Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery)
Course level: 3
Course code: CP0361A
01/09/2025
a future adult learner (19+)
Is this course right for me?
If you want to pursue a career in midwifery or health visiting—but don’t currently have the qualifications needed to go to university—our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to take the next step.
The Access to Higher Education qualification is widely recognised by universities and is designed to bridge the gap between your existing qualifications and what is needed to study at degree level.
This intensive and challenging one-year course has a strong focus on the roles, responsibilities and essential skills of a midwife. You will gain an understanding of the physical, emotional, and professional demands of the role, as well as the wider context of healthcare and support services.
To succeed on this course, you will need to be committed, focused, and enthusiastic about caring for others. Good time management and a willingness to engage in independent study are essential—particularly if you are balancing study with work or family life.
Before starting the course, it is important that you have researched your chosen university degree, attended open days, and are confident that midwifery or health visiting is the career path you want to follow.
If you are passionate about supporting others and want to work in a vital area of healthcare, our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) will help you take the first step towards a rewarding and meaningful career.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
To access this course you are required to have:
- English at Level 2 (eg GCSE grade 4/C or above / equivalent Functional Skills qualification depending on individual university requirements)
- Maths at Level 2 (eg GCSE grade 4/C or above / equivalent Functional Skills qualification depending on individual university requirements) *
- Commitment to the course and be motivated and determined to be successful on this intensive programme of study
What will I learn?
During this course, you will gain both academic knowledge and practical skills that will prepare you for studying at university level and for working in healthcare roles such as midwifery and health visiting.
You will explore a range of topics that underpin health and social care, with a particular focus on the roles, responsibilities, and professional skills required in midwifery. The course will also give you the opportunity to:
-
Develop strong presentation and public speaking skills
-
Take part in academic debates and discussions
-
Learn how to conduct academic research and apply findings
-
Improve your academic writing and referencing techniques
-
Build confidence in reading and interpreting complex texts
-
Strengthen your literacy and numeracy skills
These skills will help you progress to a degree course and succeed in a healthcare environment where communication, attention to detail, and analytical thinking are essential.
What skills will I gain?
Throughout the course, you will develop the essential academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in a healthcare setting.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
-
Communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats, suitable for academic and professional environments
-
Conduct independent research and apply findings to real-world healthcare scenarios
-
Demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to reflect on your learning and practice
-
Participate in discussions and debates with confidence and clarity
-
Manage your time effectively and meet deadlines—key skills for university and professional life
-
Work independently and as part of a team
-
Develop resilience, organisation, and attention to detail—essential traits for midwifery and health visiting roles
Upon successful completion, you will be awarded the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) by AIM Qualifications, which is widely recognised by universities as a route into degree-level study.
How will I be assessed?
This is an assessment-based course. You will be assessed through a combination of:
-
Essays
-
Research projects
-
Presentations
-
Group discussions
-
Academic assignments
What can I do next?
The skills you will learn on this course will enable you to:
-
Progress to a higher education degree in midwifery, health visiting, nursing, public health, or other healthcare-related fields (Please check with your chosen university to ensure they accept this diploma for entry.)
-
Begin your journey toward a career in areas such as maternity care, health visiting, community nursing, or public health services
Future careers
Whether you know what you want, or you don’t, get career inspo with our Future Finder.
At City of Wolverhampton College, we boast strong links with leading universities and over 1,000 employers – meaning our courses are all career focussed and relevant.
Like what you’ve seen?
Then it’s time to apply.
Unsure whats right for you?
Visit us at one of our Open Events and see what City of Wolverhampton College has to offer.
