Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences

Master of Science (Midwifery)

Testamur Title of Degree:

Master of Science (Midwifery)

Abbreviation:

MSc(Mid)

Home Faculty:

Health and Behavioural Sciences

Duration:

1 year or part-time equivalent

Total Credit Points:

48

Delivery Mode:

Day / Evening

Starting Session(s):

Autumn

Location:

Wollongong

UOW Course Code:

574M

CRICOS Code:

016124A

Overview

The Master of Science (Midwifery) program enables Registered Nurses to undertake the recommended theory and clinical experience as required by the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW, Australia (NMB) in order to be eligible to apply for registration as a midwife with the NMB. 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 with the NMB NSW must be authorised to practice as a Registered Nurse by the NMB NSW prior to commencing the program.

Registered Midwives with the NMB NSW 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 can undertake the theoretical component of the degree on the understanding that they cannot apply for registration with the NMB NSW on completion of the program.

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:

    o Vocational Education Training Accreditation Board (VETAB)

    o a program of study at the College of Nursing

    o 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 New South Wales through the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW, 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 Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW will not recognise this advanced standing for the purpose of registering as a midwife in NSW, Australia. International students intending to register and work as midwives in NSW, Australia must complete the full 48 credit point program for the Master of Science (Midwifery) as listed in the Course Program below. In order to undertake the clinical subjects, students must obtain temporary registration as a nurse in New South Wales through the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW, Australia in addition to the registration they hold in their home country.

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

International students are also required to have achieved an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a level of at least 6.0 in all bands, reading and writing, speaking and listening.

Course Requirements

The Master of Science (Midwifery) requires the completion of 48 credit points of subjects which incorporates mandatory clinical experience. Students are required to complete the clinical experience in order to demonstrate that they meet the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW pre-requisite for registration. For details of these requirements, please seek advice from the Course Coordinator (contact details below).

In order to attend clinical placements, students are required to have a Criminal Record Check (CRC) clearance.   To obtain this, students are required to complete a CRC application form and sign a Working with Children Check form eight weeks prior to clinical placements.  Before starting clinical placements, students are also required to comply with NSW Health Department Circular 'Occupational Screening and Vaccination Against Infectious Diseases', available on the NSW Health Department website. Students who do not meet these requirements will not be able to attend clinical practicum and therefore will not be able to continue in the Master of Science (Midwifery). For students who undertake the program as an employee of a health care facility, the above clearance is undertaken by the employer.

For further information on Criminal Record Checks and Infectious Diseases please see the Additional Information Section.

Course Program

Subjects (by year)

Session

Credit Points

Core Subjects

GHMB911

Midwifery Practice 1*

Autumn

4

GHMB912

Midwifery Practice 2*

Spring

4

GHMB913

Midwifery Practice 3*

Summer

4

GHMB914

Midwifery Management 1

Autumn

6

GHMB915

Midwifery Management 2

Spring

6

GHMB916

Human Reproduction

Autumn

6

GHMB917

Midwifery in the Social Context

Spring

6

GHMB923

Legal and Professional Issues

Spring

6

GHMB950

Reflective Practice 1

Spring

6

* Clinical subjects

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as Registered Midwives with the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW. Registration in other states is assessed individually by the relevant State authority.

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 programmes.

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

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

Further Information

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

Ms Joanne Joyce
Postgraduate Coursework Coordinator
+61 2 4221 3468
joanne_joyce@uow.edu.au