PDA Developing Professional Practice in Health and Social Care: Maternity Support
- Location
- Distance/Online Learning
- SCQF Level
- 7
- Start Date & time
- 1 Sep 2026 @ 6pm to 9pm (Tuesday evenings)
- Qualification Type
- PDA
- Course Type
- Evening
- Duration
- 36 weeks
£799.00
Payment plan available, please enquire.
PDA Developing Professional Practice in Health and Social Care: Maternity Support is designed for healthcare support workers looking to build their knowledge, skills and confidence in maternity care. It is also an excellent progression route for those who have completed the HNC Healthcare Practice and wish to strengthen their application for midwifery degree programmes.
The award is equally suited to individuals with an interest in maternity services or those considering careers such as Maternity Support Worker, Maternity Care Assistant, Childbirth Educator or Doula.
What will I learn?
This course is partially funded. You will be required to pay a deposit once you have been accepted on the course. Depending on eligibility and previous study, you may be able to apply for SAAS
PDA Developing Professional Practice in Health and Social Care: Maternity Support is made up of three units.
The course begins with an introductory unit that explores the communication skills, values and professional qualities required of the care worker. You will also learn about the importance of inter-professional working and collaboration in delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
You will then study two specialist units focusing on maternal health and wellbeing, and foetal health and wellbeing, helping you develop a deeper understanding of supporting women and babies throughout pregnancy and maternity care.
You will learn about the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and immediately following birth, including the development of the fetus and antenatal screening processes. In addition, the course will look at obstetric emergencies and appropriate assessment and treatment.
The role of the maternity support worker in supporting the woman/person and baby will also be explored.
Finally, you will learn about hospital and community-based maternity care in relation to supporting maternal and foetal health and well-being.
Throughout the course, you will develop the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to deliver effective care under the guidance of a registered practitioner.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- NC Level 6 in a Health or Care related area OR
- SWAP Access to Nursing OR
- HNC Healthcare Practice
- One Higher, preferably English
- A detailed personal statement
- You are also invited without formal qualifications. This will be subject to an entrance exam.
Jobs and further study
This qualification enhances successful candidates' application for a senior health care support worker role within the NHS and care sector.
Following successful completion of the course, you will have a qualification that supports application to Year 1 of degree programmes in nursing and midwifery at a variety of universities.
Take a look at the course progression map for health care courses.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.