A student who wants to have a career in obstetrics may study midwifery during his or her higher education. Midwifery looks at reproductive health, pregnancy, child birth and postpartum care to give students the tools needed to succeed professionally.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.