What IGCSEs Do I Need to Be a Midwife?

Many midwives feel like their job is a privilege and that they are honoured to be able to share such a special moment with a family. To become a midwife, you’ll need to take an approved degree programme. You will have some options, including a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or a midwifery degree apprenticeship. 

Entry into any of these programmes is competitive, so you’ll want to build a strong academic profile to ensure you get accepted. Entry requirements can vary between programme providers, so you’ll want to check with each school to find out what qualifications you will need to meet. 

However, it all starts with building a strong foundation at the IGCSE level to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to succeed throughout all future academic levels.

Essential IGCSEs for Midwifery

Different programmes have requirements that applicants must meet to be accepted into their midwifery programme. In general, you’ll want to make sure to cover the core subjects required for most undergraduate programmes. Some university and midwifery programmes require a specific number of IGCSEs at a certain grade. These requirements usually include Maths, English, and Science subjects.

IGCSE Maths

Midwives need to have good numeracy skills. They often need to calculate dosages of medications or measure a newborn’s growth. IGCSE Maths can provide a foundation in maths, which will help aspiring midwives as they advance in their studies.

IGCSE English Language

Midwives need to be able to communicate effectively. They will need to explain medical situations to new parents, provide emotional support, and be able to write patient notes so that they are easily understood by others. They need to be able to express ideas and concepts both orally and in writing. IGCSE English Language lays a strong foundation for being able to communicate effectively using any means. 

IGCSE Biology

Midwifery is directly associated with nursing, making IGCSE Biology a crucial topic for those starting on the journey to a medical career. Learning about how the human body, body systems, human reproduction, and the circulatory system work together lays a foundation for understanding pregnancy and childbirth.

Optional IGCSEs for Midwives

IGCSE Psychology

Midwives work closely with families and can benefit from studying Psychology. They need to gain an understanding of how emotions affect families, especially expecting parents. A midwife must support the entire family, including expecting parents, siblings, and grandparents, as they adjust to major changes occurring in their lives and families. IGCSE Psychology provides core knowledge that future psychology courses can build on.

IGCSE Sociology

Some university programmes may require a social science course for entry. IGCSE Sociology helps prepare for midwifery studies, especially for understanding social factors that influence pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. It’s also helpful for developing critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as raising awareness of societal influences on different healthcare practices.

Requirements for Top Universities

University of Manchester IGCSE Requirements 

Applicants for entry into the midwifery program at the University of Manchester will need to be able to demonstrate completion of a broad general education, which includes five IGCSEs/GCSE at Grade B or 5. These may include core subjects like Maths, Science, and English. Students need to have at least a Grade of C or 4 in English Language, Science, and Mathematics.

University of Glasgow IGCSE Requirements

If you want to study midwifery at the University of Glasgow, you’ll need to take both IGCSE/GCSE English Language and English Literature with a Grade 8/9 or A/B. Applicants must also achieve an overall GPA of 3.5 and complete advanced coursework in required subjects.  To ensure acceptance into Glasgow, you’ll want to create a polished, impressive academic profile.

Vanderbilt University IGCSE Requirements 

The acceptance rate into the midwifery school at Vanderbilt is between 40 and 60%. In this highly competitive environment, it’s important to create an undeniably strong academic profile. It’s critical to get as many entry points as possible. This means at the IGCSE level, you’ll want to cover as many core subjects as possible and achieve the highest scores possible.

How to Choose Your IGCSE Subjects for Midwifery

University Programme Requirements

Check with your programmes of choice to learn about their entry requirements. Your first priority should be to take IGCSE subjects for Midwifery that are required by their programme. If you have covered their requirements, or the university doesn’t have specific IGCSE requirements, take relevant subjects that will help strengthen your academic profile. 

Choose Subjects You Like

It’s true! You can pick what you like. Students perform better and learn faster when they like the topic they are studying. By selecting subjects you are really interested in, you’ll enjoy your coursework more, and you will do much better, which means higher grades reflected in your profile.

Keeping Options Open

You’ll want to make sure to cover all your academic bases. Students typically need at least five subjects, but can take up to 14 if they want. After you complete your five basic subjects, continue to build your profile by taking other related or core IGCSE subjects. Even if you are certain you want to go into midwifery, there are many specialities you may want to pursue. Having a broad base of core subjects gives you more options later.

What Happens If I Don’t Choose These Subjects?

To complete a degree in midwifery, you’ll need a solid base of Maths, English, and Science courses. If you are uncomfortable with these, you may want to select a different academic pathway. Of course, it is always up to you, but if you do not choose core subjects that help build essential skills, you will be cheating yourself and wasting your time. Pick your IGCSE subjects carefully to set yourself up for success in school and in life.

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