Program summary

Program title: Master of Midwifery
Award abbreviation: MMid
Degree type: coursework
Study mode: on campus (blended)
Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time, depending on semester of entry
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2. International students can only commence in Semester 2 for a full-time study load.
Applications close: 
31 October 2011, for study commencing Semester 1, 2012
1 February 2012, for study commencing Semester 2, 2012
Please note: Applications for Registered Nurses wishing to become Midwives, are closed for Semester 1, 2012 due to placement quota numbers. Applications for Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade their qualification, may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 8
USC program code: SC721
CRICOS code: 059558G. For international students on a Student Visa—limits apply to online courses, refer to program notes.

Work as a trained professional in maternity care settings.

The Master of Midwifery program gives you the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skill and aptitude necessary for entry to midwifery practice. Clinical experience will be provided in maternity care settings across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie, giving you the opportunity to gain experience in public, private and rural maternity services.

Develop a solid foundation in maternal, fetal and neonatal anatomy and physiology, as well as clinical diagnostic approaches, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Focus on contemporary approaches to infant care, and gain an appreciation of sector trends, including the impact of technology on the health and wellbeing of the baby and family.

Examine the social, psychological, emotion, spiritual and cultural factors that influence health and wellbeing during the childbearing years; and investigate perinatal health issues affecting Indigenous Australians. Enhance your understanding of the social context within which families develop, and consider the social, political and cultural factors shaping women’s health and maternity care. Explore the concept of risk and risk management strategies, and discuss complex issues in midwifery and maternity care.

The program is offered in blended mode with integration of extensive clinical experience. To maximise learning opportunities, simulation learning and case-based learning are used. Graduates demonstrate the ANMC National Competency Standards for the Midwife and are eligible to apply for endorsement as a midwife with the Queensland Nursing Council.

For entry as a registered nurse, you must be registered with a current license to practice nursing in Australia. To gain entry as a registered midwife, you must have a current license to practice midwifery in Australia. Registered Midwives may be eligible for advanced standing for prior study, but must complete a minimum of four courses (48 units).

International students must have an IELTS score of 7.0 and be eligible for registration as a nurse in Australia.

Professional recognition

Graduates 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.

Enquiries

Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au