MSc Midwifery at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

This two-year MSc builds on existing adult nursing skills to develop professional competency as a midwife. Graduates receive a Masters in Midwifery and are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a midwife; the programme meets the NMC Future Midwife standards of proficiency, including systematic examination of the newborn. It was co-designed with maternity service users and carers, midwifery students and practice partners, and uses the School's simulation centre alongside practice placements.

What you will study

Year 1 core modules include Foundations of Professional Midwifery (20 credits), Infant Feeding (10), Developing Skilled Midwifery Practice (20) and Health for All: Women, Families and Midwives (20), with Quality Improvement in an Interprofessional Context and Safe Medicate 3 (0 credits). Placements are mainly within one HSC Trust in Northern Ireland, with at least one placement in another NI HSC Trust.

Career pathways

Graduates register as midwives with the NMC; the programme is described as a fast-track to a midwifery career.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A Bachelor (Honours) degree in Adult Nursing at 2.1 standard or equivalent (2.2 may be considered in exceptional circumstances); NMC registration as an adult nurse; at least 6 months' post-registration experience as a nurse within a Northern Ireland HSC Trust; current employment as an Adult Nurse in a Northern Ireland HSC Trust (visa restrictions currently prevent international adult nurses working in Northern Ireland from applying). Two referees (ideally one educational and one employment). Offers are subject to Occupational Health assessment, an Access NI enhanced check and safeguarding clearance. For the January 2027 intake, applications closed 16 October 2026 at 4pm with interviews in the week of 2 November 2026. IELTS 7.0 overall with at least 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking and 6.5 in writing, or an equivalent qualification.

Intake: January 2027

Duration: 2 years full-time

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