Why I chose T Level Health (Midwifery)

My name is Macie-Leigh Cousins, and I am currently studying BSc (Hons) Midwifery at Middlesex University. My healthcare journey began during secondary school, where I studied health and social care and T Level Health. During those years, I discovered a deep interest in midwifery and the story behind this profession.

Why I chose T Level Health and my interest in midwifery

Choosing what to study after GCSEs felt like a huge decision, but for me, healthcare - and more specifically midwifery - was always at the centre of that choice. I’ve been fascinated by midwifery since I was around 15, not just because of babies, but because of the wider story behind the profession. Learning about the history of midwifery within the NHS, from the rise in medical interventions like epidurals, to the steady decline in working midwives, completely captured my interest. The more I researched, the more I realised that midwifery is about so much more than labour and delivery – it’s about care, advocacy, and supporting women at some of the most important moments of their lives.

This growing interest led me to choose the T Level Health (Midwifery) course. T Levels are a relatively new qualification in the UK, designed as a practical alternative to A Levels. They combine classroom learning with industry placements, giving students real-world experience alongside their studies. I liked the idea of learning in a way that felt more hands-on and directly linked to my future career.

Skills I’ve gained from the T Level course

The T Level Health (Midwifery) course has helped me develop essential skills needed to become a successful midwife. One of the most important skills I’ve gained is understanding families and cultures from an open-minded perspective. I’ve learnt how to provide person-centred care by tailoring support to meet individual needs rather than making assumptions. This has helped me appreciate the importance of communication, empathy and respect within healthcare settings.

What midwifery means to me

Through my studies, I’ve learnt that midwifery is far more than the art of delivering a baby. It is a caring and rewarding profession that supports women and families from the very beginning of pregnancy through to the postnatal period. Being part of such an important journey in someone’s life comes with huge responsibility, but it’s something I would love to take on. Supporting families during one of their most emotional times is what makes midwifery so meaningful to me. My ambitions extend beyond working solely within the NHS. While infant mortality rates may be low in some developing countries, there is still a growing demand for skilled midwives, particularly for births that take place outside of typical hospital settings. In the future, I hope to become a midwife who can support these frontiers or developing countries, using my skills to help families who may not have easy access to maternity care.

Looking ahead to my future career

Looking ahead, my goal is to make a positive impact within the National Health Service by tackling health inequalities and reducing disparities in maternity care. I want to uphold my duty of care and safeguard families during such a crucial stage of life. The T Level Health (Midwifery) course has confirmed that this is the right path for me, as it offers a challenging, progressive and rewarding career that will continually push me to learn, grow and make a difference.

Advice for future T Level and midwifery applicants

If I could give advice to applicants considering university through a T Level route and applying for an undergraduate midwifery course, it would be to fully embrace the opportunities the T Level offers. Take advantage of the placements, practical learning and real-life experiences, as these will give you a strong foundation and help you stand out when applying to university. Midwifery is a demanding but incredibly rewarding course, so it’s important to be organised, resilient and open to learning from challenges. I would also encourage applicants to stay curious - keep up to date with current issues in maternity care, health inequalities and the pressures facing the NHS, as this will prepare you well for interviews and academic study. Most importantly, make sure your passion for supporting women and families shines through, as midwifery is not just a degree, but a commitment to caring, compassion and lifelong learning.

It’s easy to focus on my studies and talk about my future. However, during my time at Middlesex, I have also had the chance to meet some of my best friends, create unforgettable memories and step out of my comfort zone! I’m so excited to see where the rest of my time at Middlesex University takes me.