Access to Midwifery Course (Access to HE Diploma)

An Access to Midwifery course is a Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma designed for adult learners (aged 19+) who want to progress to a midwifery degree at a UK university without holding A-levels. Awarded by Skills & Education Group Access and regulated by the QAA, it is recognised by universities across the UK as the standard mature student entry route. The course covers human biology, psychology, and midwifery and health studies over around 12 months of online, self-paced study, with no exams — you build a portfolio of assignments graded at Pass, Merit, or Distinction.

Yes — universities across the UK accept the Access to HE Diploma as the standard entry route for adult applicants to midwifery degree programmes. The qualification is regulated by the QAA and carries identical academic recognition whether studied online or in a classroom. Most midwifery programmes specify a grade profile of Distinctions and Merits rather than a simple UCAS points total, so check the specific conditions at your chosen institutions. Our enrolment advisers can help you identify universities whose entry requirements align with a realistic target grade profile before you begin.

Midwifery is a competitive degree and most universities specify a high grade profile — commonly around 30–45 Distinction credits alongside Merit grades in the remaining units. This translates to roughly 120–144 UCAS points. Some programmes also require GCSE Maths, English, and a science subject at grade 4/C or above, as well as evidence of relevant healthcare or care experience. We recommend contacting your target universities early in your studies to confirm their exact requirements so you can aim for the right grade profile from the start.

You need to be aged 19 or over, hold UK residency, and have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or equivalent — Functional Skills Level 2 in each subject is also accepted. A science GCSE is helpful but not always required at the Access to HE stage (check your target university’s specific requirements). Relevant care or healthcare experience is strongly valued by midwifery admissions teams even if not formally required for the Access course itself. Every application is reviewed individually — our team can assess your suitability in a pre-enrolment conversation.

The typical completion time is 9–12 months, based on around 10–15 hours of study per week. Because the course is fully self-paced and online, you can complete in less time or spread study over up to 24 months to fit around work, childcare, or other commitments. There are no fixed start dates or term structures, so you can begin at any point in the year and progress through units whenever you’re ready. The self-paced format is one of the most popular features for learners balancing study with existing responsibilities.

No — the course is 100% portfolio and coursework assessed across all 16 units. You submit written assignments online at your own pace and receive detailed written feedback from your personal tutor. There are no timed examinations, no exam halls, and no end-of-year tests. Units are graded at Pass, Merit, or Distinction, and these grades directly determine your UCAS points total and your competitiveness for midwifery degree entry.

You can earn up to 144 UCAS points — the equivalent of three A-levels at the highest grades. The exact total depends on your grades across the 16 units: a predominantly Pass profile earns approximately 96–120 points, a Merit profile earns around 120–132 points, and a Distinction profile earns up to 144 points. Most midwifery programmes require a strong grade profile rather than a simple points threshold, so the grade distribution across your units matters as much as the overall total. UCAS publishes the Access to HE tariff tables on its website.

The Access to HE Diploma can be paid in full upfront with a pay-in-full discount, or you can spread the cost interest-free with a flexible monthly payment plan. There is no Student Finance scheme for Access to HE through learndirect — you pay learndirect directly, with no credit checks. Once you progress to your full undergraduate degree at a UK university, you can apply for the standard Student Finance package (tuition fee loan and maintenance loan) in the normal way. Our enrolment advisers will walk you through the payment options and confirm the right plan for your circumstances.

The Midwifery pathway is built around three subject areas: Human Biology (covering anatomy and physiology, the reproductive system, transport and respiration, cells, immunity, and genetics — all essential for understanding pregnancy, birth, and neonatal care), Psychology (including health psychology, early socialisation and attachment, and maternal mental health), and Midwifery and Health Studies (covering professional communication, health promotion, ethical dilemmas in practice, and an extended research project). The combination is specifically chosen to match what midwifery degree programmes expect applicants to have covered.

Yes — the course is designed specifically for adult learners with existing commitments. There are no fixed lectures, no campus attendance, and no set submission deadlines tied to term dates. You access all materials and submit assignments through our online platform whenever it suits your schedule — evenings, early mornings, weekends, or during breaks at work. Many of our learners complete this programme while working full time in healthcare support roles. We recommend setting aside around 10–15 hours per week, though this is entirely flexible around your life.

The Access to HE Diploma is a Level 3 qualification specifically designed for adults aged 19 and over, whereas A-levels are typically studied by school leavers aged 16–18. Both earn UCAS points (up to 144 for the Access Diploma), and both are accepted by universities as valid entry qualifications. The Access Diploma has no examinations and is assessed entirely by coursework, which many adult learners find more compatible with their learning style and life circumstances. The QAA regulates all Access to HE qualifications nationally, ensuring they meet consistent academic standards — universities treat a strong Access Diploma result with the same seriousness as strong A-level grades.