Start date
February

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
IBMW

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 39,000 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [7]
  • IELTS reading [7]
  • IELTS writing [7]
  • IELTS speaking [7]
  • IELTS listening [7]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
036241G

Degree overview

  • Work in partnership with women and pregnant people by providing holistic care throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period.
  • Learn how to advocate for and compassionately meet the diverse health needs of families from varied backgrounds.
  • Learn in our clinician-led, on-campus simulated hospital and health service under the guidance of expert clinical and academic staff.
  • Be directly and actively involved in a minimum of 30 births and work alongside practicing midwives.
  • Your Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE) will have you follow the unique antenatal, labour, birth, and postnatal journeys of 15 women and pregnant people.
  • Study at a university with well above world-class research in midwifery.1
  • Practice hands-on skills with clinical placements from your first year and build valuable networks with industry partners and expert clinicians while studying.
  • Join South Australia’s No.1 university for graduate careers.2
  • Graduate ready to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

1Results in Nursing - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Midwifery students

Midwives work at the forefront of pregnancy and reproductive care, working in partnership with women and pregnant people to provide expert care across the childbirth continuum.

This degree will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to provide expert and equitable family-focused healthcare that considers social, emotional, physical, psychological, cultural, and safety needs.

Studying at our City East campus, you’ll do much of your learning in UniSA's clinician-led, on-campus simulated hospital and health service, the Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS).

You’ll also embark on real-world, hands-on clinical placements under the supervision of midwives, and be actively involved in a minimum of 30 births across a variety of South Australian industry settings. Your Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE) will have you follow the unique antenatal, labour, birth, and postnatal journeys of 15 women and pregnant people, providing a valuable insight into the full scope of midwifery practice.

Regional students can study the Bachelor of Midwifery on-campus at our Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses, allowing you to undertake the majority of your studies and clinical placements locally.

Further study opportunities to advance your career in midwifery may include a Graduate Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health, Master of Midwifery, or Master of Health Services Management.

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with women/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.

Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists. On entry to the qualification you'll be required to confirm that you meet the ‘Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements’ requirements.

All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant national board. The student registration process is completed by the University with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) after enrolment. No fees apply.

Students who elect to study this program externally must attend mandatory on-campus workshops, continuity of care experiences (CoCE), and undertake all clinical placements in South Australia.  

Interstate students must be aware that they are required to attend regular on campus workshops and all clinical placements/CoCE in South Australia.

What you'll learn

Midwifery students

You'll learn how to expertly provide midwifery care, along with the legal and ethical responsibilities of midwives. You'll also explore the political, socio-cultural, economic and technological influences on midwifery practice today. 

There is a strong focus on theory and practical experience, so much of your learning is done in our clinician-led, simulated hospital environment. Here you'll have the opportunity to practice your skills through real-life scenarios and feel confident and prepared for clinical practice.

You’ll embark on clinical placements across metro, regional and rural hospitals and health services, under the supervision of midwives. During these placements you’ll be actively involved in a minimum of 30 births, and in the pre- and post-birth care of at least 100 women. You'll also follow 15 women through their pregnancy and birth journeys through the Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE).

All midwifery students will need to complete clinical placements and Continuity of Care experiences in South Australia. They must be completed on a full-time basis, and shift work will be required over a seven-day roster. Due to the on-call nature of 'continuity of care', students may be required to carry these out over more than one study period.

If you're a Registered Nurse looking to study this degree, you may be eligible to apply for credit.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
Year 1 - Introduction to Midwifery Practice
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Evidence Based Midwifery NURS 1074 4.5
Human Body 1 BIOL 1047 4.5
Primary Midwifery Practice NURS 1075 9 Note(s): 2 Rule(s): 7,12
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6), Summer Term (Study Period 7)
Experiential Learning Activity: Midwifery Foundation Practicum 1 NURS 1056 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3,4,5 Rule(s): 4
Human Body 2 BIOL 1048 4.5
First Peoples' Health HLTH 1047 4.5
Healthy Mothers and Babies NURS 1059 4.5
Year 2 - Developing Midwifery Competence
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Complex Care of the Woman NURS 2042 9 Rule(s): 7,12
Fetal and Maternal Pathophysiology BIOL 2056 4.5 Rule(s): 12
Experiential Learning Activity: Midwifery Development Practicum 2 NURS 2039 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3,4,5 Rule(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6), Summer Term (Study Period 7)
Complex Care of the Neonate NURS 2038 9 Rule(s): 7,12
Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics for Midwives PHAR 2025 4.5
Experiential Learning Activity: Midwifery Practice Development Practicum 3 NURS 2036 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3,4,5 Rule(s): 4
Year 3 - Transition to Midwifery Professional Practice
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Women's Health Across the Lifespan NURS 3057 4.5 Rule(s): 12
Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing NURS 3054 4.5 Rule(s): 12
Experiential Learning Activity: Midwifery Transition Practicum 4 NURS 3052 9 Note(s): 1,2,3,4,5 Rule(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6), Summer Term (Study Period 7)
Becoming a Midwife NURS 3047 4.5 Rule(s): 12
Experiential Learning Activity: Midwifery Transition Practicum 5 NURS 3053 9 Note(s): 1,2,3,4,5 Rule(s): 4
Midwifery Project NURS 3049 4.5

Study hours

For each course you study, time will need to be allocated to various classes such as tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. You’ll also need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). As a general rule, if you’re studying full-time, you’ll need to allocate an average of 40 hours per week. 

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • quizzes
  • presentations
  • debates
  • assignments
  • portfolios
  • clinical activities
  • exams
  • online activities

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Midwifery

Midwifery students

Prepare for a highly rewarding career in maternity care with a degree that balances theory with practical experience.

You’ll learn in our Horizon Hospital and Health Service, a clinician-led, on-campus simulated hospital and digital health service. Incorporating a birthing suite, special care nursery and postnatal area, our state-of-the-art simulated hospital includes a virtual health community of women and their families – designed to enhance and support your understanding of real-world midwifery practice.

The ‘Women of Horizon’ are interactive manikins, including birthing manikins, which can be programmed to simulate various birth scenarios. The women have their own personal stories, relationships and health histories, along with pregnancy care records.

You’ll learn from experienced clinicians and teaching staff who are leaders of their fields in midwifery practice. From these teachers you'll study a curriculum informed by well above world-class research.1 This means you’re assured the very best in academic resources, learning facilities and support for a truly unstoppable career in woman-centred care. 

To fast-track your practical experience on-campus, you'll also embark on all-important clinical placements with our placement partners.

You’ll graduate with the academic requirements needed for registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

1Results in Nursing - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

Put your clinical skills into practice, and build valuable professional networks and relationships while you study.

You‘ll complete clinical placements across community clinics, home visits, and maternity hospitals, and be actively involved in at least 30 births. You’ll also participate in our Continuity Of Care Experience (CoCE) program, as well as gain exposure to UniSA’s on-campus Midwifery Clinic which is open to the public.

We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Online study

Online study

This qualification is offered online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

  • study online, including videos and course resources
  • participate in an interactive online learning environment
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use online forums for teamwork and communication

As midwifery is a hands-on career path, on-campus attendance for workshops, seminars and in-person attendance at clinical placements in South Australia are required. Students must attend scheduled on-campus workshops held at either the Adelaide, Mount Gambier or Whyalla campuses and participate in CoCE activities in South Australia. These requirements are detailed on individual course pages.

Nursing and midwifery careers snapshot

Hear from UniSA nursing and midwifery graduates, Marie Bentley and Konnie Rapassanis, who are now working at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, South Australia.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

Midwives are at the forefront of maternity care in Australia, providing guidance, support and advice to women throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and in the postnatal transition. Midwives play a central role in the promotion of normal birth, which includes screening, assessments, detection of complications and providing emergency care to both the woman and her baby in collaboration with other health professionals.

Midwives play a significant role in health education such as family planning, preparing for birth, parenting and infant care. They can work in multidisciplinary healthcare teams in many settings, such as:

  • community services
  • public or private hospitals
  • rural and remote healthcare
  • home-based services
  • health agencies
  • midwifery education
  • research.

Further study opportunities to advance your career in midwifery may include a Graduate Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health, Master of Midwifery, or Master of Health Services Management.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates satisfy the academic requirements for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The requirements for registration are determined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Industry facts

job-listings

Employment for midwifery professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 21.6% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

column-chart-growth

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

buildings-city

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021tional Employment Projections 2019

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree:

International

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree:

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

Emergency Department

You’ll learn in UniSA’s simulated hospital environment, fully equipped with interactive manikins who can be programmed to simulate a range of birth scenarios, and also real people acting as family members.

On-campus simulated learning is complemented by your off-campus clinical placements across external industry settings throughout your degree.

You’ll also have exposure to UniSA’s on-campus Midwifery Clinic which is open to the public and offers personalised pregnancy and postnatal care adapted to suit each woman’s and family’s needs.

Your program director

I am privileged to have worked with women and families for over 20 years as a midwife. I now have the opportunity to contribute to the education of the next generation of midwives. The entire midwifery team is committed to the highest quality of teaching and learning that is underpinned by research and with strong ties to our industry partners. Studying a Bachelor of Midwifery at UniSA ensures that graduates are prepared to work to the full scope of midwifery practice.

Mrs Sharon Rance

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Mrs Sharon Rance
Portrait image for Mrs Sharon Rance

Mrs Sharon Rance

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I have had great placement opportunities including the Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s delivery suite and post natal ward, Burnside Hospital and Mt Barker Hospital.

Alex Tomaselli

Bachelor of Midwifery

Alex Tomaselli

Alex Tomaselli

Bachelor of Midwifery

The facilities at UniSA are hospital-standard and the workshops held in the on-campus hospital and health service were very useful in preparing me for my placements. Plus the staff at UniSA are well-experienced registered midwives and I enjoyed listening to their stories throughout my studies.

Hui Bao

Bachelor of Midwifery

Hui Bao

Hui Bao

Bachelor of Midwifery

I am studying to become a midwife so that I can provide more women-centred options for mothers-to-be during pregnancy and labour. Rural hospitals often have limited resources, so I know how valuable my contribution will be.

Kayla Kemp

Bachelor of Midwifery

Kayla Kemp, Midwifery

Kayla Kemp

Bachelor of Midwifery

I’ve always had a passion for helping others and a nurturing nature, so studying Midwifery allows my personal traits and desire to care for others be fulfilled. I’ve had the opportunity to undertake a rural placement in Port Augusta, where the close continuity and cultural care provided in a small country unit has inspired me to one day take my skill and knowledge to a country hospital.

Paige Elliott

Bachelor of Midwifery

Paige Elliott, Midwifery student

Paige Elliott

Bachelor of Midwifery

My goal is to work in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), I love this area the most and it is quite challenging but extremely rewarding to see a baby that you have been caring for, sometimes for months, finally go home with its parents to meet its siblings and the rest of the family. Every time I enter a hospital my heart starts racing and I get a huge rush of adrenaline, this is how I know that this is what I am supposed to be doing with my life.

Bradley Mackintosh

Bachelor of Midwifery

Bradley Mackintosh

Bradley Mackintosh

Bachelor of Midwifery

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

Rosie Wallace

Rosie Wallace

Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery
Registered Nurse | Port Pirie Hospital

The Call the Midwifery Student program at UniSA is one of my favourite parts of the midwifery degree. It allows pregnant women to have access to their own student midwife throughout the duration of their pregnancy and postpartum experience. I have assisted more than 20 different mothers on their pregnancy and birth journey so far and think helping multiple women is important as each mother will face her own individual set of challenges. By seeing and learning through all these different experiences your skills and knowledge base grow exponentially which will go on to help other mothers in the future.

Taryn Gartner

Bachelor of Midwifery

Taryn - crop_1.jpg

Taryn Gartner

Bachelor of Midwifery

Further Insights into Midwifery