6 May 2026
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has launched a UK‑wide public consultation on proposed changes to nursing and midwifery education standards, with a particular focus on improving practice learning experiences. The consultation forms part of the NMC’s broader review of practice learning and builds on extensive engagement with students, professionals, educators, practice learning partners and stakeholders across the UK during 2024 and 2025.
About the proposals
For nursing programmes, the key proposal is:
- To reduce the minimum number of programme hours from 4,600 to 3,600, placing greater emphasis on the quality of practice learning experiences, rather than the achievement of a fixed number of practice learning hours.
For midwifery programmes, the key proposal is:
- To extend programmes from three to four years, reflecting findings from high‑profile inquiries into maternity care across the four nations of the UK, which have highlighted concerns relating to safety, quality and organisational culture within maternity and neonatal services.
Other areas included in the consultation are:
- A stronger emphasis on the quality of practice learning, rather than the number of required hours
- Strengthening anti‑racism, inclusion and cultural awareness within education and training
- Ensuring all nursing students have experience of community‑based practice learning
The NMC is seeking views from a wide range of individuals and organisations to inform any future changes to education standards.
Call for engagement in Northern Ireland
NIPEC encourages nurses, midwives, students, educators, practice learning partners and stakeholders across Northern Ireland to review the proposals and contribute to the consultation. This will be important in shaping future approaches to education and practice learning.
How to take part
The NMC’s online consultation is open until 23 July 2026 and can be accessed at: https://www.nmc.org.uk/about-us/consultations/practice-learning-consultation/
Responses can also be submitted to NIPEC via: NIPECBusiness@nipec.hscni.net
NIPEC will use this feedback to inform a regional response on behalf of nurses and midwives across Northern Ireland.