Studying midwifery in Lancashire and South Cumbria 

Lancashire and South Cumbria offer excellent opportunities for aspiring midwives through two leading universities: the University of Lancashire and the University of Cumbria. The University of Lancashire’s main campus in Preston and its Burnley Campus both deliver the BSc (Hons) Midwifery degree, combining academic study with extensive clinical placements in local NHS Trusts, including East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust for Burnley-based students. The University of Cumbria, with its Lancaster Campus, also provides a BSc (Hons) Midwifery and an MSc Midwifery (Pre-Registration), both accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). 

Entry requirements for midwifery degrees 

To enter a midwifery degree, applicants typically need Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels (often including a science), BTEC, Access to HE Diploma, or T Levels in Health. Universities may specify UCAS tariff points and require GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science at grade 4/C or above. T Levels in Health (with a midwifery specialism) are increasingly accepted and provide a direct route into higher education. You will need to check your degree providers entry requirements.  

Converting from nursing to midwifery 

Registered adult nurses can undertake a shortened midwifery training programme, usually lasting 18–24 months. Entry requires current NMC adult nurse registration and, often, at least 12 months’ post-registration experience. Funding for this conversion route includes salary support (typically at NHS Band 5) and tuition fee contributions, with additional support for placement costs. 

Funding for midwifery study 

Midwifery students in England can access the NHS Learning Support Fund, which provides a non-repayable grant of £5,000 per year, plus additional support for childcare, travel, and hardship. Tuition fees are usually covered by student finance, and degree apprenticeships are funded via the NHS Apprenticeship Levy, meaning apprentices pay no tuition fees and earn a salary while training. 

T level in midwifery and apprenticeships 

Lancashire and South Cumbria are piloting the T Level Health pathway with a midwifery specialism, delivered at Burnley College in partnership with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. This two-year Level 3 qualification combines classroom learning with industry placements, preparing students for roles as Maternity Support Workers or progression to midwifery degrees or apprenticeships. 

Apprenticeships are available at Level 3 for Maternity Support Workers and at Level 6 for the Registered Midwifery Degree Apprenticeship (RMDA). 

The RMDA allows employed healthcare assistants or maternity support workers to train as midwives while earning a salary, with tuition funded by the NHS. However, it is important to note that funding is not currently available for the RMDA, and candidates must be employed by the Provider Trust to be eligible for this route. Both the University of Lancashire and the University of Cumbria offer this route, which is NMC-approved and designed to widen participation and support local workforce needs. 

The RMDA allows employed healthcare assistants or maternity support workers to train as midwives while earning a salary, with tuition funded by the NHS. Both the University of Lancashire and the University of Cumbria offer this route, which is NMC-approved and designed to widen participation and support local workforce needs. 

Summary table 

Route Entry Requirements Funding/Support Providers/Campuses 
BSc (Hons) Midwifery A Levels/BTEC/Access/T Level, GCSEs Student finance, NHS LSF (£5,000/yr) University of Lancashire (Preston, Burnley), Cumbria (Lancaster) 
MSc Midwifery (Pre-Reg) Relevant degree, NMC criteria Student finance, NHS LSF Cumbria (Lancaster) 
Nursing to Midwifery Conversion NMC Adult Nurse registration, experience Salary support, tuition fees, placement funding University of Lancashire, Cumbria, others 
T Level Health (Midwifery) 5 GCSEs incl. English, Maths, Science Free tuition, bursaries available Burnley College, ELHT 

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