You’ve done it – you’ve secured your place to study midwifery. All those hours revising, juggling life commitments, and pushing through application nerves have paid off. Whether you’re 18 and moving into halls, commuting from home, or fitting study around work or family, this is the start of a course that will shape your skills, your confidence, and your future career.
You’ll be training alongside people from all walks of life – some straight from college, others returning to education after raising children, working in different careers, or taking a long-planned leap into healthcare. Some will have years of life and work experience behind them, others will be learning how to live away from home for the first time. That mix is part of what makes midwifery training unique – you’ll learn as much from each other’s perspectives as you will from lectures and placements.
The Reality of Year-One Midwifery Study
Your first year is about building strong foundations. First year will combine university modules with clinical placements that may include day, evening, and (for some of you – it depends on trust) even night shifts. Most universities expect midwifery students to be available for around 45 weeks each year – significantly more than a typical degree – because of the clinical hours required.
Midwifery is a regulated profession in the UK, and “midwife” is a protected title – you can only use it if you are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Your degree is not just about gaining knowledge and skills – it’s also about working towards meeting the NMC’s requirements for registration.
Academically, you’ll begin with the essentials. There is some variation around the country, but expect content to include:
- Anatomy and physiology of the whole body.
- Understanding normal pregnancy and birth.
- Communication skills and professional practice.
Your first year combines this academic study with clinical placements which will introduce you to both hospital and community settings. A typical full-time three-year midwifery degree comprises a minimum of 4,600 total hours, and half of these – 2,300 hours – should be on placement to meet NMC registration requirements, so attendance, reliability, and resilience are key. For midwifery, simulation hours generally do not contribute to these placement totals—unless specific proficiencies are hard to reach in clinical settings.
Experience of supporting and facilitating births: Beyond the hours, one of the NMC’s key practice requirements is to support and care for at least 40 women in labour, and facilitate the birth of their baby. These must be spontaneous vaginal births – caesarean sections don’t count.
If it’s not possible due to placement limitations – and to be honest, this has been becoming more frequent in recent years – the requirement may be reduced: at least 30 births, alongside assisting with 20 additional births, balancing hands-on experience with observational learning.
Skills sign-off – Your Lead Midwife for Education (LME) and placement supervisors must confirm you’ve met the required clinical proficiencies before you can join the NMC register at the end of your studies.
2. Working Towards Your Career
I don’t want to be a downer on such a great day, but we need to talk about what happens at the other end of the degree. Some of you will have heard about the experiences recently graduating students have had – so let’s address it now as it may be leaving you with some nerves.
In recent years, many newly qualified midwives have found it harder than expected to get their first post – despite staff shortages. An RCM survey early in 2025 found eight in ten student midwives were not confident about their job prospects.
That picture has started to change. In England, the Government announced the Graduate Guarantee on the 11th August 2025. This means every newly qualified midwife will have the opportunity to apply for a post as soon as they graduate, with NHS trusts encouraged to recruit based on projected staffing needs rather than waiting for vacancies to appear. Measures include:
- Creation of new Band 5 roles.
- Converting some maternity support worker posts into midwife positions.
- Allowing early offers of employment before formal vacancies are advertised.
To make the most of this, keep an eye out for preceptorship programmes – structured support schemes that help new graduates transition safely and confidently into practice.
3. Preparing for the Course: Studies and Placements
MiMidwifery is intense and rewarding. You’ll learn in lectures, simulation suites, and clinical areas, often switching between them in the same week. That pace means you need to find a rhythm early on.
Time management is key. Before term starts, think about:
- Using a digital calendar or planner to block out lectures, placement shifts, and personal time.
- Breaking large assignments into smaller, weekly tasks so they feel manageable.
- Practising how to say “no” to extra commitments when you’re already stretched.
Preparation can make the first few weeks easier:
- If your university has already issued a reading list or placement handbook, read through it now so you know what’s coming.
- Explore free online learning – for example, the Royal College of Midwives’ Student Essentials i-learn modules cover academic skills, budgeting, clinical expectations, and self-care.
- Some universities offer access to online library resources or skills workshops before the official start date – check your student portal or ask the admissions team.
Make use of student support networks:
- Your university’s student union may run welcome sessions, peer mentoring schemes, and social events that help you meet others in your cohort.
- Many midwifery societies organise revision sessions, skills practice, and informal Q&A with second- and third-year students.
- Joining these groups early can give you insight into what’s ahead and help you build a support network before you need it.
The NMC Code highlights the importance of lifelong learning – a habit worth building from day one. That means being proactive about your own development, seeking feedback, and making the most of the resources and people around you.
4. Useful Study Tools and Resources
Your first-year modules focus heavily on general anatomy and physiology before moving into midwifery-specific systems. This is where the Education Bundle and the Healthcare Students Colouring Book can be invaluable.
- The Education Bundle gives you structured revision aids for the core midwifery anatomy and physiology that underpins all your clinical learning, as well as some material that becomes useful as you move into Year 2.
- The Healthcare Students Colouring Book makes human anatomy and physiology more memorable – especially if you learn best through visual and active methods. If you’ve just finished A level Biology or an Access to Healthcare course you may find this goes over familiar material, perhaps just in a new way.
These tools are designed for exactly this stage, helping you understand and remember key structures before you move into more complex midwifery care and complications in later years consolidating practical skills and knowledge.
Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Student Membership
Alongside your own study tools, consider joining the RCM early — even as an affiliate before your course starts. This is more than just access to study material. The RCM is both a professional body and a trade union for midwives, so membership means you’re supported academically, professionally, and in the workplace. Benefits include:
- i-learn Student Essentials: Exclusive modules to help refine academic skills, budget effectively, prepare for placements, and develop self-care strategies.
- Research resources: Access to MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, subject-specific research packs, and the Maternity & Infant Care database.
- Mentoring and networks: Links to the RCM Mentoring Platform, the Student Midwife Forum, and the Midwifery Society Network for peer support and leadership opportunities.
- Wellbeing tools: Access to the Clementine app for sleep, confidence, and stress management during demanding placements.
- Representation and campaigning: Advice and advocacy if you encounter issues on placement or with your course, plus a voice in national discussions about midwifery education and practice.
RCM student membership is available at a discounted rate and is one of the most affordable ways to gain access to professional learning resources, networks, and representation from the very start of your training.
University and Student Union Resources
Before term begins, check what’s available through your student portal or SU:
- Midwifery society events where you can meet students in other years and get practical tips for your first placements.
- Early access to the online library.
- Academic writing and referencing workshops.
- Welcome sessions and peer mentoring schemes.
5. FAQs and Practical Tips
Do I really need my own Littmann stethoscope – I’ve seen loads of students showing their purchase?
Not necessarily – and they are quite expensive. Most of the time you’ll use a stethoscope readily available on the observation trolley. Some students prefer to have their own for familiarity – that’s fine too. The quality of a Littman is excellent and it will probably last your entire career – but they aren’t a necessity!
How can I cope with night shifts?
Night shifts can be tough at first, but they’re part of midwifery training and practice. Preparation makes them easier:
- Rest beforehand – Even a short nap of one to two hours can make a difference to your alertness. If you struggle to sleep during the day, try blackout curtains or an eye mask, and avoid caffeine in the hours before resting.
- Eat lightly before starting – A balanced meal before your shift will help maintain energy. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can make you sluggish.
- Bring healthy snacks – Foods like fruit, nuts, yoghurt, or vegetable sticks keep energy steady without the crash that comes from sugary snacks.
- Stay hydrated – Keep a refillable water bottle with you. Dehydration can make you feel more tired.
- Dress for comfort – Supportive shoes and well-fitting scrubs make a real difference over a 12-hour shift. Layer clothing if your clinical area can get hot or cold.
- Use breaks well – If you have a short break, use it to rest and hydrate. If it’s longer, a short nap followed by a light snack can help you feel more alert.
- Look after your body clock – After your shift, eat something light, have a shower, and try to go straight to bed. Keep your room dark and cool to signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.
- Be kind to yourself – It takes time to adjust. Fatigue is normal at first, but your body will adapt with routine and good self-care.
What about community placements?
They often involve more travel and early starts. Plan your routes in advance. Keep a spare snack and drink in your bag.
How do I balance academic work with placement?
Break assignments into small steps. Use a planner to map study time around shifts. Speak to your tutor early if workload becomes unmanageable.
Any tips for staying well?
Hydration matters on long shifts. Eat regularly. Build a network of peers – they’ll understand your pressures better than anyone.
5. Making the Most of Your Start
Your first year is about learning, not perfection. You will make mistakes, and you will learn from them. Ask questions, watch experienced midwives closely, and take every opportunity to practice your skills. Midwifery is a demanding profession, but you are stepping into it at a time when the need for skilled, compassionate practitioners is high – and the pathway into employment is becoming clearer.
Good luck – you can do this!