Program Overview

Bachelor of Midwifery Science

The Bachelor of Midwifery Science is an internationally recognised four-year degree programme that prepares students to become confident, compassionate, and highly skilled midwives.

Course Overview

• The programme is delivered by the University of Galway in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) West North West.
• It combines academic learning with clinical placements, providing students with hands-on experience in midwifery practice.
• Graduates are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

Course Structure

• The programme is four years in duration, with each year consisting of two semesters.
• The course includes a blend of theoretical and practical modules, with students spending a significant amount of time in clinical placements.
• Clinical placements are undertaken in the HSE West North West Health Care Group, including University Hospital Galway, Mayo University Hospital, Portiuncula University Hospital, and Sligo University Hospital.

Curriculum

• The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in midwifery, including:
  • Anatomy, physiology, and applied skills for midwifery practice
  • Health and applied biosciences
  • Introduction to the profession of midwifery
  • Foundations of midwifery practice
  • Clinical midwifery practice
  • Research and evidence for practice
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Law and ethics
  • Medicines and clinical practice

Assessment and Evaluation

• Assessments are carried out in a variety of formats, including written assignments, exams, poster and oral presentations, dissertations, project work, case studies, and clinical skills assessment.
• The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning outcomes of each module.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
• Health requirements: Nursing and midwifery are demanding professions, both physically and emotionally, and require good mental and physical health.
• Vaccination and screening: Registered students must engage with the School of Nursing and Midwifery Vaccination and Screening programme.
• Statutory and mandatory training: Students must complete training in areas such as manual handling, basic life support, and prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections.

Fees and Funding

• EU tuition fees: 4,606
• Student contribution charge: 2,500
• Non-EU tuition fees: 28,000
• Levy: 140
• Total fee for EU students: 7,246
• Total fee for non-EU students: 28,140

Career Opportunities

• Graduates of the Bachelor of Midwifery Science programme are well-prepared for a wide range of rewarding roles in maternity care, including clinical roles, leadership and management positions, education and research roles.
• Career paths include staff midwife, advanced midwife practitioner, lactation consultant, and roles in perinatal mental health or neonatal intensive care.

Research Excellence

• The School of Nursing and Midwifery is a research-intensive school with a strong reputation for producing high-quality, internationally relevant research.
• Research areas include healthy and active ageing, maternity care and women's health, and randomised trials and evidence synthesis.

Why Choose University of Galway?

• University of Galway is a world-renowned research-led university with a commitment to top-quality teaching.
• The university is ranked in the top 2% of universities globally and is ranked first in Ireland for sustainable development.
• University of Galway has a strong reputation for research excellence and has established partnerships with national and international universities, health services, and policy-making bodies.