Alternative qualifications
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- BTEC HND/HNC
- BTEC Extended Diploma
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
Alternative qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
Pass in the Access to Nursing and Midwifery / Health Professions (or equivalent) to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and the remaining 15 at Merit or above.
The diploma must include 24 credits at level 3 in human biology all achieved at Distinction. Modules relating to conducting and writing up lab reports will not count towards biology credits.
GCSE English language and maths are also required at grade 4 or above.
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (2010 specification)
Minimum of DDM with five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C) including English language, maths and science. You must achieve 60 credits from the following units:
- Development through the life stages
- Anatomy and Physiology for health and social care
- Physiological disorders
- Nutrition for health and social care
- Complementary therapies for health and social care
- Human inheritance for health and social care
- Infection prevention and control
- Physiology of fluid balance
BTEC Extended Diploma Applied Science (2010 specification)
Minimum of DDM with five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C) in English language, maths and science. You must achieve 60 credits from the following modules:
- Physiology of Human Body Systems
- Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction
- Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques
- Microbiological Techniques
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering
- Biomedical Science Techniques
Please note that we require certain Biology units’ dependent upon BTEC taken and usually these Biology units must make up a minimum of 60 credits of the 180 award.
BTEC 2016 specifications for Level 3 National Extended Diploma
The following National Extended Diplomas should be passed with a minimum of Distinction, Distinction, Merit (DDM) plus five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C) or above, including English language, maths and science.
- BTEC level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
- BTEC level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (Health Studies)
- BTEC level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Please note: we do not accept CACHE qualifications.
This list is not exhaustive and we may accept BTECs other than those listed. For individual advice, please make an enquiry.
Contextual offers
We recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement at school or college. These offers are usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
Notes for applicants
For all courses, selection is made based on meeting entry requirements, academic potential, and evidence of a commitment to midwifery.
All offers are subject to being successful at interview, satisfactory occupational health screening, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
Interview
You'll be required to attend a mandatory interview in line with our professional and regulatory body requirements.
Work experience
You should consider work experience or extracurricular activities to boost your application. This can include experience in the caring environment or other environments, such as working in a cafe. You need to identify any skills that you have gained from this experience and reflect these in your personal statement and interview.
Health and Criminal Records screening
All applicants are subject to a health screening by Occupational Health, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks before they can commence the course.
Minimum age requirement
We do not consider your application if you will be under 17 years and 10 months on the 1 September of the year you start your course.
Part-time working alongside University studies
As a student on a full-time professional training programme it is expected that your prime focus would be your full-time University studies. Any student who is considering part-time paid employment alongside their University studies is advised to discuss their position with their personal tutor before committing to that course of action.
Previous applicants
You are welcome to submit an application, even if you have previously applied to study midwifery at the University of Nottingham. Applicants who have been unsuccessful in a midwifery interview with us previously should contact us before submitting a second application for further advice.
Foundation progression options
If you don't meet the requirements for this course and you are a UK or EU student, you might want to consider our one-year health sciences Foundation Certificate.
Mature Students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.