Study Bachelor of Midwifery (Whyalla) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

This degree is only available to Australian students

You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:

Australian or New Zealand Citizen
Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Australian students

Start Date
February

Campus
Whyalla

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
IBMW

SATAC Code
464173 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Admissions
Student Profile

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
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

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Advanced Diploma level or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission

To meet entry requirements, applicants must consider the professional registration requirements, including the English Language Skills standard and complete a declaration stating how they will demonstrate their English language competency, as determined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

All students must confirm that they meet the "Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements" requirements upon entry to the program.
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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DOMESTIC APPLICANTS: This program is also offered on campus at City East and Mount Gambier.

As there are mandatory on-campus workshops and CoCE, all clinical placements must be undertaken in SA.

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 a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in midwifery.¹
Be directly and actively involved in 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

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 Whyalla campus, you can study midwifery online and complete your intensive clinical workshops at UniSA’s dedicated local facilities. 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

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.

With a strong focus on theory and practical experience, so much of your learning is done in our clinician-led, authentic 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 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 students need to complete clinical placements and CoCE experiences within 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 CoCE, 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

Rules & notes

Rules

1. The Bachelor of Midwifery is an undergraduate degree accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) as a qualification leading to entry to the Register of Midwives with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The program accreditation requires students to complete the program in three years full-time or up to six years part-time.

2. All students must confirm that they meet the "Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements" requirements upon entry to the program, on each re-enrolment, and as may be required by the Program Director.

3. Students in this program are required to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Students who are refused registration, or who have their registration rescinded, will be unable to continue in the program.

4. Students who are subject to an investigation by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act cannot participate in Clinical Placements/Continuity of Care experiences (CoCE) until the investigation is completed and the University is notified of the outcome.

5. Students must provide evidence of a current National Police Certificate (NPC) and a completed Working with Children Check (WWCC) on commencement to the program.

6. Students must meet the vaccination requirements for health professionals prior to commencing the program. Failure to meet vaccination requirements will limit placement opportunities and may preclude progression in the program.

7. Students must demonstrate full compliance with the program's Compulsory Conditional Evidence Requirements prior to allocation of a Clinical Placement and CoCE as outlined on the UniSA Clinical Placement Unit website https://study.unisa.edu.au/student-placements-and-internships/nursing-health-medical-sciences/cpu/.

8. All students who undertake the program, whether full-time, part-time, internal, or external, will be required to attend clinical placements on a full-time basis. Shift work will be required over a 7-day, 24-hour roster.

9. Clinical placements are an integral component of the program and are undertaken in health agencies in metropolitan, rural or remote South Australia. Interstate students who accept an offer will be required to acknowledge that their placements and CoCE will all be based in South Australia.

10. Students are required to satisfy the standard of dress, behaviour and fitness for practice as prescribed by institutions in which clinical practicum placements are undertaken. This also applies to students undertaking Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS) activities.

11. To achieve the standards required by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, students are required to participate in, and document, the number of episodes of care experiences prescribed by UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences and specified by Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council.

12. Students are required to attend compulsory on-campus intensive workshops/ seminars for some courses. Where possible, compulsory on-campus workshops/ seminars for courses scheduled in the same study period will be timetabled to minimise the duration that students are required to be on campus.

13. Students undertaking midwifery studies in Australia must practice in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Midwife Standards for Practice. If a student is unable to provide care to individuals due to religious, cultural or other reasons, the student will be unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments within this program. This rule also applies to peer group work in classes.

14. Students who have completed a leave of absence, and/or not engaged in an Experiential Learning Activity (ELA) course in the previous 12-month period or who have failed an ELA will be required to undertake an 'IBMW Compulsory Module' for which a fee may will be charged.

Notes

1. The "Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements Requirement Statements" advise potential applicants and students of the requirements necessary to undertake a clinical placement as a student in preparation for entry (registration) into the nursing and midwifery professions or for specialist or advanced practice qualifications.

2. Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to teaching and learning, assessment, clinical practice and other activities to enable them to participate in their course and meet the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements requirements. Reasonable adjustments should not fundamentally change the nature of the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements requirements.

3. Due to the nature of the Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE), students may be required to carry these out over more than one study period, hence receiving an interim (I) grade for the course. All interim notations will be converted to a non-graded pass or fail grade within one academic year in accordance with the University's Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual.

4. Students are advised that a current South Australian driver's licence may be required by some clinical venues.

5. Some CoCE may occur outside normal teaching periods. All midwifery students must register CoCE women, attend the required orientation and be compliant with conditional evidence at all times.

6. Students who have completed a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent and are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) may be eligible to receive 36.0 units of credit towards the Bachelor of Midwifery.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary, including:

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.

Why Bachelor of Midwifery (Whyalla)

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

UniSA Whyalla's Horizon Hospital and Health Service is a clinician-led, authentic simulated hospital made for students to get real-world experience while studying. Incorporating a birthing suite, special care nursery and postnatal area, the simulated hospital includes a virtual health community of women and their families – designed to enhance and support your understanding of 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 in midwifery.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.

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

This qualification is offered online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment 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 midwifery is a hands-on career path, on-campus attendance for workshops, seminars and clinical placements in South Australia are required. Students must attend scheduled on-campus workshops held at the Whyalla, Adelaide or Mount Gambier campuses and participate in CoCE 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.

Industry facts

Employment for midwifery professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 3500 (21.6%) by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021.

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

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:

UniSA College Diploma in Health (Whyalla)
SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

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

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

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.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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.

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

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.

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.

Your study spaces

The Horizon Hospital and Health Service at the Whyalla campus is a fully equipped, state-of-the-art clinical learning environment fully led by practicing registered nurses and midwives. This is populated by a virtual health community of women and their families who live in our Horizon City and 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.

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

Enquire

Mrs Sharon Rance

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

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.
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.
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.