BM Midwifery

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edinburgh Napier University

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about supporting women and families through one of life’s most meaningful experiences, Edinburgh Napier’s BM Midwifery degree is the perfect place to start. This three-year, full-time program combines hands-on clinical placements, simulation training, and academic study — preparing you to become a confident, compassionate, and qualified midwife registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
You’ll begin by exploring the fundamentals of midwifery and human biology through modules like Introduction to Professional Midwifery Practice, The Science of Midwifery, and Midwifery Care of the Newborn and Family. From the start, you’ll spend time in simulation labs and clinical settings, learning how to care for women and babies safely and sensitively while developing essential communication and observation skills.

Year 2:
Your knowledge deepens as you study Integrated Health and Social Care and Midwifery, Medical Disorders and the Midwife, and Midwifery Care and Emergencies Around Childbirth. You’ll gain experience managing more complex situations and learn how to collaborate across healthcare teams. Extended placements help you build confidence as you apply what you’ve learned in real-world maternity environments.

Year 3:
In your final year, you’ll focus on becoming an independent practitioner. Modules such as Research Skills for Professional Midwifery Practice and Women-Centred Care in Midwifery Practice prepare you for professional registration. You’ll complete longer clinical placements, strengthen your decision-making and leadership abilities, and graduate ready to provide safe, evidence-based care for mothers and newborns.

Focus areas:
Woman-centred care, safe and compassionate clinical practice, evidence-based decision-making, interprofessional teamwork, and the use of simulation and research to enhance maternity outcomes.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate ready to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a qualified midwife. You’ll be equipped to deliver holistic, family-focused care across antenatal, labour, and postnatal settings — and to grow as a reflective, professional practitioner who continually learns from experience.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The degree is fully approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), meaning it meets all professional standards for midwifery education and ensures you’re ready for registration on completion.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Edinburgh Napier is one of the UK’s top modern universities for career prospects, with 97% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. For midwifery specifically, 95% of students move into employment or further study soon after completing the program — a strong reflection of the university’s focus on employability and practical experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edinburgh Napier, midwifery students don’t just learn from textbooks — you gain real, hands-on experience from day one. The program is designed so that you can build your confidence and skills in a safe, supportive environment before working with real patients. You’ll use the University’s Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre, where realistic hospital wards, birth suites, and neonatal rooms allow you to practise everything from antenatal care to emergency scenarios. Alongside this, you’ll spend significant time on clinical placements in NHS hospitals and community settings, learning directly from experienced midwives and getting first-hand experience with women, babies, and families.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s what your experiential learning journey includes:

Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre: Practice in realistic hospital and home-care settings, including high-fidelity manikins and interactive birth simulations.
Clinical placements: Work in maternity wards, community clinics, and birthing centres across NHS Lothian, Borders, and other partner boards.
Preparation workshops and guided simulations: Build your confidence and skills before entering real clinical environments.
Blended learning: Combine lectures, online tools, tutorials, group projects, and simulation exercises to reinforce both practical and academic learning.
Optional elective placements abroad: Explore maternity care in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Europe, or Zambia to broaden your experience and perspective.

Every aspect of the program is designed to help you feel ready and confident to step into professional practice as a registered midwife.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Edinburgh Napier’s BM Midwifery program opens doors to a rewarding career where you can make a real difference in women’s and newborns’ lives. With hands-on experience, strong clinical skills, and NMC registration, most graduates move smoothly into work — 95% are employed or in further study within 15 months. Typical career paths include:

Registered Midwife in hospitals, community clinics, or private maternity services
Specialist Midwife, focusing on areas like perinatal mental health, neonatal care, or high-risk pregnancies
Clinical Educator or Practice Development Midwife, mentoring and training the next generation of midwives
Healthcare Researcher, contributing to studies that improve maternal and infant care

Here’s how Edinburgh Napier supports your journey into the profession:

Career Development Centre: Provides tailored advice, CV workshops, interview prep, and job application support specifically for healthcare roles
Nursing & Midwifery Careers Day: Connects students directly with NHS trusts and other employers, helping you explore job opportunities and network with professionals
Strong NHS Partnerships: Extensive clinical placements with NHS Lothian and other health boards often lead to employment opportunities after graduation
Graduate Outcomes: 95% of students are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months, reflecting strong employability in midwifery
Professional Accreditation: The NMC approval ensures your qualification is recognized and respected nationwide

Further Academic Progression:
After your BM Midwifery degree, you can continue your studies to specialize or take on leadership roles:

Master’s in Midwifery (MM): Deepen your clinical knowledge and leadership skills in maternity care
Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery (PGDipM): For adult nurses wanting to become midwives, building advanced skills and practice
PhD in Midwifery or Maternal Health: Pursue research, policy development, or an academic career focused on improving maternal and newborn outcomes

These pathways allow you to grow as a practitioner, take on specialist roles, and make an even bigger impact on the lives of women, babies, and families.