Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery)

Course Overview:

• 100% Online Learning: Study from anywhere, anytime.
• University Access Without A-Levels: No prior A-Levels required.
• Essential Midwifery Knowledge: Gain foundational understanding for a future in midwifery.
• Equivalent to 3 A-Levels: A recognized qualification for university entry.
• Assessment Through Assignments: Evaluate your knowledge with end-of-unit tasks.

About the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery)

Midwives play a vital role in supporting mothers through pregnancy and childbirth. They offer antenatal care, expert guidance, and emotional support, empowering mothers to make informed decisions. If you’re a natural caregiver, midwifery could be the ideal career path for you.

Prepare for a Midwifery Degree

This diploma is designed for individuals who lack the qualifications to apply directly for a midwifery degree. By completing this course, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to pursue higher education in this rewarding field.

Develop Key Midwifery Skills

The course covers essential areas of midwifery, preparing you for future studies and practice. As a midwife, you’ll be the primary contact during pregnancy, so understanding these key areas is crucial:

• Prenatal Care: Supporting mothers through pregnancy.
• Intrapartum Care: Assisting during labor and delivery.
• Postnatal Care: Caring for mothers and newborns after birth.

Additionally, the course provides insight into the healthcare system, an important aspect of midwifery practice.

Getting Started

Once enrolled, you’ll gain instant access to all course materials, allowing you to begin your studies right away.

Flexible Learning to Suit Your Lifestyle

This diploma is entirely online, making it perfect for individuals with busy schedules. Whether you’re balancing a job or caring for a family, you can study whenever it suits you—morning, evening, or weekends.

Stay on Track with Personalized Support

Your studies will be guided by an Individual Learning Plan outlining assignment deadlines to help you stay organized.

• Completion Time: Most learners finish within 9-12 months.
• Alternative to A-Levels: Equivalent to 3 A-Levels, this qualification is a fantastic pathway for those without traditional qualifications.

Embark on your journey toward a midwifery career and make a difference in the lives of mothers and babies.

Modules Overview

Module 1: Academic Writing Skills
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Be able to structure a written response.
• Develop and implement a structured response plan.
• Tailor responses to suit the audience and purpose.
• Apply academic writing principles to your work effectively.

Module 2: Reading and Note-Making
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Understand various reading strategies.
• Analyze language in terms of context and purpose across different texts.
• Employ effective note-making methods from diverse sources.

Module 3: Healthcare Communication
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Understand key communication methods.
• Identify barriers to effective communication.
• Recognize the value of strong communication skills in healthcare settings.
• Appreciate the importance of confidentiality and proper record-keeping.

Module 4: The Structure and Function of Cells
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Understand cellular structure and organization.
• Comprehend cellular activities.
• Grasp the fundamentals of the cell cycle.

Module 5: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Healthcare Settings
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Learn core concepts related to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
• Understand relevant EDI legislation and regulations.
• Explore how EDI is addressed in healthcare environments.

Module 6: Human Reproduction, Growth, and Development
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Understand the structure and function of the reproductive system.
• Learn how hormones regulate the reproductive system throughout life.
• Follow the process from conception to childbirth.

Module 7: Professionalism and Multidisciplinary Teams
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Examine the evolving roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
• Understand professional regulations in healthcare.
• Explore the dynamics of multidisciplinary team collaboration.

Module 8: Nutrition and Digestion
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Understand the principles of a balanced diet.
• Explore the structure and function of the digestive system.

Module 9: Perspectives in Psychology
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Learn about different psychological perspectives.
• Distinguish between alternative psychological theories.
• Apply psychological perspectives to modern issues.

Module 10: Human Musculoskeletal System
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Understand the structure of the skeleton and its role in locomotion.
• Learn how muscles contract.
• Comprehend the process of bone development.

Module 11: Foetal Development, Monitoring, and Intervention
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Understand the development of a healthy embryo and foetus.
• Learn antenatal foetal monitoring techniques.
• Explore methods for monitoring during labour.
• Identify interventions for specific foetal disorders and disabilities.
• Understand the processes of miscarriage and termination.

Module 12: Endocrine System
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Understand the terms “hormone” and “endocrine gland.”
• Explore homeostasis and feedback mechanisms.
• Examine how hormones function in the body.

Module 13: Pregnancy and Health
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Understand hormonal regulation of the reproductive system and life stages.
• Learn about the diagnosis, monitoring, and risks of pre-eclampsia.
• Examine the impact of substance misuse during pregnancy.

Module 14: Hormone Regulation of Human Reproduction and Development
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Understand hormonal regulation of reproduction.
• Follow the sequence from conception to childbirth.
• Explore hormone regulation throughout different life stages.

Module 15: Early Attachment and Development
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Recognize the significance of early relationships in child development.
• Analyze the factors influencing individual differences.

Module 16: Infection and Immunity
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Learn about the contributions of key figures in infectious disease research.
• Understand how the body responds to infections.
• Explore causes and transmission of various pathogens.
• Learn about vaccination and antibiotic mechanisms.

Module 17: The Cause and Control of Disease
Upon completing this module, you will:

• Understand different categories and causes of disease.
• Study the epidemiology of a specific disease.
• Examine measures for disease prevention.

Entry Requirements

To enroll in an Access to HE Diploma, you must:

• Reside in the UK and have a valid UK postcode.
• Hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths or be actively working towards achieving them alongside your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

University Entry Criteria

Each university sets its own admission requirements. It is essential to confirm directly with your chosen institution that your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications meet their criteria. Common requirements may include:

• Achieving a specific number of credits at merit or distinction level.
• Attending a face-to-face interview with the university.
• Completing literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university.
• Relevant work placements or course-related work experience.
• Holding GCSEs in Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications such as Functional Skills or Key Skills).

Important: Ensuring your Access to HE Diploma is accepted for your intended degree program is your responsibility. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this course does not secure admission to a higher education institution.

Minimum Age Restriction

Access to HE Diplomas are designed for students who have gained substantial life experience since completing compulsory education.

Average Completion Timeframe

Most learners complete the course within 9–12 months.

Assessment Requirements

The course includes a variety of assessment methods, such as:

• Academic reports and essays
• Case study analyses
• Illustrated mind maps and reports
• Worksheets and journal articles
• Portfolios
• Academic posters
• Video and audio presentations
• Revision guides and question-based tasks
• Academic writing skill assignments

Exams

No exams are required for this course.

Membership

No membership is required to enroll in this course.

Additional Requirements

• Learners must actively study for at least six months before results can be ratified, and certificates ordered.
• The six-month study period begins after passing Unit 2 of the course. Regular assignment submissions aligned with deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan are necessary to meet this requirement.
• Certificates will only be issued once all course fees are fully paid.

Certification Timeframe

Expect to receive your certificate within 12–16 weeks after your final assignment is graded, depending on the time of year. Regular updates will be provided throughout the process.

Course Fees

All fees, including those under payment plans (e.g., Premium Credit Limited), must be fully paid before certification.

Note: You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Assessment

The assessment process for our midwifery course is structured as follows:

Assignments

At the end of each module in the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery), you will be required to complete an assignment. These assignments consist of various academic tasks designed to enhance your knowledge and skills. Upon submission, your tutor will provide feedback, helping you refine your abilities and progress to the next stage of your studies.

Credits

To successfully earn the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery), you must accumulate a total of 60 credits, divided into two categories:

• Graded Units (45 credits): These focus on core academic subjects.
• Ungraded Units (15 credits): These emphasize essential skills like writing and study techniques.

Additionally, you will receive guidance and support for university applications and conducting research, key components of achieving your qualification.

Online Learning

This 100% online course offers 24/7 access to materials, enabling you to complete assignments at your own pace. While you have up to two years to finish the diploma, each assignment will have specific deadlines to keep you on track.

Qualifications
Skills & Education Group Access

Upon successfully completing the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) (QAA aim code: 40014186), you will be awarded a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 from Skills & Education Group Access. Throughout the program, you will also receive guidance and support with your university application and the necessary research to maximize the value of your diploma.

Skills & Education Group Access is an access validating agency with a strong social mission to recognize and celebrate achievement, particularly for individuals who may have faced barriers in their previous educational experiences. The organization supports learners, providers, businesses, and communities by facilitating progression into higher education.

Career Pathways in Midwifery

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) is equivalent to three A Levels and is widely accepted by universities as part of their entry requirements. If you meet the necessary criteria, this qualification could pave the way for you to pursue a degree in midwifery at your chosen university.

If your aspiration is to become a Midwife, this diploma serves as a solid foundation to help you achieve your career goal. Before beginning a midwifery program, you might consider building foundational knowledge in a related field, such as health sciences. Once you complete a midwifery degree, you will be qualified to practice as a Midwife.

Further Qualifications and Career Development

Midwives in the UK are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). 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 advancements, ethical standards, and best practices. Beyond mandatory CPD, you can expand your expertise and skillset through additional training in areas such as:

• Mental Health and Social Care
• Grief and Bereavement Counselling
• Substance Misuse Counselling (Drugs, Solvents, Alcohol)
• Clinical Nutrition
• Eating Disorders

Alternative Roles and Opportunities

Over the course of your career, you may decide to transition into a role with less direct medical involvement. A midwifery degree opens doors to other related professions, such as:

• Doula or Birthing Partner – providing emotional and practical support during childbirth.
• Health Visitor – focusing on the health and well-being of families with young children.

With a strong foundation in midwifery, these roles allow you to continue supporting families while exploring different facets of maternal and child care.