The BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Shortened) at the University of Suffolk is a focused, fast-track route designed for registered adult nurses who want to progress into midwifery. Delivered over two intensive years, the programme builds on your existing nursing experience and develops the specialist knowledge, clinical skills, and confidence needed to support women and families throughout pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Transitioning into Midwifery Practice
In the first year, you’ll make the shift from nursing to midwifery through modules such as Transition to Midwifery Practice, Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Childbearing, and Professional Midwifery Practice. Clinical placements run alongside academic learning, helping you quickly adapt your existing skills to maternity care settings.
Year 2 – Advanced Practice and Professional Readiness
Your second year focuses on complex care and professional autonomy through modules like Complex Midwifery Care, Evidence-Based Midwifery Practice, and Leadership and Professional Development. With extended placements and increasing responsibility, you’ll graduate ready to practise confidently as a newly qualified midwife.
Focus Areas: Midwifery practice for registered nurses, maternity care across pregnancy and birth, complex care, evidence-based practice, professional leadership
Learning Outcomes: Safe and compassionate midwifery practice, advanced clinical judgement, effective communication, professional confidence, readiness for NMC registration as a midwife
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), enabling eligibility to register as a midwife in the UK
Reputation (Employability): The University of Suffolk is recognised for its strong links with NHS maternity services and its supportive, practice-focused approach, helping graduates progress quickly into midwifery roles across hospital and community settings
At the University of Suffolk, BSc (Hons) Midwifery Shortened students gain practical skills through a ‘block and blend’ model of learning, where they alternate between theoretical study at Ipswich campus and clinical placements within NHS Trusts. This immersive approach ensures that students develop hands-on experience across all areas of midwifery care, including community, antenatal and postnatal wards, labour suites, birthing units, and neonatal care.
The program is designed to optimize real-world learning in supportive clinical environments, with students working closely with experienced midwives and practice assessors. Alongside practical placements, students engage in group discussions, reflective practice, and use digital platforms for simulations and assessments, fostering both clinical and interpersonal skills.
This comprehensive experiential learning includes:
• Clinical placements across multiple NHS maternity units offering diverse practice opportunities.
• Exposure to community midwifery, antenatal clinics, labour wards, birthing units, neonatal units, and health visitor settings.
• Participation in an elective two-week observational placement at a different maternity provider in the second year to expand experience in leadership and team dynamics.
• Access to simulation facilities and virtual learning environments at the Ipswich campus.
• Support from university tutors and clinical mentors throughout placements.
• Use of digital tools for communication, documentation, and reflective learning.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Midwifery Shortened program at University of Suffolk enjoy excellent career prospects, with typical roles including Registered Midwife, Community Midwife, Maternity Ward Manager, and Midwifery Educator. The program equips students with the skills to work confidently in both hospital and community settings, grounded in the NHS values and evidence-based practice.
Specifically:
• The University’s Employability Service offers career planning, CV advice, interview preparation, and connections to NHS and healthcare employers.
• Graduate Employment Rate: 100% employment or further study within 15 months post-graduation.
• Average Salary: Approx. £28,500 within 15 months of graduation, with potential for growth as experience builds.
• University partnerships with NHS Trusts provide seamless placement to employment pipelines.
• Professional accreditation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) guarantees registration eligibility and recognition nationally and internationally.
• Graduates also pursue roles in midwifery research, leadership, education, and private practice.



Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
