This Distance Learning course is accredited by the Skills and Education Group (SEG).
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Midwifery is a Level 3 qualification designed to equip you with the credentials needed to progress to university-level study in Midwifery. Equivalent to three A-Levels, it is tailored for individuals who left school without the necessary qualifications or those returning to education after an extended break.
Throughout the course, you will develop essential academic skills, including note-taking, essay writing, research techniques, time management, exam preparation, and oral presentation delivery, ensuring you are well-prepared for university-level study.
The program is structured to provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further study in Midwifery. It focuses on helping you develop a clear understanding of the midwife's role as a vital partner in a mother's pregnancy and childbirth journey, offering essential antenatal care and expert guidance to support informed decisions for the health and wellbeing of both mother and baby.
You will explore key principles, including human biology, human reproduction, fetal development, and the practices of healthcare professionals, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the diverse and critical responsibilities of a midwife.
By the end of the course, you will have a strong understanding of the midwife's role. If you feel drawn to caring for mothers, babies, and their families, and want to help children get the best possible start in life, this course provides the perfect opportunity to return to education and turn your ambitions into reality.
This Access to HE Diploma can be started at any point throughout the year, and takes approximately 9-12 months to complete; this means it does not necessarily follow the standard academic year. If you start the course later than September, it is unlikely you will meet the January UCAS deadline to start at university that September.
You will need:
- GCSE grade 4 or above for both English and maths
or - A relevant Level 2 qualification and Functional Skills in English and maths at Level 2*
You will also have an online assessment and interview with our course tutors before completing your enrolment, so we can ensure the course is right for you.
*Some universities do not accept Functional Skills and require GCSEs - please check the entry requirements of your chosen course and universities to ensure you will be eligible to apply.
The assessment process for this course is ongoing and designed to evaluate your progress throughout the year. It includes a combination of:
- Assignments
- Tests
- Exams
Each unit of the course is modular, promoting manageable, bite-sized learning. Every unit consists of smaller components called Assessment Criteria. At the end of each unit, you will complete an assignment, which is reviewed by your personal tutor. Your tutor will provide constructive feedback, highlighting strengths and offering guidance on areas for improvement to help you surpass your expectations.
All assessments are designed by your tutors and externally moderated by SEGA to maintain quality and fairness.
After completing your Access to HE course, you will be able to:
- Apply for a midwifery-related degree at the universities of your choice*
- Progress directly into employment in the NHS or other health-related organizations
*Please check the entry requirements of your chosen course and universities to ensure you will be eligible to apply, as these can vary between institutions, even for similar courses.
Topics you will study include:
Academic Writing Skills:
- Be able to structure a written response
- Be able to develop a structured response to a plan
- Be able to present the response appropriately for audience and purpose
- Understand how to apply academic writing principles to own work
Reading and Note Making:
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand the use of language in terms of the purpose and context of a range of texts
- Be able to use methods for developing notes from a range of sources
Healthcare Communication:
- Understand the main methods of communication
- Understand the barriers to communication
- Understand the value of developing good communication skills within the context of the health service
- Understand the importance of confidentiality and record keeping
The Structure and Function of Cells:
- Understand cellular structure and organisation
- Understand cellular activity
- Understand the cell cycle
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare Settings:
- Know the key concepts related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
- Understand key legislation and regulations related to EDI in healthcare
- Understand how EDI issues are managed in healthcare settings
Human Reproduction Growth and Development:
- Understand the structure and function of the human reproductive system
- Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive system throughout life
- Understand the sequence of events from conception to childbirth
Professionalism and Multidisciplinary Teams:
- Understand the impact of changes to the roles and responsibilities of a chosen health care professional
- Understand regulation as a chosen health care professional
- Understand the multidisciplinary team working in a chosen health care
Nutrition and Digestion:
- Understand the concept of a balanced diet
- Understand the structure and function of the human digestive system
Perspectives in Psychology:
- Understand different psychological perspectives
- Understand the differences between alternative psychological perspectives
- Understand the application of psychological perspectives to contemporary issues in psychology
Human Musculoskeletal System:
- Understand the human skeleton and how it relates to locomotion
- Know how muscles contract
- Understand the development of bone
Foetal Development, Monitoring and Intervention:
- Understand the development of a healthy embryo and foetus
- Understand antenatal foetal monitoring methods before labour
- Understand the monitoring of the foetus during labour
- Understand the detection and possible interventions of specific foetal disorders and disabilities
- Understand the process of miscarriage and termination
Endocrine System:
- Understand terms hormone and endocrine gland
- Understand homeostasis and feedback mechanisms
- Understand the action of hormones
Pregnancy and Health:
- Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive system and different stages of life
- Understand development, diagnosis, monitoring and potential risks of pre-eclampsia
- Understand the dangers of substance misuse in pregnancy
Hormone Regulation of Human Reproduction and Development:
- Understand how hormones regulate reproduction
- Understand the sequence of events from conception to childbirth
- Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive system and different stages of life
Early Attachment and Development:
- Understand the importance of early relationships in child development
- Understand explanations of the development of individual differences
Infection and Immunity:
- Understand the contributions of Snow, Semmelweiss, Pasteur, Jenner and Koch to the understanding of infectious disease
- Understand how the human body responds to infection
- Understand the cause and transmission of different pathogens
- Understand how infections can be prevented by vaccination
- Understand the mechanism of action of antibiotics
The Cause and Control of Disease:
- Understand categories and causes of human disease
- Understand the epidemiology of a named disease
- Understand measures for disease prevention
In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete short introductory tasks at the start of your course to support the development of your academic study skills.
