University to launch modernised midwifery course

Canterbury Christ Church University will launch a new midwifery degree in September

A Kent university is launching a new midwifery degree which aims to incorporate artificial intelligence and teaching about healthcare inequalities.

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) says its new course will "ensure that our students are well prepared to navigate the complexities of modern maternity care" when it starts in September.

The new course comes after the Nursing and Midwifery Council, which has approved it, withdrew accreditation for a previous CCCU midwifery course in 2023.

Dr Paul Driscoll-Evans, dean of the university's midwifery school, said it had "worked closely with health leaders across Kent, Medway and at national level" to design the course.

"Our new curriculum is built on the principles of innovation, inclusivity, excellence and sustainability, ensuring that our students are well prepared to navigate the complexities of modern maternity care."

In May 2023, the Nursing and Midwifery Council highlighted concerns that students were not gaining the expertise needed to deliver safe, effective and kind care.

According to the university, the new course will incorporate new technologies including AI and virtual healthcare to prepare prospective midwives for future advances in healthcare.

The course will be delivered by the university with input from Kent healthcare services including NHS Kent and Medway, as well as maternity service users.

Modules on the course will also teach about how race, gender and other identities can affect people's experience of healthcare.

The course will take on its first cohort of 25 students at the university's Canterbury Campus this year, with another cohort at its Medway campus launching in 2026.

Becky Fox-Collins, director for maternity, neonatal and women's health services at NHS Kent and Medway, said: "Giving people who are passionate about the midwifery profession the opportunity to undertake their training in the maternity services across Kent and Medway will enrich our workplaces and improve our services further."