Maternity Care, HECert

Recognised by UNICEF UK

matcare

Course Overview

Whether you’re starting out, changing direction, or deepening your expertise, our innovative and Certificate of Higher Education in Maternity Care offers a powerful springboard into a meaningful and rewarding career, or further academic study.

Designed for learners with an interest in maternity or health care - or for those already working in the sector who want to strengthen and formalise their skills, this programme has been a trusted route into diverse professional pathways since 2014.

There is also the opportunity, upon completion of the pathway, for direct entry into Year 2 of the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care programme, allowing for smooth academic progression. Graduates have also go on to further undergraduate study in Midwifery, Nursing and other related disciplines with the core skills and knowledge for professional practice.

This programme instills a strong emphasis on self-awareness, holistic support, and inclusive care. You will develop in-depth knowledge of:

  • Anatomy, physiology and emotional transitions in pregnancy and parenting
  • Communication, culture, and diversity in health and maternity services
  • The social context of family life and reproductive health in the UK

Why Maternity Care at Swansea University?

You will be studying in a department with an international reputation, our Infant feeding education aligns with UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative standards, reflected in the by Stage 1 accreditation achieved by our midwifery programme.

Our Midwifery and Reproductive Health team have extensive expertise in maternity care with a strong focus on empowering women and families throughout the pregnancy, birth and the early parenting process. Many of the team are active in maternity research and are driven to try to improve knowledge and understanding of women’s bodies, experiences, and needs during the transition to motherhood.

The curriculum has also been designed in response to increasing demands for support roles in maternity care in the UK. There is growing awareness of and demand for non-midwifery maternity support roles, including doulas and antenatal educators, as well as enhanced training opportunities for Maternity Support Workers (MSWs) and nursery nurses working in postnatal settings. The programme directly supports the development of these roles by providing a university-accredited foundation in maternity care, addressing gaps in professional progression and enabling flexible entry into higher education for students.

Antenatal education has been explicitly included within the curriculum as a key employability outcome, focusing primarily on the role of education and preparation in supporting expectant families during pregnancy as part of wider maternity care.

Upon completion of the programme you will have developed the confidence, communication strategies, and pedagogical understanding necessary to deliver inclusive, evidence-based antenatal education in community or voluntary settings. Not only strengthening your service provision but also expanding your own career pathway options. You will be established as an independent practitioner or you will have enhanced your employability opportunities within NHS and third sector roles.

Your Maternity Care experience

This Certificate of Higher Education in Maternity Care comprises of 120 compulsory credits (four 30 credit modules) at level 4.  The programme will be delivered within standard university semesters, on a full-time or part time basis, with students studying on campus/via Zoom one day per week over one year full-time and one day per fortnight over two years part-time, with the rest of the learning delivered via directed learning.      

This programme is delivered through a blended learning approach, offering you the best of both worlds: the structure and support of live teaching with the freedom to learn in a way that fits your life. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other responsibilities, this course is designed to be as accessible and adaptable as you need it to be.

You can choose to attend in person or engage remotely via distance learning, with dedicated support whichever route you take. All live teaching (in person or via Zoom) takes place on a fixed day to provide you with a consistent and predictable schedule. Sessions are recorded and available on demand, giving you complete flexibility to catch up or revisit content at a time that works for you.

There are some in-person learning elements included to help you build essential practical and interpersonal skills. These are considerately scheduled and fully supported to ensure all learners can participate and engage. With this flexible delivery model, you don’t have to choose between your ambitions and your existing commitments.

Maternity Care Careers

The programme embeds key employability skills, professional attributes, and entrepreneurial awareness throughout each module, ensuring you are well equipped for either your future career development, academic progression, or further study.

On completing of the programme there are a number of career opportunities available to you:

  • Self-employed doula
  • Antenatal Educator
  • Maternity Support Worker/Maternity Care Assistant (MSWs)
  • Further study: programmes are available to our successful students who can apply to study Midwifery, Nursing and Health and Social Care degrees. This includes entry to Year 2 of BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Maternity Care, HECert

Maternity Care, HECert