I want a career change to midwifery- how do I even start?

I had always loved the idea of becoming a midwife- but to cut a long story short, after failing health and social in sixth form I did an events management degree. Such a random choice for me, but I was lost so did it anyway with absolutely no interest in the course. I passed with a 1st in 2021 and have worked in retail and then events since, all minimum wage jobs- it gets me down every day that I spent years in uni to only land myself minimum wage jobs.

After I recently went for an internal promotion and didn't get it I've just realised that this isn't for me, events isn't what I was supposed to do and I want to be a midwife like younger me had always wanted to. So how would I even start a path towards midwifery? I've had a Google but am just more confused. Just looking for a bit of guidance if anyone could help!

Since I failed health and social, would I have to do it again? I only have a GCSE in biology- would I need an A level? Would I have to do an access course first?

Reply 1

EssexStudentRep

Official Rep

Original post by becky.r2

I had always loved the idea of becoming a midwife- but to cut a long story short, after failing health and social in sixth form I did an events management degree. Such a random choice for me, but I was lost so did it anyway with absolutely no interest in the course. I passed with a 1st in 2021 and have worked in retail and then events since, all minimum wage jobs- it gets me down every day that I spent years in uni to only land myself minimum wage jobs.
After I recently went for an internal promotion and didn't get it I've just realised that this isn't for me, events isn't what I was supposed to do and I want to be a midwife like younger me had always wanted to. So how would I even start a path towards midwifery? I've had a Google but am just more confused. Just looking for a bit of guidance if anyone could help!
Since I failed health and social, would I have to do it again? I only have a GCSE in biology- would I need an A level? Would I have to do an access course first?

Hey @becky.r2 👋

There's a few different options you could look into to pursue your dreams of midwifery, and as a mature student there is a bit more leeway in qualifications than if you were applying straight out of school.

With a degree already, you could try applying straight for a midwifery degree with a foundation year that some universities offer. A foundation year is ideal for those who don't meet the required qualifications or maybe took subjects not relevant to a degree that requires a specific subject background eg the sciences.

There's the degree apprenticeship route which is becoming more popular but I don't know too much about it I'm afraid. You end up studying for longer than a standard degree, but the benefits of working and having that practical hands on experience while being able to earn as you study seem to balance that out nicely.

And the access course route is the one that I chose. I had only AS Levels in totally irrelevant subjects and ended up just working in hospitality for years until I decided to get back into education. I looked into degrees I thought I'd like and decided on biomedical science.

I was able to do a one year access to HE course in science at a local college, and was accepted onto my degree for my first choice uni! I'm now halfway through a placement year and will be back to complete my final year in October. I never thought I'd be able to get as far as I have, and honestly never thought uni would be for me when I was younger.

If you do decide to do an access course, just check that they cover the subjects required by your chosen uni's midwifery degree. Mine taught biology, chemistry, psychology and some physics. Other students on my course went on to study degrees such as: nursing, radiography, biochemistry, zoology, and quite a few others.

Best of luck 😊
Essex Student Rep - Hayley

Reply 2

normaw

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by becky.r2

Have a look at the entry requirements section for some midwifery degrees. If you don't meet the entry requirements, then an Access course is often the best option. You can find approved degree courses using the NHS course finder:

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/course-finder

More about Access:

https://www.accesstohe.ac.uk/about-access

If you normally reside in England and would apply to SFE, then midwifery is an exception course and you will be able to apply for undergraduate funding (both tuition fee and maintenance loans) despite your previous study. Also, if you study at a uni in England, you would be able to apply for the additional financial support available through the NHS Learning Support Fund:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf

(edited 10 months ago)