How to become a Midwife
Become a midwife through a three-year BSc Midwifery or a midwifery degree apprenticeship. If you're already a registered nurse, a shortened (around 18-month) programme is available.
Entry routes
- From Maternity Support Worker: BSc Midwifery or midwifery degree apprenticeship (~3.5 yrs)
- From Registered Nurse: Shortened (18-month) midwifery programme for registered nurses (~1.5 yrs)
What you'll need
Certificates
- Care Certificate (completed)
Employer support
- Employer support / sponsorship
Qualifications
Admin
- UCAS / university application (degree route)
Funding
- Funding or apprenticeship sponsorship
Registration
- Active NMC registration as a nurse
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Qualifications, cost & duration
Functional Skills Maths & English (Level 2)
Level 2 · ~6 months · Often free / funded
Often free for adults via colleges/adult education; some private courses £100–£400.
Access to HE Diploma (Nursing/Health Professions)
Level 3 · ~12 months · ~£3,384
~£3,200–£4,000; via Advanced Learner Loan, WRITTEN OFF on completing an HE course. Free for some 19–23 without a Level 3.
BSc (Hons) Midwifery
Level 6 · ~36 months · ~£9,535
Tuition via student finance + NHS Learning Support Fund (≥£5,000/yr non-repayable). Shortened (~18mo) route for registered nurses.
A typical path
£25,272 now → £32,073 in ~5 yrs
- £25,272
Healthcare Assistant
Year 0 · Band 2 · entry
- £25,760
Maternity Support Worker
Year 1 · Band 3 · entry
- £27,476
Maternity Support Worker
Year 3 · Band 3 · top
- £32,073
Midwife
Year 4.5 · Band 5 · entry
- £34,592
Midwife
Year 6.5 · Band 5 · intermediate
- £39,043
Midwife
Year 8.5 · Band 5 · top
Common questions
How long does it take to become a Midwife?
3–4 years (degree) — see the step-by-step timeline above for a typical path.
See what you'd earn as a Midwife
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Indicative — England 2026/27 Agenda for Change basic pay, excludes High Cost Area Supplements, unsocial-hours and overtime. Typical timings are national averages, not guarantees. Not financial advice. See data sources.