Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery)

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery)

This Course at a Glance

About your Diploma

Midwives play a vital role in supporting mothers throughout pregnancy and birth. They provide antenatal care and expert guidance, empowering expectant mothers to make informed choices for themselves and their babies. If you’re a natural caregiver, a career in midwifery could be your ideal path.

Prepare for a Midwifery Degree

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) equips you with the knowledge needed to apply for university. Designed for those without traditional qualifications, this diploma is your gateway to studying midwifery at degree level.

Learn the Role of a Midwife

Through our online course, you’ll gain essential knowledge to prepare for university-level midwifery. As a future midwife, you’ll be the first point of contact for mothers during pregnancy, so you’ll learn about:

  • Prenatal care
  • Intrapartum care
  • Postnatal care

You’ll also develop an understanding of the healthcare system, all within your online studies.

Getting Started

Once you enrol, you’ll have immediate access to all course materials, so you can begin your learning journey right away.

Study Midwifery on Your Schedule

This diploma is delivered 100% online, allowing you to study at your own pace and from anywhere. Whether you have a young family or a full-time job, you can fit your studies around your life—morning, evening, or whenever suits you best.

Modules

Academic Writing Skills

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Be able to structure a written response
  • Be able to develop a structured response to a plan
  • Be able to present the response appropriately for audience and purpose
  • Understand how to apply academic writing principles to own work

Reading and Note Making

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand a range of reading strategies
  • Understand the use of language in terms of the purpose and context of a range of texts
  • Be able to use methods for developing notes from a range of sources

Healthcare Communication

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the main methods of communication
  • Understand the barriers to communication
  • Understand the value of developing good communication skills within the context of the health service
  • Understand the importance of confidentiality and record keeping

The Structure and Function of Cells

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand cellular structure and organisation
  • Understand cellular activity
  • Understand the cell cycle

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare Settings

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Know the key concepts related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
  • Understand key legislation and regulations related to EDI in healthcare
  • Understand how EDI issues are managed in healthcare settings

Human Reproduction Growth and Development

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the structure and function of the human reproductive system
  • Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive system throughout life
  • Understand the sequence of events from conception to childbirth

Professionalism and Multidisciplinary Teams

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the impact of changes to the roles and responsibilities of a chosen health care professional
  • Understand regulation as a chosen health care professional
  • Understand the multidisciplinary team working in a chosen health care

Nutrition and Digestion

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the concept of a balanced diet
  • Understand the structure and function of the human digestive system

Perspectives in Psychology

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand different psychological perspectives
  • Understand the differences between alternative psychological perspectives
  • Understand the application of psychological perspectives to contemporary issues in psychology

Human Musculoskeletal System

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the human skeleton and how it relates to locomotion
    Know how muscles contract
  • Understand the development of bone

Foetal Development, Monitoring and Intervention

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the development of a healthy embryo and foetus
  • Understand antenatal foetal monitoring methods before labour
  • Understand the monitoring of the foetus during labour
  • Understand the detection and possible interventions of specific foetal disorders and disabilities
  • Understand the process of miscarriage and termination

Endocrine System

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand terms hormone and endocrine gland
  • Understand homeostasis and feedback mechanisms
  • Understand the action of hormones

Pregnancy and Health

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive system and different stages of life
  • Understand development, diagnosis, monitoring and potential risks of pre-eclampsia
  • Understand the dangers of substance misuse in pregnancy

Hormone Regulation of Human Reproduction and Development

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand how hormones regulate reproduction
  • Understand the sequence of events from conception to childbirth
  • Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive system and different stages of life

Early Attachment and Development

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the importance of early relationships in child development
  • Understand explanations of the development of individual differences

Infection and Immunity

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand the contributions of Snow, Semmelweiss, Pasteur, Jenner and Koch to the understanding of infectious disease
  • Understand how the human body responds to infection
  • Understand the cause and transmission of different pathogens
  • Understand how infections can be prevented by vaccination
  • Understand the mechanism of action of antibiotics

The Cause and Control of Disease

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

  • Understand categories and causes of human disease
  • Understand the epidemiology of a named disease
  • Understand measures for disease prevention

Alongside the qualification units, you will need to complete brief introductory tasks at the beginning of your course to enhance your academic study skills.

Funding

The course is funded through an Advanced Learner Loan, (or in some cases, Adult Skills Funding) which allows eligible learners aged 19 and over to cover the cost of their studies without upfront payments.

Most importantly, if you successfully complete your Access to HE Diploma and then go on to finish a degree, the loan is completely written off—you won’t have to repay it at all.

This makes it a unique and affordable opportunity for adults serious about attending university. Before applying, please check your eligibility, and that your chosen university accepts the diploma for your intended degree program. Be ready to dedicate yourself fully to this intensive and rewarding journey.

Entry Requirements

Advanced Learner Loan (ALL) Eligibility

Please note: You are eligible for only one Advanced Learner Loan for Access to Higher Education. If you have previously taken an Advanced Learner Loan for Access to Higher Education, you cannot apply for another.

You may take up to four Advanced Learner Loans. If you have used an Advanced Learner Loan for a different Level 3 course, you can still apply for another one for Access to Higher Education.

Additional Information on Advanced Learner Loans

  • Student Finance England will “write off” any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education program, meaning you won’t need to repay it.
  • The total loan amount is £3,384.
  • If you do not complete a degree or higher education course, you will need to repay the loan. Repayment begins when your annual earnings exceed £25,000.
    For instance, if you earn £26,000 per year, you would repay only £7 per month from your salary.
  • Advanced Learner Loans fall under repayment plan 2.

Assessment

The assessment process for the midwifery course includes the following:

Assignments

At the end of each module in the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery), you’ll complete an assignment. Each assignment features a range of academic tasks, and after submission, you’ll receive personalised feedback from your tutor. This feedback helps you grow and move confidently to the next stage of your studies.

Alongside the main qualification units, you’ll also complete short introductory tasks at the start of your course to help you build essential academic study skills.

Credits

Each assignment is worth a set number of credits. To earn your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery), you’ll need a total of 60 credits, divided into:

  • Graded – 45 credits from graded units focused on the core academic subjects
  • Ungraded – 15 credits from ungraded units, such as writing and study skills

Throughout the course, you’ll receive guidance on completing your university application and conducting the research needed to achieve your qualification.

Since the course is entirely online, you’ll have 24/7 access to all course materials, making it easy to complete your assignments. You have up to two years to finish the diploma, with set deadlines for each assignment.

Qualifications

Skills & Education Group Access

Upon successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) (QAA aim code: 40014186), you will be awarded a Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma, recognised by the QAA and issued by Skills & Education Group Access. Throughout your programme, you’ll also receive support and guidance with your university application, as well as advice on researching to maximise the benefits of your diploma.

Skills and Education Group Access is an access validating agency dedicated to recognising achievement, especially for those who may not have had the best educational opportunities in the past. They support learners, education providers, businesses, and communities by enabling progression into higher education.

Career

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) is equivalent to three A Levels and is widely accepted by universities as part of their admissions process. With this qualification and by meeting entry requirements, you could pursue a degree at your chosen university.

If you aspire to become a Midwife, this diploma is an excellent stepping stone toward your career goal. Before starting your midwifery programme, you might consider building a foundation in a related area, such as health science. Earning a midwifery degree will qualify you to practise as a Midwife.

Further Qualifications and Prospects

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regulates Nurses and Midwives across the UK. To remain on the NMC register, Midwives are required to complete 35 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year.

CPD ensures that Midwives stay current with healthcare practices and ethical standards, maintaining high levels of competence.

In addition to mandatory CPD, Midwives can further develop their expertise by taking courses in areas such as:

  • Mental Health and Social Care
  • Grief and Bereavement Counselling
  • Drug, Solvent and Alcohol Misuse Counselling
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Eating Disorders

If, during your career, you decide to move into a less clinical role, a midwifery degree can open doors to positions such as doula, birthing partner, or health visitor.

FAQs

Can I Get into Midwifery with An Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery)?

The Access to HE Diplomas are specifically designed to help learners progress to university. If you’re seeking a midwifery course that can set you on the path to a career in this field, this diploma is an excellent choice. Even if you don’t have the required A Levels for university entry, the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) is widely accepted by universities across the UK and is considered equivalent to A Levels.

Can I Do a Midwifery Course Online?

Yes! The Access to HE Diploma (Midwifery) is delivered entirely online, allowing you to study from the comfort of your own home. With no classroom restrictions, you have the freedom to learn at your own pace. Your personalised Individual Learning Plan will help you stay organised and on track. This flexible course is designed to fit around your existing commitments, offering maximum convenience.

Does This Midwifery Course Have Exams?

No. Unlike traditional qualifications like A Levels, there are no exams required to complete your Access to Higher Education Diploma. Instead, assessment is based entirely on coursework, with your progress measured through a series of online assignments.

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