits in a relevant science based course
  OR
  Successful completion with 8 Distinctions and 10 Merits in a non-relevant course.
• Access/Foundation Course An average mark of 65% where at least half of the overall programme is in Biology and Chemistry
  OR
  An average mark of 70% is required for non-science access courses.
• BTEC HND Successful completion with Merits or better in at least 12 of the 16 units and Passes in all other units.
• BTEC HNC Successful completion with Merit grade or better in all units
• Irish Leaving Certificate B2B2B2CC at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is offered (see list under A-level requirements)
  OR
  B2B2B2B2C at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is not offered
  All applicants: if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade B in Mathematics and a Science subject.
  Note: Junior Certificate grades will be taken into account at shortlisting
• Scottish Highers BBBCC where a relevant Science subject is offered (see list under A-level requirements)
  OR
  BBBBC where a relevant Science subject is not offered.
  All candidates must normally have 5 Standards at grade 2 or better or 5 Intermediates at grade B or better to include Mathematics and a Science subject. A minimum of a grade 3 in Standard English Language or a grade C in Intermediate English Language is also required
• Graduate First Degree Pass or better

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

The BSc Midwifery Sciences program at Queen's University Belfast is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in midwifery, preparing them for a professional career in supporting women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring that graduates are capable of delivering evidence-based care in diverse healthcare settings. Students will engage with a wide range of modules covering anatomy, physiology, psychology, maternity care, women's health, and healthcare ethics, among others. The curriculum emphasizes a person-centered approach, fostering compassionate communication and cultural competency to meet the needs of women from varied backgrounds.

Throughout their studies, learners will undertake clinical placements within the NHS and other healthcare environments, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of qualified practitioners. These placements are carefully structured to complement classroom learning, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings, develop clinical judgment, and refine practical skills such as birth assessment, neonatal care, and emergency interventions. The program also encourages critical thinking, research skills, and lifelong learning, equipping students to adapt to advances in midwifery practice and healthcare technology.

Queen's University Belfast’s state-of-the-art simulation suites offer realistic clinical scenarios where students can hone their skills safely before working directly with patients. The program fosters interprofessional learning, promoting collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as obstetricians, pediatricians, and social workers, to deliver holistic care. Graduates of the program are equipped to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and pursue continued professional development through postgraduate study or specialized roles within maternity care, community health, or policy development. The university’s strong links with local health authorities and hospitals provide excellent employment prospects upon graduation, supported by ongoing academic and career guidance. The BSc Midwifery Sciences at Queen's University Belfast is committed to delivering high-quality education that nurtures skilled, ethical, and compassionate midwives capable of making a positive impact on women's health and well-being across the lifespan.