Master of Midwifery | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Master of Midwifery

Nurture your own future.

If you are a registered nurse or a registered midwife, this program is an opportunity to specialise or deepen your knowledge and practice. Develop a foundation in maternal, foetal and neonatal anatomy and physiology. The program covers clinical diagnostic approaches, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.

UniSC program code
SC723
Commence
Pathway 1: Semester 1 only (Not available in 2015). Pathway 2: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Duration
1.5 years full time or equivalent part time, Semester 2 entry part time only
Study mode
on campus (blended)
Fee type 2015
  • Commonwealth supported places
  • Postgraduate coursework places
Total courses
10 (144 units)

If you are a registered nurse or a registered midwife, this program is an opportunity to specialise or deepen your knowledge and practice. Develop a foundation in maternal, foetal and neonatal anatomy and physiology. The program covers clinical diagnostic approaches, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.

USC provides you with the latest in contemporary approaches to women’s health, maternity and infant care. Our highly trained academic staff provide unique and comprehensive training that emphasises social, psychological, emotional, spiritual and cultural factors that influence health and wellbeing during the childbearing years.

This program has a strong practical focus. You’ll undertake 920 hours of clinical work, including plenty of simulated real life experience, before being placed in a hospital or community setting.

This program is designed to offer two educational pathways.

Pathway 1 (Pre registration)  provides the opportunity for Registered Nurses to develop the knowledge, skill and aptitude necessary for entry to midwifery practice in Australia. On the completion of this program you will be able to demonstrate achievement of the ANMC National Competency Standards for the Midwife and be eligible to apply for registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Agency. Note: Entry via Pathway 1 not available in 2015

Pathway 2 (Post registration) provides the opportunity for Registered Midwives to continue professional development and attain a postgraduate qualification. On completion of the program you will demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills for midwifery practice.

Admission requirements

Pathway 1 (Note: Entry via Pathway 1 not available in 2015)

Applicants will have:

  • a Bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) in nursing or related discipline or equivalent and be registered as a Division 1 Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
  • a minimum of 12 months experience as a registered nurse
  • selection will be based on academic merit

Pathway 2

Applicants will have a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in nursing, midwifery or related discipline and be registered as a nurse / midwife or a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Professional recognition

Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and will be eligible to apply for membership of The Australian College of Midwives.

Registration

Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a midwife in Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia has a number of registration standards. Graduates must demonstrate that they meet these standards in order to be eligible for registration.

Graduates must demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7 (7 in all bands) or equivalent before being considered for professional registration. Test results from relevant examinations will generally need to be obtained within two years prior to applying for registration.

Refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board website for registration information.

Program structure

Registered Nurses wishing to become Midwives (Pathway 1)

( Entry into the program via Pathway 1 is not available in 2015)

Students are required to complete the following 10 courses (144 units)

NUR700 Nutritional Biochemistry
NUR702 Epidemiology and Biostatistics
NUR703 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
NUR704 Analytical Sciences
NUR710 Functional Anatomy
NUR712 Exercise Physiology I
NUR713 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
NUR721 Special Research Project
NUR729 Special Research Project
NUR730 Work Place Learning I

Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade qualifications (Pathway 2)
Students are required to complete the following 10 courses (144 units)

NUR700 Work Place Learning II
NUR703 Communication and Thought
NUR704 Foundations of Engineering
NUR710 Mathematics Foundations
NUR712 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
NUR713 Calculus and Algebra
NUR721 Chemistry
NUR729 Physics
NUR730 Science Research Methods

Plus one (1) of the following courses

NUR708 Introduction to Economics
NUR709 Business Law and Ethics

Program requirements and notes

Program requirements and notes
  • Students are required to complete 10 courses as listed below.
  • Evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination is required.
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
  • Some courses in this program require project work and/or independent study and therefore have limited on-campus contact. Please refer to individual course descriptions.
  • When enrolling, please refer to the relevant Study Plan:
    • Study Plan for Registered Nurses wishing to become Midwives (Pathway 1) Note: entry into the program via Pathway 1 is not available in 2015
    • Study Plan for Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade qualifications (Pathway 2)