Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery)
The accredited online course that qualifies you for a midwifery degree — study at your pace with instant study support and expert tutor guidance.
or £599.99/year (save 17%)
Is this course right for you?
This course is for you if…
- ✓ You want to study midwifery at university
- ✓ You don't have A-levels or left education early
- ✓ You want to study online, around work or family
- ✓ You're passionate about supporting women through pregnancy and birth
After this course, you can…
- → Apply to midwifery degrees at UK universities (up to 144 UCAS points)
- → Your Access to HE loan is written off on graduation
- → Start a career as a Registered Midwife (Band 5 NHS, from £31,049)
You'll need…
- • To be 19 or over (no upper age limit)
- • Access to a computer or tablet with internet
- • No formal qualifications required
- • We'll assess your readiness to start
What you'll study
The Access to HE Diploma (Midwifery) covers key subjects to prepare you for a midwifery degree.
Study the structure and function of the human body with a focus on reproductive anatomy, the cardiovascular system, and physiological changes during pregnancy, labour, and the postnatal period.
Explore the biological principles underpinning midwifery, including cell biology, genetics, embryology, microbiology, and immunology relevant to maternal and neonatal health.
Understand person-centred care, safeguarding, equality and diversity in maternity settings. Examine the history of the NHS and how maternal healthcare has evolved in the UK.
Explore psychological theories relevant to pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood — including mental health, attachment theory, coping strategies, and therapeutic communication.
Examine how social determinants influence maternal and infant health outcomes, including inequality, public health policy, epidemiology, and health promotion strategies.
Develop the academic skills you need for university — essay writing, research methods, critical analysis, Harvard referencing, and time management.
6 modules · 18 units · Approximately 15 hours per week study time
How you'll learn
Online Materials
Study at your pace with interactive content
Instant Study Support
Ask a question any time — get a clear answer in seconds, 24/7
Expert Tutors
Qualified humans mark your work within 5 days
Flexible Schedule
Learn around your life, work, and family
Mobile Friendly
Study anywhere on any device
Regular Feedback
Know exactly where you stand at all times
Where this course takes you
The Access to HE Diploma (Midwifery) is your first step to a rewarding career in maternity care.
Starting salary for a Band 5 NHS Registered Midwife
UK universities accept Access to HE for midwifery degree entry
Per year NHS Learning Support Fund available at university
Your next step: university
This Access to HE Diploma is your pathway into a midwifery degree — here's what awaits you.
Now: Access to HE Diploma
Study online with Qualvera for £69.99/month. This Level 3 qualification is equivalent to three A-levels and accepted by universities across the UK for midwifery degree entry.
Next: Midwifery Degree at University
Apply to midwifery degrees using your Access to HE Diploma. At this stage, you become eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund — a non-repayable training grant of £5,000 per year. Parents can receive up to £8,000/year total.
Then: Registered Midwife
Graduate, register with the NMC, and begin your midwifery career. Band 5 NHS starting salary: £31,049.
About the NHS Learning Support Fund
The NHS LSF is a government-funded grant for eligible nursing, midwifery, and allied health students at university in England. It's non-repayable and paid on top of your student loan. It does not apply to Access to HE courses — it becomes available at the university stage.
Read our full NHS LSF guide →Support included with your subscription
Ask a question at midnight, get a clear answer in seconds. And if you ever need deeper help, your named human tutor is never more than a business day away.
| What you need | How it works | Response time |
|---|---|---|
| Quick question about your coursework | Intelligent study assistant | Instant — 24/7 |
| Feedback on practice work | Instant review with detailed notes | Instant — 24/7 |
| Stuck on a complex concept | Step-by-step explanation with examples | Instant — 24/7 |
| Need human guidance or reassurance | Your named, qualified tutor | Within 1 business day |
| Formal assessment marking | Human tutor reviews and grades | Within 3 business days |
Frequently asked questions
You don't need any formal qualifications. The Access to HE Diploma is designed for adult learners aged 19 and over. We'll carry out an initial assessment to make sure you're ready to start.
The course is designed to be completed in 12 months, studying approximately 15 hours per week. You can study at your own pace — some learners finish sooner, others take a little longer.
Yes. The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification accepted by the vast majority of UK universities for entry onto midwifery degree programmes.
Assessments are coursework-based — no formal exams. You'll complete assignments, essays, and projects marked by qualified human tutors. All assessment fees are included.
Qualvera offers flexible monthly subscriptions with no upfront fees and no credit checks. You can pause or cancel anytime. Some learners may also be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan — speak to us for guidance.
You get instant study support 24/7 — ask a question at any hour and get a clear answer in seconds. For deeper guidance, your named, fully qualified human tutor responds within one business day. Plus, you can join our learner community.
Start your midwifery journey today
You've already made the hardest decision — to start. Let us help you get there.