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Discipline info for Australian students
Interested in Nursing or Midwifery?
Nurses and midwives make up the largest sector in Australia's health workforce,1 delivering care at critical times in people's lives.
As trusted professionals working at the forefront of healthcare, Australia’s demand for nurses and midwives is expected to grow further over the next decade.1 The healthcare industry is constantly changing with new technologies and approaches to care, meeting the unique and ever-changing needs of individuals and communities. UniSA's nursing and midwifery programs are evolving with these changes, ensuring you'll graduate career ready and confident to step into all kinds of healthcare settings, while emphasising an approach to lifelong learning.
With industry opportunities in metropolitan, rural and regional hospitals, primary health care providers, aged care and specialist care areas, your unstoppable career in Nursing or Midwifery starts with SA’s number one university for graduate careers.2
Midwifery
Our Bachelor of Midwifery will develop your practice to work in partnership with women and other pregnant people by providing holistic care throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. You will be actively involved in a minimum of 30 births, and assist with pre- and post-birth care across a variety of South Australian industry placements.
Your Continuity of Care Experience (COCE) will have you follow the antenatal, labour, birth, and postnatal journeys of 15 women and pregnant people. This valuable experience will deepen your understanding of the midwife's role within the childbirth journey, and offer opportunity to advocate for and compassionately meet the diverse health needs of families from varied backgrounds.
Nursing
UniSA’s Bachelor of Nursing offers you an industry-relevant, practical qualification, ensuring you graduate confident to step straight into clinical practice in a variety of settings as a Registered Nurse (RN). Engage with 1,000 hours of nursing placements from your first year of study with our extensive network of acclaimed industry partners, and build your confidence with 150 hours of on-campus simulated workshops in the clinician-led Horizon Hospital and Health Service.
Regional and Flexible Study
Both the Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery are available to study on-campus at our City East, Mount Gambier, and Whyalla campuses, allowing you meet the growing demand for healthcare in a regional and remote areas across Australia. You can also study externally, allowing you to study the majority of your courses online and then participate in on-campus workshops and industry placements in a variety of healthcare settings.
Postgraduate Study
We offer postgraduate qualifications recognised Australia-wide, ranging from Graduate Certificates to Master degrees. Depending on your career goals, your further study may lead you to develop specialist clinical qualifications, expand your research capacities, or influence policy and practice in a senior leadership role.
No matter your stage of studies, you will be supported by and learn from internationally-renowned researchers. Our research is focused on outcomes relevant to the clinical translation of national health priorities and is ranked well above world-class in both nursing and midwifery3.
Studying a nursing or midwifery degree at UniSA is your opportunity to have a positive impact on health outcomes, advance your leadership skills, and to influence clinical practice and policy.
¹Commonwealth of Australia, Nurses and Midwives in Australia, 2020. 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Key features
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Study at a university ranked in the World Top 100 for nursing.1
- Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in nursing2.
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Put your studies into real-world practice with placements from your first year and experience what it’s like to work as a midwife or nurse in clinical settings throughout your studies.
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Enjoy the flexibility of online and on-campus learning, with digital learning resources available to you 24/7.
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Learn in our unique, clinician-led, authentic simulated hospital and health service on campus with guidance from expert clinical and academic staff.
- Learn from a curriculum ranked well above world-class in both nursing and midwifery and learn from internationally-renowned researchers.3
12024 QS Subject Rankings. 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,1 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in your career the next.
Hands-On Learning
You’ll do much of your learning in UniSA's clinician-led, simulated hospital and health services on campus, allowing you to build your confidence and skills in a safe learning environment modelled on real-world facilities.
You'll also benefit from UniSA's extensive clinical alliances with local health networks, major hospitals, private health providers, rural health networks, aged care services and mental health services, including the not-for-profit sector.
Industry Research
Our enterprising spirit has made UniSA a renowned centre of innovation in Australia’s future industry. UniSA’s nursing and midwifery qualifications prepare you to deliver the highest quality care to a variety of individuals and groups, as well as meet and respond to Australian and international health challenges and priorities.
One of the benefits of our strong nursing history is the ability to attract and retain internationally renowned researchers. Our well above world-class research in midwifery and nursing2 focuses on outcomes relevant to the clinical translation of national health priority areas, where we can demonstrate improved health outcomes, consumer satisfaction, and economic savings.
UniSA is home to the Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre and the Suicide Prevention Research and Education Group. Both pioneer the important role of the nursing and midwifery professions in the health system to improve lives across the health continuum.
1Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
UniSA offers the following Nursing or Midwifery degrees
Choose your level of study
Professional Certificates and Short Courses
Refresh your skills and explore new areas of interest with a short course.
Designed in collaboration with expert academics, our professional certificates and short program content equips you you industry-relevant and up-to-date knowledge that is directly applicable into your workplace. Current short programs include:
World-class partners for a world-class university
We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
Registered Nurses contribute to the patient care imperative to a wide variety of healthcare settings, such as:
- hospitals
- primary health and community support services
- residential and rehabilitative care
- schools
- home care
- drug and alcohol treatment centres
- community health organisations
- mental health services
- international aid agencies
- corrections facilities
- management
- research
Further postgraduate study can further your career of care in key specialist areas including mental health, critical care, health and ageing, nurse education, leadership and management, Nurse Practitioner roles, and more.
Midwives are at the forefront of maternal care in Australia, working in multidisciplinary healthcare teams in settings, such as:
- community services
- public or private hospitals
- rural and remote healthcare
- home-based services
- health agencies
- midwifery education
- research
Further postgraduate study can help you make advanced contribution to midwifery practice, build important industry relationships, and step into leadership roles to better shape natal care.
Global networks
As a globally connected university, our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement. You may build your professional networks while studying and complete placements and internships with organisations like:
- Royal Adelaide Hospital
- Calvary Health Care SA
- Flinders Medical Centre
- Women’s and Children’s Health Network
- Lyell McEwin Hospital
- Adelaide and Country Mental Health Services
- Helping Hand Residential Care Homes
- Disability SA
- Local health networks across South Australia
Industry facts
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
Study at UniSA
In this Career Snapshot for Nursing and Midwifery, hear from our industry partners and two of our graduates about their experience studying at UniSA and moving into their career in clinical practice.
What others are saying
The authentic simulated settings are great because you are able to put theoretical knowledge into practice in a clinical setting.
Robyn Warner-Todd
Bachelor of Nursing
I loved learning from Registered Nurses who taught from experience, not just books. They demonstrated first-hand how the profession is progressing.
Ella Head
Bachelor of Nursing
Being a nurse allows me to build bonds with patients and their relatives and gives me a sense of achievement and satisfaction by helping improve patients’ health conditions.
Amber Jenkins
Bachelor of Nursing
My involvement in the rural health club at university provided me with a different view into the health care system and offered great networking opportunities around Australia.
Martins Strikis, Registered Nurse, Mount Gambier Community Mental Health Service
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
I am the inaugural recipient of the Gwendoline Dinah Henderson Annual Midwifery Scholarship, named in honour of a highly decorated WW2 nurse who hoped to support regional and rural nurses to undertake midwifery training. This scholarship has helped me cover costs whilst on clinical placements, being placed in both metropolitan and regional hospitals where I gained a wonderful insight into a range of incredible experiences.
Rosie Wallace
Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery
Registered Nurse | Port Pirie Hospital
Staff who have upskilled with postgraduate study really shine through as motivated workers. We often employ people with postgraduate qualifications in our managerial positions as they have equipped themselves with those extra specialised skills.
Jo Boylan
Director of Operations | Southern Cross Care
Why study at UniSA?
As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:
Accessible, helpful and flexible
We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.
Graduate success
UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
