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University of South Australia
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Master of Midwifery

Degree Level Postgraduate

Year 2025

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City East

Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
IMMW

SATAC Code
4CM051 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Fees
Commonwealth Supported arrow-small-right

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

Degree overview

  • Extend your skills in midwifery practice, policy, leadership, research, education and management.

  • Graduate confident to step into advanced practice or senior leadership roles.

  • Choose to study a clinical pathway or research pathway, depending on your interests and career goals.

  • Benefit from flexible learning, including online and part-time study options.

  • Use your qualification as a pathway into further learning, including doctoral studies.

  • Learn from industry-experienced clinicians at a university with well-above world-class research in midwifery.1

  • Study with South Australia’s No.1 university for teaching quality in nursing and midwifery.2

1Results in Nursing - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Nursing – Teaching Quality Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities

Snapshot

Snapshot

The Master of Midwifery is designed to inform and improve your knowledge, practical skills and understanding of evidence-based practice, grow your understanding of professional issues and extend your research capabilities.

Offered part-time over three years, this program is designed to complement and expand upon your existing clinical practice. The flexible curriculum and schedule enables you to choose between a clinical or a research pathway, as well as a range of electives tailored to your career goals.1

1Some course prerequisites apply. More information can be found on individual course pages.

What you'll learn

Postgraduate nursing students

The Master of Midwifery will give you the skills and knowledge to step into a variety of advanced roles in midwifery. The flexible curriculum allows you to study areas which will inform and improve your midwifery practice, knowledge, and research capabilities.

During your studies, you will choose a variety of elective courses and one of two pathways: a clinical pathway or research pathway.

  • By undertaking the clinical pathway, you will complete a clinical project. This project enables you to negotiate and undertake a project for a specific issue you’re interested in that is relevant to your current practice role.
  • By undertaking the research pathway, you will complete a minor thesis. This thesis work enables you to investigate a small midwifery research project under the guidance of your supervisors and contribute advanced research to your field.

Our electives are aligned with key clinical areas and offer you flexibility to match to your interests and career goals. Choose from areas including mental health, education, leadership and management, and high acuity.1

You can start with your electives followed by your desired pathway, or you can begin studying your chosen pathway and then complete your electives if starting in February.

1Some course prerequisites apply. More information can be found on individual course pages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
Course name
Clinical Pathway students complete the following two courses and select 36 units from the electives list below (can be completed in any order):
Reference
 
Course name
Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care
Area and cat no.
NURS 5153
Units
9
Reference
 
Course name
Clinical Project
Area and cat no.
NURS 5070
Units
9
Reference
 
Rule(s): 1
Course name
Research Pathway students complete the following three courses and select 27 units from the electives list below (can be completed in any order):
Reference
 
Course name
Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care
Area and cat no.
NURS 5153
Units
9
Reference
 
Course name
Minor Thesis A
Area and cat no.
NURS 5003
Units
9
Reference
Note(s): 1
 
Rule(s): 1
Course name
Minor Thesis B
Area and cat no.
NURS 5004
Units
9
Reference
Note(s): 1
 
Rule(s): 1
Course name
Elective courses (can be completed in any order):
Reference
 
Course name
Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals
Area and cat no.
NURS 5157
Units
9
Reference
Note(s): 3
 
Course name
Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health
Area and cat no.
NURS 5160
Units
9
Reference
Note(s): 3
 
Course name
Introduction to High Acuity Nursing and Midwifery
Area and cat no.
NURS 5172
Units
9
Reference
 
Course name
Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
Area and cat no.
NURS 5150
Units
9
Reference
 
Course name
Decision-Making for Midwifery and Nursing Practice
Area and cat no.
NURS 5171
Units
9
Reference
 
Course name
Critical Perspectives on Nursing and Health Services
Area and cat no.
HLTH 5136
Units
9
Reference
 
Course name
Clinical Inquiry
Area and cat no.
NURS 5137
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
Epidemiology for Advanced Practice
Area and cat no.
NURS 5138
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Health Education
Area and cat no.
NURS 5173
Units
9
Reference
 
Course name
Implementing Teaching and Learning in Health Education
Area and cat no.
NURS 5174
Units
9
Reference
 
Course name
Perspectives in Mental Health Practice
Area and cat no.
NURS 5071
Units
9
Reference
 
Course name
Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health
Area and cat no.
NURS 5164
Units
9
Reference
 

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

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
  • project or 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. 

Global opportunities

Why Master of Midwifery

Why this Degree

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, 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

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 degree is offered online and can be studied on a part-time or full-time basis. Some attendance required at on-campus workshops.

12018 ARC Engagement and Impact Assessment (EI), Combined Impact – Approach to Impact and Engagement on Assessed Fields. 2Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University 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

Online study

This qualification can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. 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 teamwork 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.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

Expanding upon your experience as an midwife, graduates are qualified to step into advanced practice and senior leadership roles across a wide variety of hospital, community, and governance settings. You'll be confident to act as a leader in the workplace, help improve healthcare services through experience and advanced practice, and influence how the midwifery workforce operates in Australia.

You can apply your skills into areas including:

  • leadership and management
  • healthcare policy and governance
  • research
  • education.

Industry facts

job-listings

Employment for midwifery and nursing professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 56,100 (16.2% per cent) by November 2025.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

Thinking of studying soon?

2025

Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.

When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.

2026

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Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.

Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.

Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team. 

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • Check you meet the full entry requirements for this program.
  • Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
  • You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.
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Credit Transfer

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

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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

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.

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International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

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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

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.

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 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.

Dr Allison Roderick

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Allison Roderick
Portrait image for Dr Allison Roderick

Dr Allison Roderick

Program Director

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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

Nicole Clohessy

Nicole Clohessy

Master of  Midwifery

Future study opportunities

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Master of Research

Doctor of Philosophy

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Study overseas

Enrich your studies and your life - make overseas experience part of your degree. Lots of opportunities are available.

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Got questions?

If you've got a question about studying at UniSA, we've got an answer.

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Contact us

Australian students

Phone: +61 8 8302 2376
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

International students

Phone: +61 8 9627 4854
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

For further information please visit unisa.edu.au/study
Information correct at the time of publication. CRICOS provider number 00121B.
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