The Graduate Certificate in Midwifery is an 18-unit course offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold a midwifery degree or equivalent qualification, and must be Registered Midwives, and must hold a current practising certificate.

However, the Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Course aims

The course aims to provide the opportunity for Registered Midwives through a new and innovative program of study, to deepen their knowledge and skills in midwifery and prepare for an expanded practice role. This course will not lead to registration as a midwife. Graduates will be able to apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia for endorsement in prescribing medications in midwifery.

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the course all students are expected to be able to:

  • demonstrate evidence-based knowledge in midwifery;
  • develop women-centred models of care that foster women′s opportunities to have greater choice and control throughout childbearing;
  • demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for an extended midwifery role;
  • practice according to the legislation, regulations and policies relevant to the prescribing of medicines;
  • demonstrate professional accountability and responsibility in midwifery care and prescribing;
  • communicate information to facilitate decision making by the woman; and
  • describe safety and quality, risk management and error prevention in medication management.

Program of study

To qualify for The Graduate Certificate in Midwifery, a student must complete 18 units with a grade of Pass or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Except with permission of the Faculty Board:

  • no topic may be attempted more than twice
  • a student may not include a topic which repeats work previously undertaken
  • the program must be completed full-time within one semester or part-time within four consecutive semesters.

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion or in 9 units or more, or failure to complete the course within four consecutive semesters may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purpose of the University′s Policy on Student Progress.

Core - Year 1 topics

18 units comprising:

MIDW9009  Pharmacology for Midwives  (9 units)
MIDW9010  Investigation and Diagnostics for Midwives  (9 units)