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
Program structure
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+ 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.
- When enrolling, please refer to the relevant Study Plan:
- Study Plan for Registered Nurses wishing to become Midwives
- Study Plan for Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade qualifications
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)
Registered Nurses wishing to become Midwives
Required courses: (8)
NUR700 Theory for Midwifery Practice 1
NUR701 Midwifery Practicum 1
NUR702 Fundamentals of Midwifery Knowledge
NUR703 Infant Care
NUR710 Theory for Midwifery Practice
NUR711 Midwifery Practicum 2
NUR712 Midwifery in a Social Context
NUR721 Research in Health Care
Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade qualifications
Rrequired course: (1)
NUR721 Research in Health Care
Elective courses: (7)
Select 7 elective courses from:
NUR702 Fundamentals of Midwifery Knowledge
NUR703 Infant Care
NUR704 Leadership in Practice Development
NUR708 Learning and Teaching in the Practice Environment
NUR709 Professional Internship
NUR712 Midwifery in a Social Context
NUR713 Independent Study
NUR751 Advanced Health Assessment
PUB112 Public Health Foundations
PUB271 Health Promotion Principles
Study Plan
When enrolling, please refer to the relevant Study Plan:
- Study Plan for Registered Nurses wishing to become Midwives
- Study Plan for Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade qualifications
Why choose USC?
It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.
Am I eligible for university study?
Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.
If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.
How do I submit an application?
When should I apply?
Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.
What happens next?
Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.
Where can I ask more questions?
If you have more questions about how to apply:
- Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
- Email: information@usc.edu.au
- Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
- In person: Student Central, Building C
If you have questions about your program:
As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.
Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:
- Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
- Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
- Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
- Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
- Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
- Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
- Pay required study fees by the fee due date
Useful links
Where can I ask more questions?
If you have more questions about how to enrol:
If you have questions about your program: