What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Midwife?
Adult Learning Courses for Aspiring Midwives: Frequently Asked Questions
Nursing Qualifications Helpline: 020 3666 0832
Returning to education as an adult can feel like a daunting step, particularly if you are aiming for a career as demanding and rewarding as midwifery. Fortunately, there is now a wide range of adult learning courses designed specifically to help people re-enter education at whatever stage suits them. Below, we answer some of the most common questions adult learners ask about what Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Midwife when exploring this path.
What qualifications do I actually need to become a midwife?
The exact requirements vary depending on which route you take, but most universities look for a solid academic foundation alongside a recognised entry qualification. If you did not take A-levels, an Access to HE diploma for midwife study is one of the most widely accepted alternatives, and it is specifically designed with returning adult learners in mind.
Where can I find a clear overview of the qualifications for midwifery?
It is well worth reviewing the general qualifications for midwife routes before committing to a specific course, as this will give you a clearer sense of how the various pathways compare and which one best matches your current circumstances.
Are there courses aimed specifically at people just starting out?
Yes. If you are at the very beginning of your journey, there are structured qualifications for aspiring midwives that are built for adult learners with little or no recent academic study behind them, helping to ease you back into a learning routine before tackling more advanced content.
Do all universities have the same entry requirements?
No, and this is an important point to check early on. Entry requirements can differ significantly between institutions, so reviewing the specific A Levels required for midwifery at your target universities will help you avoid any surprises later in the application process.
Do I need to have GCSEs in place before starting further study?
In most cases, yes. Universities and course providers typically expect a grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English before progressing further, so it is sensible to check the GCSEs needed for midwifery route in advance if you are unsure whether you meet this baseline.
Is there official guidance on what universities look for in applicants?
Yes. The nursing UCAS page provides a helpful overview of typical entry requirements across nursing and midwifery courses, and is a genuinely useful resource when comparing options across different universities.
Should I also look at nursing as an alternative or complementary path?
It can be worth doing so, particularly given how closely the two professions overlap. Reviewing the qualifications needed to become a nurse alongside your midwifery research may help clarify which direction suits you best, or confirm that midwifery remains the right choice for you.
At QTS Literacy Tutor, we know how important it is to build confidence in your core skills before taking on further study, and we always recommend looking for a course provider who offers proper support with reading, writing, and comprehension alongside your subject-specific learning, particularly if it has been some time since you were last in formal education.
Whatever stage you are starting from, returning to education as an adult is entirely achievable with the right course and a clear understanding of what your chosen path requires. Take the time to research your options properly, and you will be in a strong position to move forward with confidence.
Nursing Qualifications Helpline: 020 3666 0832
QTS Literacy Tutor Team
We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.
