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University Expert Diploma in Midwife-Led Care in Birth Centers and Home Birth

University Expert Diploma in Midwife-Led Care in Birth Centers and Home Birth

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Modality
Hybrid learning format
Languages
Spanish, English
Credits
15
Date
October 15, 2026
Ending Date
May, 2027
Planning
Synchronous online sessions: one or two Thursdays per month, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Two in-person sessions:
- January 22, 23 and 24, 2027
- May 21, 22 and 23, 2027
Places
40
Location
Blanquerna-URL - Carrer Padilla, 326-332. 08025 Barcelona
Faculty
Blanquerna School of Health Sciences

Presentation

The University Expert Diploma in Midwife-Led Care is a pioneering program aimed at midwives who wish to deepen and consolidate their advanced practice in the care of low-risk pregnancies and births in hospitals, birth centers, and at home. The program strengthens professional autonomy and clinical leadership through evidence-based practice and provides tools to promote real change in the way maternity care is delivered, expanding professional opportunities both within and beyond the public healthcare system.

This programme is carried out in collaboration with the Associació de Llevadores del Part A casa de Catalunya.

Logotip d'ALPAC

If you choose the Expert Diploma in Midwife-Led Care, you choose…

Training aimed at improving the quality of care by promoting safer, more respectful, and woman- and family-centered care.
Learning from nationally and internationally renowned faculty in midwife-led care in hospitals, birth centers, and home settings.
Updating your practice with a program aligned with international recommendations and the best available scientific evidence.
Meaningful learning through seminars, clinical simulations, workshops, and real-life cases.
Flexible online and in-person training designed to balance professional and personal life with high-quality learning.
Expanding professional horizons both within and outside the public healthcare system.

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Curriculum

Module 1. Midwifery-led care models, professional leadership, ethics and interdisciplinary work (5 ECTS)

Historical evolution and current status of birth care models
Competency framework for midwives at national and international level
Impact on maternal and neonatal health of midwifery-led care models
The midwife as a leader in different professional settings
Leadership and management strategies in midwifery-led units
Leadership and management strategies in home birth care
Collaborative work, effective communication and conflict management
Tools for entrepreneurship in midwifery
Gender perspective in sexual and reproductive health care and intersectionality

Module 2. Comprehensive care for women during pregnancy in midwifery-led care models (3 ECTS)

Pregnancy care models and impact on health outcomes
Woman- and family-centred antenatal care
Obstetric examination and abdominal palpation
Scientific evidence and complementary tests
Health promotion and prevention of pregnancy complications
Pregnancy biomechanics and maternal adaptation
Deviations from normality and midwifery practice
Systems thinking approach and preparation for motherhood

Module 3. Care for physiological birth and initial management of complications (4 ECTS)

Birth care models and impact on health outcomes
Birth environments and scientific evidence
Physiology and biomechanics of labour
Care during birth in hospital, birth centres and home settings
Physical and emotional support during labour and non-pharmacological pain relief methods
Water birth
Hypnobirthing and mental preparation techniques for birth
Intermittent auscultation and fetal well-being assessment
Strategies to minimise unnecessary interventions
Care for women in special situations during birth
Breech birth
Detection of complications and management of obstetric emergencies

Module 4. Postpartum and breastfeeding care (3 ECTS)

Postpartum care models and impact on health outcomes
Postpartum physiology and continuity of care at home
Advanced breastfeeding support and infant feeding
Assessment of the healthy newborn and early detection of problems
Perinatal mental health in the postpartum period
Perinatal grief and emotional support
Pelvic floor assessment and recovery
Perineal suturing and postpartum care
Natural contraception in the postpartum period and fertility counselling

Optional internships

For students who are interested, there is the possibility of undertaking extracurricular placements in home-based care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, with midwives who are experts in this field.

15% - Blanquerna Alumni

Blanquerna alumni from any study program associated with a previous paid enrollment. Offered only once for each different type of qualification in which the alumnus/a wishes to enroll.

10 to 15% – Institutions and Partner Companies

Companies with which there is a formal collaboration agreement.

10% – Professional Associations

With all professional associations that have a valid collaboration agreement in place. Proof of membership is required.

10% – University Institutions

Faculty, administrative staff, students, and alumni of university institutions with which there is a study/exchange agreement.

Theoretical-practical classrooms and clinical simulation

Theoretical-practical classrooms and clinical simulation

Putting theory into practice is key to gaining knowledge. In the case of nursing, it is a key aspect before dealing with patients. The faculty has simulation classrooms to prepare students for clinical interventions.

Anatomy room. Osteoteca

Anatomy room. Osteoteca

This room has teaching resources so that students can become familiar with the human body, identify and locate muscles, bones, arteries, veins or nerves.

Anatomy

Anatomy

See human anatomy in its entirety on a real scale and in 3D. This is the reality that allows the anatomy, an interactive display table to see any anatomical system of the human body.

Academic Secretary

Academic Secretary

The Academic Secretaries of the Blanquerna faculties are the space for students to relate to the processes linked to the registration of official and own courses.

Student Information and Guidance Service (SIOE)

Student Information and Guidance Service (SIOE)

Would you like to receive information on pre-registration and admissions processes, scholarships and grants or validations? The SIOE is the service you need. Ask for all the information about any of these processes and discover all the possibilities at your fingertips.

Internship service

Internship service

Professional experience is a core part of our methodology. For this reason, we have a broad spectrum of internship agreements to meet the needs and preferences of all students. You will graduate having worked in your industry.

Scholarships and grants service

Scholarships and grants service

At Blanquerna, we put the future within everyone's reach thanks to our scholarships and grant service to start or continue studying at our schools. Financial aid is both internal and external to the university. You will find a wide range of possibilities.

International Mobility Office

Servei de mobilitat i relacions internacionals

International Mobility Office

Going abroad is a unique opportunity to discover the plurality of the world. Aware of the importance of the internationalization of studies, we have established mobility agreements around the world.

Careers

Talent Day 2017 Facultat de Comunicació i Relacions Internacionals

Careers

This service provides graduates with the necessary means so that they can actively participate in their professionalism and propose optimal candidates to organizations and companies looking for staff.

Job Bank

Job Bank

The leap into the world of work is always a challenge. For this reason, we provide a Job Bank for students and graduates. This service puts students in touch with companies and institutions looking for staff.

Social Commitment

Social Commitment

Solidarity and the struggle for human dignity are values that identify us. Social Commitment is a volunteer program that our students can join to participate in projects in the Third and Fourth World.

Alumni service

Alumni service

Studying in Blanquerna allows you to be part of our community. Being a college student opens the door to a lot of options for continuing your vocational training beyond your time in the classroom.

Sports service

Sports service

Want to represent the URL in college sports tournaments? You can find a wide range of possibilities for both individual and team sports. To be a student of Blanquerna, you will have a discount at the Can Caralleu and La Salle Sport & Fitness sports complexes.

Personal Guidance Service (SOP)

Personal Guidance Service (SOP)

If you are in a difficult situation in the academic, personal or social field, you can request, free of charge, the personalized attention of the SOP. This is an interdisciplinary team of professionals who will guide you in dealing with the situation.

Faith and Spirituality

Faith and Spirituality

In the three Blanquerna faculties, you will find spaces for reflection isolated from the hustle and bustle dedicated to the celebration of the Faith or cultural and religious animation. If you wish, you can also receive personalized attention and information about church life.

Diversity support

Diversity support

At Blanquerna we promote personal development at all levels to people with a diversity of specific needs from a normalizing context that encourages personal autonomy and uniqueness.

Blanquerna Choir

Blanquerna Choir

If you like music and want to take part in the concerts of institutional events and festivities, sign up for the Blanquerna Choir. There you will meet new friends and enjoy music.

Blanquerna Symphony Orchestra

Blanquerna Symphony Orchestra

If you play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, double bass…), a wind instrument (oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba…), or percussion (timpani…), join us! And don’t worry — if you play another instrument (saxophone, drums, flugelhorn…), you’re also welcome to audition!

Student representatives

Student representatives

Each class group must elect a representative to put forward concerns or make proposals to the faculty members and academic management. At the same time, each degree must appoint a delegate and each school a representative on the general URL council.

Student Council

Student Council

Contact between students and the university is constant and is channeled through the Student Council, the body that collects proposals and requests from students and facilitates university life.

Language support service

Language support service

Are you studying a foreign language and want to improve your level? Do it at your own pace in the language self-learning classroom. This service offers various teaching resources and materials to practice the language.

Anti-harassment Point

Anti-harassment Point

We’re here to listen! Have you experienced or witnessed any situation of harassment? Do you have any questions about Blanquerna’s equality policy? Would you like to make a proposal or suggestion regarding gender issues? Use this Anti-harassment Point: write to us through the channels you’ll find at the bottom of this page.

Libraries

Libraries

If you need a quiet space to study or to do individual and group work, come to the library! Each school has its own library with computers, workrooms, reading points and an extensive catalog of documents you can consult in both hard copy and digital format.

Computer rooms

Computer rooms

If you have a job or just need a computer, you can go to the computer classrooms or workspaces and use the Macs we have at your disposal.

Chapel

Chapel

The chapel is the right place to find recollection, peace, to focus, to pray and to celebrate the Eucharist weekly and at important liturgical moments (Christmas, Ash Wednesday and Easter). The sacrament of reconciliation is also celebrated.

Faculty (among others)

Directors: Dr. Anna Martin Arribas, PhD, RM, RN | Laia Casadevall Castañé, PhDc, RM, RN
Coordination of the 2026-27 course implementation: Marta Villanova Trullenque, PhDc, RNM

Lucía Alcaraz, PhD, RNM (ASSIR Metropolitana Nord, Barcelona)
Laia Aguilar, PhD, RNM (LactApp, Barcelona)
Àngels Bonet, RNM (ASSIR Bages and independent practice, Barcelona)
Soledad Carregui, PhD, RNM (Hospital de la Plana, Castellón)
Garazi Carrillo, PhDc, RNM (AQuA, Barcelona)
Laura Cámara, PhD, RNM (Ginesex, Granada)
Laia Casadevall, PhDc, RNM (Independent practice, Barcelona)
Ank de Jong, PhD (Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands)
Soo Downe, PhD, RNM (University of Lancashire, United Kingdom)
Ramon Escuriet, PhD, RNM (CatSalut and Department of Health, Barcelona)
Quique Estévez, RNM (Hospital Trueta de Girona and independent practice, Girona)
Francisca Fernández Guillén, Abgd (Self-employed practice, Madrid)
Andreia Gonçalves, PhD, RNM (Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Portugal)
Marta García, Psyc, RNM (Independent practice, Barcelona)
Maria Llavoré, RNM, ANT (Hospital de Sant Pau i de la Santa Creu, Barcelona)
Inma Marcos, RNM (Independent practice at Néixer a Casa, Barcelona)
Anna Martín, PhD, RNM (Blanquerna Faculty of Health Sciences, Barcelona)
Margarita Manresa, PhD, RNM (Hospital Clínic, Barcelona)
Silvia Molina, RNM (Espai Mares, Girona)
Nazareth Oliveira, MSc, RNM (Independent practice, Madrid)
Ibone Olza, PhD, MD (European Institute of Perinatal Mental Health, Madrid)
Lluna Orus, RNM (Birth Centre at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu de Martorell, Barcelona)
Alba Pallisé, RNM (ICS Tarragona-Valls and La Matriusca Cooperative, Tarragona)
Cristina Pérez, RNM (Self-employed practice, Barcelona)
Inmaculada Sofía Pol Buades, RNM (Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom)
Cristina Rodríguez, RNM (Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom)
Imma Sàrries, RNM (Independent practice, Barcelona)
Eva Vela, RNM (ASSIR, Barcelona)
Rafael Vila, PhD, RNM (Hospital de la Ribera and International University of Valencia, Valencia)
Marta Villanova, PhDc, RNM (Blanquerna Faculty of Health Sciences, Barcelona)
Shawn Walker, PhD, RM (King’s College London, United Kingdom)

Professors

Anna Martin Arribas

Marta Villanova Trullenque

Application process

In order to be admitted to this program, applicants must hold an official midwifery qualification, either as a specialist nurse in obstetrics and gynaecology or with a university degree in midwifery, obtained within the Spanish education system or in another country of the European Higher Education Area.

Qualifications obtained outside the European Higher Education Area may also be accepted, provided that they demonstrate an equivalent level of education and that, in the country of origin, the qualification grants access to the professional practice of midwifery.

The application process consists of two parts:

Pre-enrollment
Enrollment

Pre-enrollment

Students can pre-enroll online (by accessing Pre-enrollment | Blanquerna or the pre-enrollment option for each course). It can also be done in person at the School.

During the process, the candidate must submit the requested documentation:

ID card, passport or NIE residence card.
Certified photocopy of the qualification that gives the student access to the course or documentary proof that the relevant document has been requested.
Copy of the official academic transcript with grades for the courses taken and the average mark of the qualification justifying admission.
Students with studies qualifying them for access completed outside Spain: certificate issued by the relevant body (university, embassy, consulate) confirming that the studies qualify the student to undertake master degree or graduate studies in the country of issue. Students who come from a foreign university must provide details of the grading system used at their university, as well as the aforementioned documentation, which must comply with the requirements for translation and legalization established in current regulations.
Payment of €50 in terms of pre-registration fee. The amount of the application will only be returned in case of cancellation of the course by the center. The amount will be returned during the course in which pre-registration has been made, upon presentation of the corresponding receipt. Payment is by credit or debit card using a secure and confidential process.

Once pre-enrollment is complete, the documentation will be assessed, and the student will be informed of the result and how to enroll, if applicable.

Enrollment

Enrollment is the final step in the procedure to access the master degree or graduate studies. Each student will be informed in the letter of admission of his/her enrollment date. When enrollment is complete, with payment of the corresponding fee, the student will have definitively secured a place. If the student leaves the course, the enrollment fee will not be refunded in any case. The School reserves the right to cancel any courses for which the required minimum number of enrolled students has not been reached. In this case, the amount paid for enrollment will be refunded in full.

Documentation to be provided:

Certified photocopy of the degree certificate or certified photocopy of the university studies completed.
Official academic certification (list of subjects studied with their grade).
Current account number for direct debit in case of payment by installments.

When students enroll, they will have two business days to pay the total cost of enrollment, by bank transfer, credit card or barcode. Studies can be paid in full or in installments, without any interest, by bank transfer.

If payment by installment is selected, students will have two business days following completion of enrollment to pay 33.3% of the total cost of the enrolled credits, using their chosen form of payment; this payment cannot be made by direct debit. The remaining 66.4% is split into two monthly installments, in January and March, payable by direct debit using the bank account number provided upon enrollment.

School alumni are given a 15% discount on the enrollment fee (non-cumulative discount). Distinctions obtained in the fourth academic year of the bachelor degree are not eligible for a discount in own master degrees and graduate studies. Prices are updated each academic year. Once enrollment is complete, the amount paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.

When a student enrolls, a contract for the provision of teaching services is formalized between the student and the Blanquerna Foundation, which is legally binding from the time of payment. Payment includes the corresponding insurance and, for students under the age of twenty-eight, compulsory academic insurance. If a student declines to take up a place, he/she will lose in full any amount he/she has paid.

The student accepts the rules for the use of computer services established by the Blanquerna Foundation. The student's personal data will be included in an automated file under the responsibility of the Blanquerna Foundation, so that this contract can be maintained and fulfilled. Students should note that their data may also be used to inform them about the future activities of the Foundation, or for the institution to send them publications.

In accordance with the provisions of Organic Law 15/1999 on the protection of personal data, students have the right to access their data to update, rectify or cancel them, or object to their use, by sending a letter, indicating which right they want to exercise.

This section is a summary of the general conditions for enrollment. It is only for guidance and therefore has no contractual value. In the event of any discrepancy, the provisions of the general conditions for enrollment specified in the receipt generated at the time of enrollment will prevail; this receipt formalizes the contract between the student and the Blanquerna Foundation; students can consult it on the intranet whenever they wish.

Foreign students

The School reserves the right to ask candidates with qualifications outside the EES for a letter from their university, embassy or consulate to certify that their studies enable them to pursue a master degree or graduate studies.

Students are responsible for having all the official documentation necessary for their stay in Spain while studying at the School. Applicants can ask for a pre-acceptance document attached to the pre-enrollment receipt to initiate applications for visas or scholarships or carry out any other administrative procedure. Under no circumstances does this document guarantee a place if all the access and admission requirements are not met. Once applicants have been accepted and enrollment is complete, they can request a letter of admission from the Academic Secretary, if required, by paying the corresponding fees.

Scholarships and grants Blanquerna

Alumni discount for master's degrees and own degrees

Former Blanquerna graduate students have a 15% discount on the tuition fee for any master's degree and degree from the same faculty.

Open

Carolina scholarships

Doctoral scholarships offered by the Carolina Foundation for the training in Spain of graduates who are nationals of a member country of the Ibero-American Community of Nations, with academic or professional ability backed by an excellent resume.

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University Expert Diploma in Midwife-Led Care in Birth Centers and Home Birth

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Academic information

Academic regulations

Tutorial action plan

Normativa de règim disciplinari

Tràmits I documents

Calendar

Curriculum

Easy terms for you to access the course

Payment method

Discounts available for master’s and postgraduate studies

15% - Blanquerna Alumni

10 to 15% – Institutions and Partner Companies

10% – Professional Associations

10% – University Institutions

A direct link to your future career

State-of-the-art facilities at the student's disposal

Theoretical-practical classrooms and clinical simulation

Anatomy room. Osteoteca

Anatomy

Academic Secretary

Student Information and Guidance Service (SIOE)

Internship service

Scholarships and grants service

International Mobility Office

Careers

Job Bank

Social Commitment

Alumni service

Sports service

Personal Guidance Service (SOP)

Faith and Spirituality

Diversity support

Blanquerna Choir

Blanquerna Symphony Orchestra

Student representatives

Student Council

Language support service

Anti-harassment Point

All the services you need while you are at the School

Libraries

Computer rooms

Chapel

Faculty (among others)

Professors

Application process

Pre-enrollment

Documentation necessary for pre-enrollment

Admission

Enrollment

Enrollment formalization

General conditions for enrollment

Foreign students

Documents and procedure

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