C10225v1 Bachelor of Midwifery

Overview

The Bachelor of Midwifery incorporates midwifery theory, science and clinical practice in a range of health facilities. Graduates of the course are competent midwives who have the skills, knowledge and confidence to practise midwifery according to the international definition of the role and scope of practice of the midwife.

This course is the first Bachelor of Midwifery to be introduced in New South Wales. It provides the opportunity to gain registration as a midwife without having to become a registered nurse beforehand.

Course aims

The course aims to produce informed, reflective, caring and compassionate midwives who demonstrate competencies related to professional responsibility, interpersonal processes and the exercise of clinical judgment. Graduates are capable of providing woman-centred care in both hospitals and community settings. They practice reflective, evidence-based midwifery encompassing primary health care principles as well as emotional and social aspects of birth. They promote culturally sensitive care for women from indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The course prepares students to identify and analyse the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will continue to develop them as midwives and lifelong learners. This includes meeting the challenges of contemporary midwifery practice and maternity service provision in Australia and internationally.

Career options

Graduates find employment as registered midwives in both hospital and community settings, and in both metropolitan and rural areas.

Additional admission requirements

All applicants are required to submit a compulsory Questionnaire directly to UTS by 30 November 2006. For further information, see:

Additional assumed knowledge

Any two units of English.

Any two units of Science and any two units of Mathematics are recommended.

Course duration and attendance

The Bachelor of Midwifery is offered at City campus on a full-time basis over three years.

Course structure

Students must gain a minimum of 144 credit points to complete the Bachelor of Midwifery.

Full-time students study four subjects per semester which incorporate nursing theory, science and clinical practice.

Industrial training/professional practice

The Bachelor of Midwifery as an initial qualification leading to registration as a midwife includes extensive midwifery practice, which is a compulsory component of the course. From Week 2 of the course, students undertake midwifery clinical experience in an allocated Area Health Service facility. Clinical placements occur each semester, either for one day per week or in blocks during semester, and are in addition to time spent in the midwifery laboratories that simulate the clinical environment. The placements involve shift work and there is also an on-call requirement (out of the formal clinical placement period) to meet the needs of birthing women. Third-year students undertake a prolonged period of clinical experience with most time spent in the clinical environment. Third-year students also have the opportunity to complete a rural and remote placement.

Course completion requirements

Professional recognition

Nurses and Midwives Board New South Wales

Other information

Further information is available from the Faculty Student Office on: