Start a career working professionally with parents during pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood with our CertHE NCT Perinatal Education and Practice. 

Our flexible training provides the qualification required to become an NCT Practitioner and provide services for parents such as our highly valued antenatal courses. It is taught through a mix of studying and learning in practice and delivered in partnership with the University of Worcester.

   
The only university-accredited qualification in parenting education
   
Online learning, in-person days and guided independent study
   
Full-time and part-time study options
   
On the ground experience shadowing a qualified NCT Practitioner
   
Transformative learning experience led by our highly valued Tutors and enriched through additional support from our Placement Practitioners
   
Step into a rewarding and supportive career when you finish

"I’ve enjoyed returning to university and working and training with NCT. I’ve found all the tutors to be supportive, they have helped me to challenge myself to grow and develop as a person. I have met some truly inspiring people and I’m excited to continue my journey with NCT and working with the team for years to come."

- Simone

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Simone - Graduate

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About the CertHE course

NCT, in partnership with the University of Worcester, brings you teaching, learning and professional development opportunities in parenting education.

This course is designed to provide a rewarding and transformational learning experience which ensure that students develop strong skills in the reflective, inclusive and anti-discriminatory approach required to meet the needs of all parent groups, working effectively across all communities.

Your training will be a combination of studying on our CertHE programme as well as a focus on learning in practice in the form of observations, shadowing of qualified practitioners and then facilitation with parents.

On successful completion of both the CertHE and a Practice placement, you’ll be issued an NCT Licence to Practise and will be able to provide services for parents.

Course structure

The course is offered on a full-time and part-time basis. The following 6 modules will be studied and successful completion of all 6 is mandatory to achieve the CertHE. For part-time study, 3 of the mandatory modules will be completed each year.

Module title Credits
Facilitating learning in groups 15
Reflective practice 15
Pregnancy and birth: knowledge and physicality 30
Understanding the new baby and transition to parenthood 30
Breastfeeding knowledge 15
Informed decision making in practice 15

You will also attend a taught unit around anti-discriminatory practice.

Taught sessions

If studying full-time, students will attend a face to face virtual contact day once a week. Approximately every 4 weeks this will be in-person (at assessment time this may be more).

If studying part-time, students will attend a face to face virtual contact day for half a day a week (or occasionally whole days). Approximately every 4 weeks this will be in-person (at assessment time there may be more).

In person days will take place at one of the following study centres: Bristol, Manchester, London or Nottingham 

On a typical taught session contact time will be structured around:

  • Interactive and experiential activities
  • Inquiry based learning
  • Practice facilitation, discussion and listening skills
  • Small group work
  • Practice scenarios and case studies.

Students will also complete 64 hours of supervised learning in practice across the course for both full-time and part-time options

Practice placement

Whilst starting on the modules above, you will also begin the placement element of the training to gain your experience working directly with parents. This forms part of your learning in practice on the CertHE.

You will be allocated a Placement Practitioner and will be guided through a portfolio of competencies that you will be required to achieve.

You will begin this element with observing our antenatal courses with parents and through your learning and practice eventually run a course within your local area (subject to availability).

Your learning will also map directly into certain assignments of the modules on the CertHE.

This element is competency based, and on successful completion of both the CertHE and the practice placement, you will then gain your NCT Licence to Practise.

Commitment

The course starts in September and the academic year will run through until early July the following year. Coursework is distributed throughout the year to make sure you can work at your best and meet course targets.

For full-time, you will need around 30 hours per week to study. This consists of some guided independent study and an online face-to-face taught session. Once a month your taught session will be in person at one of our study centres. Your placement practice element will run for the length of your CertHE and then extend beyond taking approximately 18 months in total to complete the full training.

For part-time, you will need around 15 hours per week to study over two academic years. This consists of some guided independent study and an online face-to-face taught session. Once a month your taught session will be in person at one of our study centres. Your placement will finish at approximately the same time as your CertHE.

 

"I have enjoyed the challenge of the educational aspects of the course but my highlight has been the placements ‐ this is where I have had the chance to observe a practitioner and start to try out in practice what I've been learning in the study space. The placements are definitely where my knowledge has been cemented, and my confidence and practical skills have grown, and I value my relationship with my Placement Practitioner very highly."

- Helen

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Helen's Photo

Antenatal Practitioner

Entry requirements

To be accepted on a course you will need a minimum of:

  • One A Level (or equivalent) at grade C or above
  • Or an equivalent Level 3 qualification i.e. BTEC or CACHE diploma which carries 32 UCAS tariff points. These qualifications do not have to be in a related subject
  • GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or evidence of level 2 literacy is required, for example key skills or functional skills at level 2

We welcome applicants who may not meet our standard entry requirements but can demonstrate the ability to study this subject at university level and have relevant work experience.

Please contact ncttrainingenquiry@nct.org.uk for further advice regarding qualifications and entry requirements.

Recognition of prior learning

Applicants with relevant prior work experience or knowledge can request an individual case assessment. Contact ncttrainingenquiry@nct.org.uk for further information.

NCT Tutor

How much does it cost?

The fees are set by the University of Worcester on an annual basis. The fees for the 2023/24 academic year, charged by the University of Worcester are £9,250 for full-time. For part-time students fees are paid across two academic years with £4,625 due for the first year and the same amount paid again in the second year.

Student finance

Some students can pay their fees by applying for a non means-tested tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company via Student Finance England. For eligible students, the fees are paid directly to the University on your behalf.

Students may also be eligible for maintenance loans or childcare help.  

Applications for student finance are made online, or by phone 0300 100 0607.

Self-funding students

Fees are payable directly to the University of Worcester and can be paid in six instalments from October to March, to help spread the cost.

Bursaries

To demonstrate NCT’s commitment to inclusion and to extend our reach into key areas of geographical need, we have a bursary fund to support those students not eligible for student finance, have a lower household income and/or are from under-represented groups at NCT. We also consider prior skills and knowledge on an individual basis, in recognition of relevant previous qualifications, skills and experience.

On completion of a successful application and assessment, any bursary awarded will be given as a fee waiver on a discretionary basis.

Application forms can be requested from bursaryfund@nct.org.uk once an offer on the course has been made. 

Student on laptop

How to apply

We are now open for applications for September 2024 entry .

Applications for full-time study can be made through UCAS at www.ucas.com. The course code is: L523 and the institution code is W80

For part-time study, applications can be made directly through the University of Worcester's website: Apply for part-time study

Please email admissions@nct.org.uk with any queries regarding the application process. 

We are taking positive action to increase diversity throughout our organisation, at all levels, and to nurture a culture of inclusion for all our people and the parents and families that we support. Read about our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion action.

We are committed to zero discrimination both internally and externally regardless of visible or invisible difference such as sex, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, disability, impairment, learning difference or long-term condition, religion or belief, gender identity, economic class, marital/civil partnership, family status including single parents, socio- economic background and pregnancy and maternity. We provide reasonable adjustments and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.

What happens once you are a qualified NCT Practitioner?

At the end of your studies you will qualify as an NCT Practitioner, which means you will:

  • Work in a rewarding role with parents.
  • Become self-employed and run courses in your local area.
  • Benefit from infrastructure and resources of the UK’s largest parenting charity.
  • Use our centralised booking system for parents to book on your courses.

Read more from our qualified NCT Practitioners

Take your qualification further

Our NCT Breastfeeding and Perinatal Support is a training pathway for those who want to provide one-to-one support postnatally and with breastfeeding. Practitioners are trained to support parents with infant feeding and a range of changes and challenges they might experience in the very early days.

Find out more

"My first year of studying with NCT ignited something inside that made me realise being an antenatal practitioner is not enough for me, I want to do more to enable me to provide support for more families. So, as I move into practice, I am also continuing to study the NCT Breastfeeding Counselling pathway."

- Claire

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Claire's photo

Frequently asked questions

How much does the training cost?

The fees for the CertHE NCT Perinatal Education and Practice are set by the University of Worcester on an annual basis. The full-time fees for the 2023/24 academic year, charged by the University of Worcester, are £9,250. Part-time fees are charged on a pro-rata basis.

Can I apply for Student Finance for this course?

Some students can pay their fees by applying for a non means-tested tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company via Student Finance England. The fees are paid directly to the University on your behalf for eligible students.

Students may also be eligible for maintenance loans or childcare help.  

Please check your eligibility directly with student finance and then apply online, or by phone 0300 100 0607.

I am not eligible for Student Finance, what other support can I get?

To demonstrate NCT's commitment to inclusion and to extend our reach into key areas of geographical need, the NCT bursary fund can offer some support to those students not eligible for student finance, have a lower household income and/or are from under-represented groups at NCT.

On completion of a successful application and assessment, any bursary awarded will be given as a partial fee waiver on a discretionary basis.

Application forms can be requested from bursaryfund@nct.org.uk once an offer has been made on the course. 

How often do I have to attend online, and in-person contact days?

For full-time students, online study days are taught once a week and once a month your taught session will be in-person. For part-time, online sessions and in-person days are taught according the the modules being studied. Online sessions are generally held for a half day session and in-person days will still be a full day.

Where are the in-person contact days held?

In person days are held at one of our study centres in the following locations (subject to student numbers):  Bristol, London, Manchester and Nottingham

Do the study day hours fit within school hours?

Our online study days hours fit flexibly within school hours, with the day running from 9.30am until 2.40pm. In-person sessions will run from 10.00am until 4.00pm

How many hours a week do I need to dedicate to my studies?

If studying full-time, you will need around 30 hours per week to study. This consists of some guided independent study and an online face-to-face taught session. Once a month your taught session will be in person at one of our study centres. In addition, you will also need to complete the placement practice element of the course. 

If studying part-time, you will need around 15 hours per week to study over two academic years. This consists of some guided independent study and an online face-to-face taught session. Once a month your taught session will be in person at one of our study centres. In addition, you will also need to complete the placement practice element of the course. 

Can I do this course whilst working part-time?

Many of our students do study whilst working, and the part-time course option gives them the flexibility they need around working and studying at the same time. 

Want to know more?

Are you interested in studying with NCT but still have questions? 

Contact us

Use our online enquiry form to get in touch with our friendly admissions team.

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Why not join one of our online Zoom course information sessions to find out more about our course and about being an NCT Practitioner after.

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Courses & workshops

In-person NCT Antenatal course

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NCT Antenatal refresher course

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