Start Date
February

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
IBMW

SATAC Code
474081 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 93.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): NA
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 80.00
TAFE/RTO: Adv Dip
View full entry requirements

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.
  • Study at a university with well above world-class research in midwifery.1
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • Elevate your career with further postgraduate study by upskilling into clinical specialisations, stepping into management, or increasing your research capabilities.
  • 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 Mount Gambier campus, you can study midwifery online and complete your intensive clinical workshops at UniSA’s state-of-the-art Mount Gambier Learning Centre, including facilities modelled on Mount Gambier’s local hospital. Hone your midwifery skills in our 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 registered 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.

Further study opportunities 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 practices 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, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and a community of ‘residents’. 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 registered midwives. During these placements you’ll be actively involved in a minimum of 30 normal 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.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

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 (Mount Gambier)

Midwifery students

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

The Mount Gambier campus has specialist health-related teaching facilities, including state-of-the-art, practice-based midwifery facilities modelled on the local hospital in Mount Gambier.

You’ll learn in our Horizon Hospital and Health Service: a clinician-led, authentic simulated hospital and digital health service, located across our Mount Gambier, Whyalla and City East campuses. 

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

Career outcomes

Your career

Midwives are at 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 also play a significant role in health education such as family planning, preparing for birth, parenting and infant care.

The demand for nurses and midwives in the regions continues to grow. South Australia's Rural Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Plan recognises the critical services they provide to families and the broader community, and the need for a strong, available and sustainable workforce.1 It's the perfect time to build a highly respected and in-demand career in this field.

Registered Midwives 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.

1SA Rural Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Plan 2021-26

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

chart-people

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 20210

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 2021 

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
  • You'll be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:  
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:  
 

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

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

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern tutorial rooms, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

Our Mount Gambier Learning Centre features state-of-the-art facilities and study spaces, including the very latest in information and communications technology, so you can quickly access resources online. 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 loads more.

Student services

Student services

Our 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:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • career services and mentoring
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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

The Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS) is a fully equipped, state-of-the-art clinical learning environment fully led by practising registered nurses and midwives (clinicians). Horizon is populated by women and their families who live in our Horizon City and Community – a virtual health community.

It is designed to facilitate, enhance and support your understanding of real-world midwifery practice. The people of Horizon not only include interactive manikins, like birthing manikins who can be programmed to simulate a range of birth scenarios. They each have their own personal stories, relationships and health histories, along with pregnancy care records. This will complement your off-campus clinical placements throughout your degree.

You’ll also have access to a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.

Your program director

I am privileged to have worked with women and families for over 20 years as a Registered 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

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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

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

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

    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. 

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

    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.

More FAQs

What others are saying

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