Course Overview

NOTE: This is an online only course and will not be taking place at our campuses. The course start date will be in January 2026.

The Access to HE Diploma (Midwifery) course is a route for adult students who need a level 3 qualification to progress to university to study Midwifery. It provides students with a solid foundation in midwifery and healthcare. It prepares them for higher education and careers in midwifery, equipping them with the knowledge, specific skills, and transferable skills needed to support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.

Students wishing to progress to midwifery will need to be extremely determined and also innovative in gaining relevant experience within this field. Shadowing midwives, volunteering on labour wards, attending NCT pregnancy advice classes, and joining breast feeding support groups feature among the ways that previous students have ensured that they are able to demonstrate a wide ranging knowledge of their future career at university interviews.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19yrs+ to meet the college entry requirements.

- Grade 4/C+ in GCSE English language and GCSE Maths. Copies of certificates will be required.
- As the course is online you will need to be confident in ICT skills.
- You will need a laptop/ computer with a microphone and camera and wifi.

Course Modules

Through a variety of units and practical experiences, students will gain a deep understanding of human biology, healthcare practices, and the psychological aspects of midwifery.

Key Knowledge:

Human Biology:
- Understanding of body structure and function, the endocrine system, and the human musculoskeletal system.
- Knowledge of human reproduction, growth, and development, as well as the human urinary system.
- Insight into infection and immunity, nutrition and digestion, and the cause and control of disease.

Midwifery and Healthcare:
- Knowledge of hormone regulation in human reproduction and development.
- Understanding of foetal development, monitoring and intervention, pregnancy, and health.
- Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare settings.


Subject-Specific Skills:

Midwifery Practices:
- Skills in healthcare communication, professionalism, and working in multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to apply principles of safeguarding and reflective practice.
- Ability to understand early attachment and development, and perspectives in psychology.


Scientific Understanding:
- Knowledge of the structure and function of cells.
- Understanding the safe and ethical use of generative artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Transferable Skills:

Research and Academic Skills:

- Enhanced research skills and ability to understand opportunities in higher education.
- Development of academic writing skills and reading and note-making abilities.

Communication and Professional Skills:
- Improved communication skills and display the ability to work in professional healthcare settings.
- Experience in reflective practice and understand how to maintain professionalism in multidisciplinary teams

How will I be assessed?

To achieve the L3 Diploma you will complete assignments for units that total 60 credits on the course.
15 credits are achieved by completing ungraded units, these will develop your academic study skills to prepare you for the graded units and University.
45 credits are achieved by completing graded academic subject units. Credits are awarded Pass, Merit and Distinction grades that will contribute to your overall UCAS points that are important for university applications.


To assess your learning and prepare you for Higher education and future careers you will be asked to complete assignment tasks in a variety of formats, these may include

- Essays
- Reports
- Short answer questions
- Academic posters
- Presentations
- Portfolio’s

What can I do next

Typical Progression is into Midwifery by completing :

- Undergraduate degrees
- Degree Apprenticeships

You can apply to University by submitting a UCAS application. Each university will have their own entry requirements that may differ in UCAS points, number of distinction grades and additional qualifications such as GCSE English and Maths.

Visit the UCAS website to find support on UCAS applications Choose your future.