How long does it take to become a midwife in the UK?

Three years full time on a BSc, or 18 to 24 months on the shortened programme if you are already a registered adult nurse.

Can you become a midwife without a degree?

No. You need an NMC-approved qualification, which is degree level. The degree apprenticeship route lets you earn while you study rather than avoiding the degree.

Do you get paid while training as a midwife?

On the apprenticeship route, yes, you are employed throughout. On the BSc route you can claim the NHS Learning Support Fund grant of at least £5,000 a year, which does not have to be repaid.

Route-in guide

How to become a midwife in the UK

In short

To practise as a midwife in the UK you need an NMC-approved qualification and NMC registration. The main routes are a three-year BSc in midwifery, a midwifery degree apprenticeship while employed, or an 18 to 24 month shortened programme if you are already a registered adult nurse.

How long it takes

Three years full time, or 18 to 24 months on the shortened route for registered nurses.

What it costs

Tuition is normally covered by student finance, and eligible students can claim the NHS Learning Support Fund training grant of at least £5,000 a year, which is not repayable.

Who regulates it

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

The route, step by step

Check your entry qualifications
Most BSc programmes ask for three A levels including a science, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma, plus GCSE English, maths and science.
Get care experience first
Maternity support worker, healthcare assistant or doula work makes an application far stronger and tells you honestly whether the work suits you.
Choose your route
BSc for a standard entry, degree apprenticeship if you need to earn while training, shortened programme if you already hold adult nurse registration.
Complete supervised practice
Programmes are half theory and half practice, with placements across antenatal, intrapartum, postnatal and community settings.
Register with the NMC
Apply within five years of qualifying, then maintain registration through revalidation every three years.
Complete preceptorship
Your first year as a registered midwife is supported practice, normally at Band 5, before moving to Band 6.

Your first job

Most midwives start rotational in an NHS trust to build breadth. If your interest is postnatal recovery or women's health rather than intrapartum care, community and postnatal rotations are the ones to fight for, because they are what private and specialist services recruit from later.

What does a midwife earn?

Full UK pay ranges by setting, including NHS bands and private rates, with what actually moves the number.

midwife salary guide

Roles open now for midwives

Midwife, women's health clinic
Manchester · £40,000 to £50,000
Apply in two minutes
Health visitor, postnatal recovery
Manchester or remote · £42,000 to £50,000
Apply in two minutes
Maternity support worker
Manchester · £25,000 to £30,000
Apply in two minutes

Common questions

How long does it take to become a midwife in the UK?: Three years full time on a BSc, or 18 to 24 months on the shortened programme if you are already a registered adult nurse.
Can you become a midwife without a degree?: No. You need an NMC-approved qualification, which is degree level. The degree apprenticeship route lets you earn while you study rather than avoiding the degree.
Do you get paid while training as a midwife?: On the apprenticeship route, yes, you are employed throughout. On the BSc route you can claim the NHS Learning Support Fund grant of at least £5,000 a year, which does not have to be repaid.