Article
Which Universities Accept Access to HE for Midwifery?
Last reviewed: September 2026
Choosing a midwifery degree is easier when you compare the published requirements for the exact course and intake. Universities may accept an Access to HE Diploma but ask for different credit profiles, subject content, GCSEs and selection evidence.
Most Access to HE students apply while completing the Diploma for entry in the following academic year. Read the university course page first, record the conditions that apply to you and contact admissions only where the published information is missing or unclear.
Published midwifery entry requirements
University of Manchester
BMidwif Midwifery, 2027 entry
- Access to HE
- QAA-recognised Diploma with 60 credits overall, including 45 at Level 3; 39 Level 3 credits at Distinction and up to 6 at Merit. At least 30 Level 3 credits must be in health or science subjects and include human biology.
- GCSE or Level 2
- Normally five GCSEs at grade 5/B. English Language, Maths and Science may be grade 4/C if five different subjects are at grade 5/B. The university says it does not accept equivalents for GCSE English Language or Maths.
University of Derby
Midwifery BSc (Hons), September 2027 entry
- Access to HE
- Pass a 60-credit Access to HE Diploma, including 45 Level 3 credits with the equivalent of 128 UCAS Tariff points. At least 15 Level 3 credits must be in a science-related subject such as biology, human biology, chemistry, physics, psychology or health and social care.
- GCSE or Level 2
- Maths, English and Science at grade 4/C or above. Derby states that GCSE short courses and GCSE equivalency tests from other organisations are not accepted.
University of Surrey
Midwifery (Registered Midwife) BSc (Hons), 2027 entry
- Access to HE
- QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits, including 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit. The university requires recent study within the last five years.
- GCSE or Level 2
- English Language, Maths and Science at grade 4/C. Level 2 Functional Skills Literacy and Numeracy may replace GCSE English and Maths, and science credits in the Access Diploma may replace GCSE Science.
Birmingham City University
Midwifery BSc (Hons), 2027/28 entry
- Access to HE
- Pass a 60-credit Access to HE Diploma, with at least 45 Level 3 credits: 12 at Distinction and 24 at Merit. Accepted subjects are Health or Nursing and Midwifery.
- GCSE or Level 2
- For Access applicants, GCSE Maths and English Language at grade 4/C or above are required. BCU says five GCSEs are not required and GCSE Science is not required for applicants with Access.
University of Brighton
Midwifery BSc (Hons), 2027 entry
- Access to HE
- Pass a 60-credit Access to HE Diploma in health studies, nursing or science, including at least 45 Level 3 credits with 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above.
- GCSE or Level 2
- Applicants with an Access Diploma require GCSE Maths and English. Brighton's general condition also refers to grade 4/C or above and says accepted equivalent qualifications should be checked.
Coventry University
Midwifery BSc (Hons), 2026/27 course information
- Access to HE
- Access to HE Diploma in a Science or Health subject, with 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit.
- GCSE or Level 2
- GCSE Maths, English and one Science at grade 4/C, or Functional Skills Level 2 or another accepted Level 2 award. Coventry also states that its published standard offer is 128 UCAS Tariff points.
What these examples show
There is no single national Access offer for midwifery. The examples range from 27 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 18 at Merit at Surrey to 39 Level 3 credits at Distinction and up to 6 at Merit at Manchester. Some universities specify a Tariff total as well as a credit profile, while others focus on the profile itself.
Subject wording also varies. Health, health science, nursing and midwifery, science, human biology and health and social care may be treated differently. Compare the wording with the units in your own Diploma. The formal qualification offered by Academy Online Learning is the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions); use that title when asking a university to assess your qualification.
GCSE conditions are just as important. A university may require English, Maths and Science, accept particular Level 2 equivalents or allow Access science credits to replace GCSE Science. Do not assume that a condition published for nursing, another branch of healthcare or a different intake applies to midwifery.
Questions for admissions
First read the full course page, admissions policy and any linked selection guidance. If the answer is not published or the wording is ambiguous, ask a focused question that includes the course title, UCAS code, intake and formal Access qualification title. For example:
- Does the published Access requirement apply to the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions)?
- Do the science or human biology credits in my planned Diploma meet the subject condition?
- Which Level 2 qualifications do you accept in place of GCSE English, Maths or Science?
- Do you require a particular amount of care experience, and how should it be evidenced?
- Are there additional interview, occupational health, DBS or placement conditions for this intake?
Plan your next step
Use the midwifery degree entry requirements guide to make a checklist for each course. The midwifery UCAS application guide explains how to apply while studying Access to HE, including pending qualifications and references. If you are still choosing your route, see the Midwifery course page and use the Access to HE UCAS points calculator alongside the university's full requirements.