Program summary

Program title: Master of Midwifery
Award abbreviation: MMid
Degree type: coursework
Mode of study: 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: 
31st October 2011, for study commencing Semester 1, 2012
1st February 2012, for study commencing Semester 2, 2012
Late applications will not be accepted
Please note: Applications for Registered Nurses wishing to become Midwives, are closed for Semester 2, 2011 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 2011: 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.

Highlights

• Qualify for registration as a midwife
• Gain extensive clinical experience
• Work in maternity care settings across Australia

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 international students on a Student Visa—limits apply to online courses, refer to program notes.

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.

Please visit the website http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx for full details of other requirements.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 2, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 2, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.

Program requirements and notes

• Students are required to complete 8 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.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• International students on a Student Visa please note, you may enrol in no more than 2 courses via online mode (25 percent of your program).  NUR712  Midwifery in a Social Context, NUR721 Research in Health Care and NUR703 Infant Care are offered only via online mode.  You must also ensure that you are enrolled in at least one on-campus course in each semester.
• 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.
• International students can only commence in Semester 2 for a full-time study load.
• International students must have an IELTS score of 7.0 and be eligible for registration as a nurse in Queensland.

Registered Nurses wishing to become a Midwife

• Must be registered nurses with a current license to practice

Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade their qualifications

• Must have a current license to practice midwifery
• Registered Midwives may be eligible for advanced standing for prior study, but must complete a minimum of 4 courses (48 units).

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Program structure

• Registered Nurses wishing to become Midwives
• Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade qualifications

Please note: NUR712 Midwifery in a Social Context, NUR721 Research in Health Care and NUR703 Infant Care are offered only via online mode

TOTAL UNITS 96

Registered Midwives

Required courses: (1)

Elective courses: (7)
Select 7 elective courses from:

Please note: NUR712 Midwifery in a Social Context, NUR721 Research in Health Care, NUR703 Infant Care, NUR708 Learning and Teaching in the Practice Environment, NUR704 Leadership in Practice Development, NUR713 Independent Study and NUR709 Professional Internship are offered only via online mode

TOTAL UNITS 96

Enquiries

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

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