Master of Science (Midwifery)

Testamur Title of Degree:	Master of Science (Midwifery)
Abbreviation:	MSc(Midw)
Home Faculty:	Health and Behavioural Sciences
Duration:	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Total Credit Points:	48
Delivery Mode:	On-campus
Starting Session(s):	Autumn
Location:	Wollongong
UOW Course Code:	1628
CRICOS Code:	073065A

Overview

The Master of Science (Midwifery) program enables Registered Nurses to undertake the theory and clinical experience required to be eligible to apply for registration as a Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The program aims to provide graduates with skills and advanced knowledge to provide continuing care for the woman, her infants, and family during the reproductive phase of her lifespan. During the program, the exploration and clarification of evidence-based midwifery practice is emphasised.

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

All students undertaking the Master of Science (Midwifery) program for registration as a Midwife in Australia must be authorised to practice as a Registered Nurse by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia prior to commencing the program.

Registered Midwives with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia who wish to further their qualifications can undertake the program and be given advanced standing for the clinical component of the degree. International students who are Registered Midwives in their own countries are not eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia on the basis of completion of the theoretical component of the program alone.

All applications are assessed by staff within SNMIH for suitability to undertake the program; a Bachelor of Nursing Degree or equivalent is expected. All applications must be approved by the Associate Head of School.

Applicants required to provide evidence for equivalency for a Bachelor of Nursing degree are reviewed using the following criteria:

Registered Nurse with a Bachelor degree in a discipline other than nursing;

Registered Nurse with a Diploma in a discipline other than nursing;

Registered Nurse with a Graduate Certificate in a discipline other than nursing; or

A portfolio demonstrating evidence of further education including:

Vocational Education Training Accreditation Board (VETAB);

A program of study at the College of Nursing;

Workplace based educational programs and/or certificates.

For applicants who are Registered Nurses and/or Registered Midwives but do not hold a three-year Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent as listed, consideration for entry to the Master of Science (Midwifery) may be given on a case-by-case basis. Applicants in this category are encouraged to contact the Course Coordinator to discuss their eligibility for the degree.

The Master of Science (Midwifery) is available to International students. International students who are not registered midwives in their own country must obtain temporary registration as a nurse in Australia through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia in order to undertake the clinical subjects.

For international students who are registered midwives in their own country, advanced standing may be awarded for the clinical subjects in recognition of their clinical experiences overseas. However, in accepting any such advanced standing, students must be aware that the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia will not recognise this advanced standing for the purpose of registering as a midwife in Australia. International students intending to register and work as midwives in Australia must complete the full 48 credit point program for the Master of Science (Midwifery) as listed in the Course Program below.

International students are also required to have achieved an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum level of 7.0 in all bands of reading and writing, speaking and listening.

Visit http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/ for further details regarding registration eligibility and requirements for nurses and midwives in Australia.

Course Requirements

The Master of Science (Midwifery) requires the successful completion of 48 credit points of subjects in accordance with the table below. These subjects incorporate mandatory clinical experience. Students are required to complete the clinical experience in order to demonstrate that they meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia of Australia pre-requisite for registration. For details of these requirements, please seek advice from the Course Coordinator.

In order to attend clinical placements, students must meet NSW Health Department requirements in regard to Criminal Record Checks and Infectious Disease. For further information on Criminal Record Checks and Infectious Diseases please see the Additional Information Section.

Full-time Study Pattern

Subject Code	Subject Name	Session	Credit Points
GHMB911	Midwifery Practice 1*	Autumn	4
GHMB914	Art & Science of Midwifery 1	Autumn	6
GHMB916	Human Reproduction	Autumn	6
GHMB950	Reflective Practice 1	Autumn	6
GHMB912	Midwifery Practice 2*	Spring	4
GHMB915	Art & Science of Midwifery 2	Spring	6
GHMB917	Midwifery in the Social Context	Spring	6
GHMB923	Legal and Professional Issues	Spring	6
GHMB913	Midwifery Practice 3*	Summer	4

* Clinical subjects

Part-time Study Pattern

Students need to consult with the Course Coordinator before enrolling in the Part-time Study Pattern to ensure that clinical placement requirements are discussed and adequately planned for.

Subject Code	Subject Name	Session	Credit Points
YEAR 1
GHMB916	Human Reproduction	Autumn	6
GHMB950	Reflective Practice 1	Autumn	6
GHMB917	Midwifery in the Social Context	Spring	6
GHMB923	Legal and Professional Issues	Spring	6
YEAR 2
GHMB911	Midwifery Practice 1*	Autumn	4
GHMB914	Art & Science of Midwifery 1	Autumn	6
GHMB912	Midwifery Practice 2*	Spring	4
GHMB915	Art & Science of Midwifery 2	Spring	6
GHMB913	Midwifery Practice 3*	Summer	4

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as Registered Midwives with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Student Income Support

In 2007, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) announced that it has made provisions to extend student income support (Austudy and Youth Allowance) to students undertaking professionally oriented masters programs.

The Master of Science (Midwifery) has been approved by DEEWR as an eligible Masters program for Student Income Support.

Students who have queries about their income support eligibility should contact Centrelink on 13 2490 for further information.

Contact Information

Dr Moira Williamson
Coordinator, Master of Science (Midwifery)
+61 2 4221 3381
moiraw@uow.edu.au

Ms Rebekkah Middleton
Postgraduate Coursework Coordinator
+61 2 4221 3724
rebekkah_middleton@uow.edu.au

Other Information

Other information is available at http://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/