Midwifery - BSc (Hons)
Qualify as a confident and compassionate midwife. Gain the clinical skills and knowledge to provide holistic, safe, and effective care for women, newborn infants, and their families.
Year of entry
- 2024
Course type
- Single Honours
Location
Subject area / School
UCAS code
- B720
Duration of study
- 3 years
Why study Midwifery at Keele University?
Approved programme
Midwifery is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and has been designed to meet the seven NMC platforms which underpin pre-registration nursing education. The course is taught by lecturers who are expert clinicians, and qualified teachers in different specialisms. Their research feeds into our teaching. On successful completion of this course, you can apply for NMC nursing registration.
Additional opportunities
There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English Language requirements you may need.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, or Health and Social Care.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in one Science A Level from the Keele Defined Sciences List; or Distinction and Merit in Applied Science, or Health and Social Care BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and A in any A Level.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
T Level
International Baccalaureate Diploma
655 in three Higher Levels including one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List at Higher Level, or 32 points including one Higher Level Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Careers Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Access to HE Diploma
128 UCAS points in a Computing, Engineering, Health, Nursing, Medicine, Science, or Sports Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits and Merit in at least 15 Level 3 credits.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BBBBC in five Highers including one Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or BC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including one Higher or Advanced Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or BCC in three Advanced Highers including one Advanced Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H3, H3, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in one subject from the Science or Applied Science Groups.
You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
China - Gaokao
75% in the Gaokao including 70% in Maths, Physics, Biology, or Chemistry.
You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
India - Standard XII
Average of 75% from four subjects including 70% in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 80% from four subjects including 75% in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology in any other Standard XII.
You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Germany - Abitur
2.0 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Geography, Psychology, Maths, Physics, Biology, Computer Science, Technology, Nutritional Science or Sports.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)
France - Baccalaureate
13 in the French Baccalaureate including 13 in Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology, or 12.5 in the International Option Baccalaureate including 12 in Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong - Diploma
544 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Design and Applied Technology, ICT or Physical Education.
You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Spain - Bachillerato
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
85% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Chemistry, Maths, Natural Science, Geography, Physical Education, or ICT.
You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Cyprus - Apolytirion
Portugal
Overall average of 16 in a secondary certificate including 16 in Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Computer Applications, Psychology, Physical Education.
You will also need: 10 in secondary certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Canada - Diploma
70% / BBBBC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Advanced Functions, Biology, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, Computer Science, Maths of Data Management or Physics.
You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
544 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Chemistry, Calculus (either), Physics (any), Biology, Computer Science (either), Environmental Science, Psychology or Statistics.
You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
ABB in three Advanced Levels including B in Combined Maths, Chemistry, Physics, ICT, Biology, Physics or Agricultural Science.
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
ABB in three subjects in the STPM including B in Maths, ICT, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, or Sports Science.
You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
ABB in three H2 levels including B in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computing, Maths, Further Maths or Geography.
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
75% overall with 7 in Chemistry, Maths (3 or 5 period), Physical Education, Biology (2 or 4 period), Geography (2 or 4 period), or Physics.
You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Additional information
Please note in addition to our academic entry requirements, to be accepted onto a Nursing or Midwifery programme at Keele you must also fulfil a range of additional requirements. Details of these additional requirements and expectations can be found here in your Nursing and Midwifery Checklist.
In addition to our typical qualifications for entry, we will also consider the following:
- DDM in a CTEC in a Health or Science subject;
- A in an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma / Technical Diploma in Health and Social Care, Childcare and Education, or for the Children and Young People’s Workforce;
- Pass the 60 credit Open University Module K101 or K102 (Introduction to Health and Social Care).
- Transfers into the second year of a programme from other UK nursing programmes will be considered. You need to have achieved 120 credits and passed practice.
In all cases, you will also need a 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below). We will also consider applicants with previous degrees, HNDs, Foundation Degrees, and other health related higher education qualifications. Please contact us for advice.
Health Checks and DBS Clearance
Offers are subject to Occupational Health clearances and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. The University follows the DBS Code of Practice in these issues and can provide a copy of the Code on request.
Additional guidance
- A reference for the applicant must be completed on the UCAS form by the referee. This is normally from an academic tutor. For applicants invited for interview, a second reference may be required. Friends, relatives or neighbours are not eligible to act as referees. All offers are subject to satisfactory references.
- All candidates for pre-registration Nursing and Midwifery programmes are required to meet or exceed NMC requirements, including literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills.
- Applicants are advised not to submit a ‘mixed’ application, but to focus on midwifery.
Application Process
Application is via UCAS. The UCAS application is scored. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. This can be either in person or remotely as appropriate.
English Language Requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group E.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Your Nursing and Midwifery Checklist
In addition to our academic requirements, to be accepted onto a nursing or midwifery programme you must also fulfil a range of additional requirements and expectations to ensure you can practice safely and complete the programme effectively.
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DBS Check An enhanced DBS clearance prior to starting your course is required so that the public are protected, and their safety can be assured. You'll need to provide additional documents to support your DBS application which may include a current passport, valid driving licence, birth certificate and utility bill. |
Shifts Programmes are demanding but rewarding. You are expected to work a variety of shift patterns including early, late and night shifts to enable you to participate in care over a 24 hour period. Shift work provides you with excellent experience and builds your skillset. |
Travelling to placements You are expected to fulfil your placement requirements which may require you to travel. Organisation is therefore key to ensure you are able to complete a range of placements. |
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Occupational Health Occupational Health Clearance is required to assess medical fitness to engage in pre-registration nursing and midwifery programmes. |
Placement circuits are fixed Placements during your course are fixed to ensure you get the range of experiences required to become a nurse or midwife. |
Personal care You will care for a diverse group of people and will deliver personal care to patients with different gender identities. |
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Vaccines You must have the required vaccinations so that you protect yourself and those whom you are caring for. |
Uniform Uniform must be worn smartly, as you represent Keele University and also the nursing and midwifery professions. |
Hours Programmes are full time and can be demanding. You can expect your time to be split into 50% theory and 50% practice. |
Shortlisting information
Shortlisting criteria are used against the personal statement and reference for every candidate who meets the initial screening requirements. As well as reaching the required academic standards, the candidate’s personal statement should demonstrate a clear understanding of the NHS and work of a midwife. The UCAS form must be completed fully and accurately. Applications will be assessed only on the information provided in the UCAS application.
We will not accept any additional supporting material (e.g. CVs, work portfolios, letters of recommendation) unless we have specifically requested it from the individual applicant. All shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, no applicant will be offered a place without undergoing our selection process. All candidates for pre-registration Nursing and Midwifery programmes are required to meet or exceed NMC requirements, including literacy, numeracy (via GCSE qualifications or equivalent as stated above) and digital literacy skills (via engaging with the website, UCAS portal and DBS system).
The selection process comprises of a values-based interview normally conducted either remotely online or face to face. Selection activities have been developed in line with current NHS, Department of Health and University recommendations for a values-based approach to recruitment.
Clinical practice staff, users of service & carers, academic staff and current students participate in the selection process. All staff/students involved in interviewing are equipped to make the required judgements and have undertaken training to support the selection process.
Applicants are informed of the outcome of the selection process via UCAS Track. Successful applicants subsequently receive additional information from the University.
All offers are subject to satisfactory Enhanced DBS checks, occupational health clearance, satisfactory reference(s) and meeting the required entrance criteria.
Clinical Simulation in the School of Nursing and Midwifery
Clinical simulation helps our students to develop their experience, confidence and skills. We have two simulation spaces on campus for students to practice their skills, in addition to the facilities at the Clinical Education Centre, and two simulation families of eight mannequins.
Baby Friendly Initiative
This course has achieved Stage 1 accreditation from the Baby Friendly Initiative.
Foundation year
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.
Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
Course content
Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.
This Foundation Year is a is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Midwifery. For example, in the Academic and Professional Development for Health module you will begin to develop an awareness of professional standards that you will be working to in your degree and professional career. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.
You will gain a greater appreciation of historical and contemporary approaches to health and social care within the UK, considering key health issues and challenges facing health and science services. At the same time, we will advance your knowledge of human biology and chemistry, giving you a solid grasp of body systems, science and lab work. You'll develop safe, professional laboratory skills and get to know the mathematical techniques and quantitative methods used across health science-related and social care programmes.
Throughout the programme, you will develop subject-specific and broad based skills that will be invaluable in your academic career and beyond. You can find out more about our Foundation Year, Including Information on learning, teaching and assessment methods and further opportunities available to you by visiting our homepage.
Course structure
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Semester one modules
| FYO-00237 | Foundations of Human Biology for Health | 15 credits |
| FYO-00241 | Foundations of Chemistry - Health | 15 credits |
| FYO-00213 | Foundations of Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Health Students | 15 credits |
Semester two modules
| FYO-00239 | Advancing Human Biology for Health | 30 credits |
| FYO-00245 | Foundations in Health and Society | 15 credits |
Year long modules (semesters one and two)
| FYO-00181 | Academic and Professional Development | 30 credits |
Foundation Year Entry Requirements
- 120 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A level, BTEC, Access Course, or T level)
- Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
Candidates who progress from the Health Foundation Year onto year 1 of the degree course will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check (Enhanced plus Barring Lists) and health check.
English Language Requirements for International/EU Applicants
In addition to meeting the Level 3 requirements, candidates whose first language is not English will need IELTS with an overall score of 7.0, including at least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking sections, or GCSE English Language at 4 (C) or above.
How to apply
UCAS Applications
Visit UCAS for applications. You should apply for Midwifery with Foundation Year
UCAS code: B721
Direct entry students
If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.
Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.
In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.
Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.
For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.
Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.