Subject to validation

Midwifery Apprenticeship

The Midwifery Apprenticeship at Keele University is designed to support the development of qualified, confident and compassionate midwives. The programme will focus on developing midwives who possess the clinical skills to provide safe and effective care for women, newborn infants and their families. 

Duration: 3 years. 

Qualification: BSc (Hons) Midwifery.

Application: We typically require applications 8 weeks before programme starts. 

Ofsted: ‘Good’ Ofsted rating for Apprenticeships at Keele University in Full Inspection, June 2023. 

Participants will explore the fundamentals of midwifery and develop their understanding of the entire maternity journey for mothers and infants.

The programme will provide apprentices with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to:

  • Gain vital clinical skills to support and deliver high-quality, safe care for childbearing women, newborn infants and families through pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, birth, postpartum and the early weeks of life.
  • The confidence to anticipate, prevent and respond to additional needs and complications that can arise during pregnancy, as well as to respect women's individual circumstances and advocate for their wishes where appropriate.
  • The importance of communication and building professional relationships. A midwife supports mothers to confidently use their voice and enables them to provide nurturing care to their infant.

The apprenticeship features a range of modules which are complemented by clinical placements in varied settings applicable to midwifery.

Examples of indicative modules include:

  • Introduction to Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Care and Wellbeing.
  • Biological Processes in Midwifery.
  • The Role of the Midwife in the 21st Century.
  • Fetal Complexities in Pregnancy.
  • Maternal Complexities in Pregnancy.
  • Developing Leadership in Health Promotion.
  • Developing Effective Practice.
  • Professional Leadership.

To complete an apprenticeship, you must be employed in an organisation with your employer's support. We typically require apprentice applications 8 weeks before programme starts and by undertaking an apprenticeship, you commit to completing the End Point Assessment (EPA).

The Midwifery Apprenticeship typically requires.

  • ABB in three A Levels including B in one Science subject.
  • 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). 
  • We will also consider applicants with previous degrees, HNDs, Foundation Degrees, and other health related higher education qualifications.
  • All candidates  are required to meet or exceed NMC requirements, including literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills.
  • GCSE English grade 4/C and Maths at GCSE grade 4/C or functional skills level 2.

We will work in partnership with you to ensure you are supported throughout the apprenticeship process.

  • Our Business Engagement Manager will provide tailored support and offer guidance on applying for an apprenticeship at Keele University, direction on eligibility and contracting, or any other questions you may have.
  • We offer a personalised approach to apprentices, ensuring you have the assistance you need from Keele University as your Training Provider, every step of the way.

Apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

  • Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can typically use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
  • Any business with a payroll below £3 million is usually eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship course. 

Additional incentives are also available to employers based on differing circumstances. 

Contact us to find out more...

You make an application to study an apprenticeship through your employer with their support.

Applicants must meet several key criteria:  

  • Employment in a relevant role: Applicants must be currently employed in a position relevant to the apprenticeship or be recruited into a new role that aligns with the apprenticeships focus.  
  • If you are seeking a new role with apprenticeship training: Employers will typically advertise apprenticeship vacancies through their own recruitment sites and browse apprenticeships before you apply.
  • Meet entry requirements: You must satisfy the specific entry requirements for the apprenticeship, including necessary educational qualifications and/or relevant professional experience.  
  • Employer support for upskilling: Existing employees are encouraged to discuss with their employers the potential for support in upskilling through the apprenticeship, which can enhance their professional development and benefit the organisation.  

What does 'subject to validation' mean?

This course is ‘subject to validation’ which means that it is in the last stages of the validation process, awaiting final approval. Validation is a rigorous process undertaken with academic staff, students, independent subject experts, and employers to ensure the course is of high quality, and able to prepare students well for their future employment or further study. Validation is not guaranteed. 

Why study Midwifery at Keele?

  • Top 20 for Nursing and Midwifery (Complete University Guide, 2023)
  • Midwifery at Keele is Top 5 in England for student positivity* NSS 2023 (BROAD-BASED UNIVERSITIES) *based on overall student satisfaction, which is an average score across 27 questions asked in the NSS
  • Top 10 for Midwifery (Guardian University League Table, 2023)