Master of Science - Midwifery - Pre-Registration

The Midwifery Course at the University of Derby is designed for registered adult nurses who are seeking to transition into a career in midwifery. This two-year programme equips students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to practise safely and effectively as midwives, enabling them to provide comprehensive care to women and babies throughout the antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal stages. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Midwives are autonomous practitioners who deliver specialist care while working collaboratively with a wide range of healthcare professionals to support mothers and their babies. The course is structured to ensure that students meet the NMC’s educational requirements for future midwives, fostering critical thinking and the application of evidence-based practice to support informed clinical decision-making in complex mental, physical, cognitive, and behavioural situations.

The programme includes inter-professional learning opportunities, allowing students to engage with peers from other healthcare disciplines. This collaborative learning approach enhances professional knowledge and strengthens the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams—an essential skill for delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality midwifery care.

Registered adult nurses with a minimum of six months’ clinical experience can build on their existing nursing competencies to develop specialised expertise in midwifery practice. The course provides a valuable opportunity for career progression while further strengthening clinical skills. The University of Derby is one of a limited number of institutions working in partnership with Health Education England (HEE) to offer this programme, and eligible students may benefit from available HEE funding support.