Midwifery Science, Bachelor of Science

Who is the dual Midwifery Science (B.Sc.) degree at FHM suitable for?

The dual Bachelor's degree in Midwifery Science at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) is aimed at anyone who wishes to prepare thoroughly for the profession of midwife or birth attendant and values a close combination of theory and practice. The target group particularly includes school leavers with university entrance qualification (Abitur) or advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) as well as professionals with a related vocational qualification who want to elevate their work to an academic level. Already trained midwives who want to develop academically and professionally also benefit from recognition opportunities for previous training content.

What admission requirements apply for the degree?

The following admission requirements apply for the dual Bachelor's degree in Midwifery Science (B.Sc.) at FHM:

• University entrance qualification: General university entrance qualification (Abitur), advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Professionals: Applicants with a relevant vocational qualification in healthcare can also be admitted to the degree, based on §10 paragraph 1 of the Midwives Act (HebG).
• Practical training place: A binding training place for practical training in a hospital with a maternity ward. Only after receiving the practical training place is it possible to apply at FHM.
• Further documents:
  • Proof of university entrance qualification (certificate)
  • If applicable, training certificate (regarding health and (paediatric) nursing, qualified nurse, etc.)
  • Training contract for the dual degree with the practical training location
  • Extended police clearance certificate
  • Medical health certificate/report

Please note: You should apply for a practical training place early on at the cooperating clinics or a preferred clinic. Applications at FHM are possible year-round, but it is recommended to apply by 31.08. for a semester start in October.

Personal requirements for the dual Midwifery Science degree are:

• Interest in medical and health-related issues around pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period
• Empathy and social competence in dealing with pregnant women, women in labour and families
• Willingness to work in shifts and flexible working hours, including nights and weekends
• Ability to work as part of a team in interdisciplinary medical environments
• Sense of responsibility and care, especially in caring for mother and child
• Psychological stability and ability to cope with challenging or stressful situations
• Interest in scientific work and willingness for continuous development

The degree is particularly suitable for persons aiming for a practice-oriented and responsible profession in healthcare and who are willing to develop themselves intensively both personally and professionally.

What do you learn in the Bachelor of Midwifery Science (B.Sc.)?

In the dual Bachelor’s degree programme Midwifery Science at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM), you are specifically prepared for the diverse demands of modern obstetrics. You combine scientifically based specialist knowledge with practical elements to professionally support women and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The study contents are divided into various core areas:

• Professional Skills:
  • Biomedical Basics I and II
  • Physiology and Pathology of Pregnancy (basic and advanced modules)
  • Fundamentals of Pathology, Diagnostics & Therapy
  • Physiology and Pathology of Childbirth (basic and advanced modules)
  • Physiology and Pathology of the Postpartum Period (basic and advanced modules)
  • Family and Women’s Health
  • Complex Case Understanding in Obstetrics
• Management Skills:
  • Business Administration and Company Founding
  • Health Economics and Health Systems
  • Legal and Ethical Foundations of Obstetrics
• Smart Skills:
  • Professional Identity and Professional Relationship Building
  • Counselling and Communication
  • Scientific Work & Empirical Research Project
  • Practical Colloquium
  • Practical Studies I & II

In the Skills Lab on campus, you train practical skills in a realistic setting and prepare yourself specifically for your professional everyday life. You already gain practical experience in the delivery room during your studies.

How does the dual study programme work?

The dual study programme lasts 42 months (7 trimesters) and combines scientific teaching with practical phases in a clinic with a maternity ward. The theory phases take place at the FHM campus in Hannover, while you work directly in the delivery room or on the postpartum ward during the practical phases.

• The start of studies is annually in October.
• The teaching follows the FHM competence model with a focus on Professional, Management, and Smart Skills.
• The programme is modular and free of admission restrictions (no NC), and a fixed trimester schedule ensures a clear structure.
• You benefit from small study groups and personal supervision by lecturers and practical experts.
• Thanks to the numerous cooperation clinics, various possible practical locations are available, including Klinikum Bielefeld, Klinikum Herford, Diakovere Hannover, Johanniter Krankenhaus Bonn, and others.
• A modern, family-oriented campus life and the Skills Lab support your development and professional skills.

Already trained midwives can have selected components recognised and thus shorten the duration of their studies.

What career opportunities do you have after the Bachelor in Midwifery Science?

After your graduation, you are qualified to work both freelance and employed as a midwife. Areas of deployment include:

• Freelance midwifery
• Outpatient facilities such as midwifery practices
• Birthing centres
• Hospitals and clinics

The professional everyday life may include care before, during, and after birth, conducting antenatal check-ups, and support in the postpartum period. With the bachelor’s degree, you also open the door to further academic qualifications or specialisations, for example in counselling, management, or educational activities related to obstetrics.

What should you know about the study location Hannover?

The studies take place at the modern FHM campus in Hannover. The location is close to the city centre and well connected by public transport. You benefit from modern teaching and practical rooms (Skills Lab), close personal support, and a family-like campus life. Furthermore, the FHM Online University is available to you, offering access to digital resources and facilitating location-independent work. Numerous cooperation clinics in the greater Hannover area and beyond enable you to complete practical phases in regional and supraregional institutions.

What are the costs and what financing options are there?

• The monthly tuition fees amount to €790.
• A fee of €500 is charged for the final examination.
• The total costs for the programme amount to €33,680.

In dual study programmes, it is common that clinics cover part or all of the tuition fees or support you with a training allowance. Alternatively, you can apply for BAföG, scholarships, or other funding and loans. More detailed information about the options is available directly from the university or from the practice partner.