Master of Midwifery
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
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)
Mode
On-campus/Online
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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed a bachelor degree (or higher) in Midwifery from a recognised higher education institution.
In addition, applicants must:
- hold current registration as a Registered Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; AND
- have completed a minimum of one year of clinical experience as a Registered Midwife.
Degree overview
- Extend your skills in midwifery practice, policy, leadership, research, education and management.
- Study at a university with well-above world-class research in midwifery.1
- Gain specialised qualifications in perinatal mental health.
- Be supported by learning resources, available to you 24/7.
- Use your qualification as a pathway to further learning, including doctoral studies.
- Study with South Australia’s No.1 university for student satisfaction in health.2
- Benefit from flexible learning options, with both full and part-time study modes available.
1Results in Nursing - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22, Health Services and Support – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA Public universities.
Snapshot
Explore senior leadership roles, and advance your unstoppable midwifery career.
In just 1.5 years of full-time study or three years of part-time study, you can extend your knowledge, practical skills and understanding of evidence-based practice, grow your understanding of professional issues and develop the ability to independently undertake research.
What you'll learn
Perinatal mental health is a main focus of this master’s degree, as this transitional life stage is often a very vulnerable time for the emotional wellbeing of women, their infants and their extended families. The ability to support and alleviate the experiences of mental health disorders requires a specialised and advanced form of care.
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to assess and screen pregnant women; and to identify and refer mental health issues such as postnatal depression.
You’ll develop the ability to:
- independently complete projects and research
- identify and investigate questions
- address issues or problems to inform midwifery practice, knowledge and research.
- apply advanced critical analysis to contemporary midwifery professional practice to further the quality of the industry.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for planned learning activities. Depending on your study mode, these activities may include online discussion forums, virtual classroom sessions, lectures, tutorials, workshops, and seminars. You will also need to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings, and projects.
As a rule, most postgraduate study is completed part-time. If you are studying full-time, your studies should be treated like a full-time job, with approximately 35-40 hours of study per week. The full sum of these hours should balance your planned learning activities and your own independent study.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- presentations
- case studies
- online activities
- portfolios
- critical analysis
- discussion papers
- minor thesis
- research proposal.
Global opportunities
One of the key benefits of studying at UniSA is our ability to attract and retain internationally renowned researchers. You’ll learn from researchers and academics who are directly connected to industry and all of our clinical teaching staff combine teaching with industry experience.
In addition, our diverse student population means you have the opportunity to gain global and cultural understanding, ideas and insights direct from your peers.
Why Master of Midwifery
Further your career of care and make an advanced contribution to midwifery practice.
You'll build important industry relationships when you learn from experienced clinicians and acclaimed researchers, and benefit from our leading midwifery teaching staff and academics.
We’re home to the Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, in partnership with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation’s South Australian branch (ANMFSA), where leading researchers are working to strengthen the role of the nursing and midwifery professions across the health system.
As Australia’s University of Enterprise, we’re:
- No.1 in Australia for research impact and engagement.1
- One of the World's Top Young Universities.2
- In the World Top 100 for nursing.3
Our flexible suite of postgraduate midwifery qualifications are designed to recognise your prior learning and advance your career. Upon successful completion of a postgraduate qualification, you may then be eligible to gain credit into higher level qualifications and reduce the overall duration of your study.
This master's degree is offered online, with some attendance required at on-campus workshops, and you can choose a mix of part-time or full-time study.
12018 ARC Engagement and Impact Assessment (EI), Combined Impact – Approach to Impact and Engagement on Assessed Fields. 2Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings. 32023 QS Subject Rankings.
Real-world connections
Learn from award-winning teaching staff, academics and health professionals via our online forums and virtual classrooms. This platform offers you the opportunity to learn from experienced clinicians in the field and build valuable industry networks and relationships, from wherever you are.
We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Study for the Master of Midwifery can be organised to suit your lifestyle, with interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment. You can:
- access videos and course resources online
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use online forums for team work and communication.
Some on-campus workshop attendance is required at UniSA’s City East campus. These requirements are detailed on individual course pages.
Advance your Midwifery Career with Postgraduate Study
Hear from Dr. Allison Roderick, UniSA's Program Director of Postgraduate Nursing and Midwifery Programs, on how postgraduate study can take your career as a Midwife even further.
Industry facts
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.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
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. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those 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 program director
I have worked as a clinician, clinical educator and academic, working extensively within the international and post-graduate portfolio, particularly the re-entry to practice program. I have an interest in improving the learning experience for international students and policy underpinning re-entry to clinical practice.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
The flexible online study environment, together with the opportunity to apply knowledge to real-life health care settings, has given me the skills and experience I need to graduate as a midwife.
Nicole Clohessy
Master of Midwifery
The University of South Australia understands that quality teaching in nursing and midwifery goes hand-in-hand with industry partnerships. They work collaboratively across all health care services to design industry-informed curriculum.
Jennifer Fereday
Executive Director | Women’s and Children’s Health Network
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 Boylans
Director of Operations | Southern Cross Care
