Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Midwifery Program

The BSc (Hons) Midwifery program at University College Cork (UCC) is a four-year, full-time course designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become a registered midwife. The program is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) and is ranked among the top 50 nursing schools worldwide.

Course Outline

The program consists of two components: theoretical modules and midwifery practice modules. Each year of the course has a combination of these components, with a focus on providing students with a broad-based education in midwifery.

• Year 1 Modules:
  • NU1040 Infection Prevention and Control for Nursing and Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
  • NU1052 Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn I (10 credits)
  • NU1053 Midwives and Professional Practice I (10 credits)
  • NU1055 Interpersonal Communication and Applied Psychology for Midwifery Practice (10 credits)
  • NU1056 Midwifery Practice I (10 credits)
  • NU1064 Midwifery Theory and Practice for Various Clinical Settings I (10 credits)
  • SC1016 Sociological concepts for Midwifery (5 credits)
• Year 2:
  • Pregnancy, Childbirth, Postnatal Care, and the Newborn
  • Midwives and Professional Practice
  • Food, Nutrition and Health for Pregnancy
  • Infant/Breast Feeding
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Care of Women with Medical, Surgical, and Mental Health Issues
  • Neonatal Unit
  • Gynecological Problems
  • Care in the Community
  • Pharmacology and Medication Management for Midwifery Practice
  • Research
• Year 3:
  • Pregnancy, Childbirth, Postnatal Care and the Newborn
  • Midwives and Professional Practice
  • Midwifery Practice in Various Healthcare Contexts
  • Parenthood Education
  • Promoting Normal Birth
  • High Dependency Care in Maternity
  • On-going Care for Medical, Surgical, and Mental Health Issues
  • Neonatal Unit
  • Gynaecological Problems
  • Care in the Community
  • Social Policy for Midwifery Practice
  • Research
• Year 4:
  • Pregnancy
  • Childbirth, Postnatal Care, and the Newborn
  • Health Promotion for Midwifery Practice
  • Research, Midwifery and Professional Practice, Ethics and Legal Issues
  • Ethics (an elective module)
  • Healthcare Informatics
  • Advanced Communication Skills
  • Complementary Therapies in Healthcare
  • The Therapeutic Value of the Arts: Wound Management
  • Contemporary Debates in Health and Illness
  • Multiculturalism, Gender, and Social Policy

Clinical Practice Modules

These modules require students to be in supervised clinical practice in hospital, community, and other healthcare settings for 35 hours per week for a number of weeks each year. In semester two of Year 4, students undertake a 36-week paid internship with their parent health service provider (HSP).

Assessment

Written exams take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules have formal examinations; many use other types of assessment, including essays, projects, seminar presentations, assessment of clinical skills and learning, in-class tests, self and peer assessment.

Why Choose This Course

The BSc (Hons) Midwifery program at UCC is highly sought after, with consistently high points required for entry. The program offers a wide variety of clinical placements across several university hospitals and community facilities, with the majority of clinical placements in Cork University Maternity Hospital. Opportunities to study abroad and a large suite of postgraduate courses are also available to graduates.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Clinical placements are varied and require students to travel to different locations throughout their program. Some placements may entail overnight stays. The program also participates in international research and educational programs, allowing students to undertake part of their studies abroad.

Skills and Careers Information

The course aims to provide students with good midwifery practice and sound clinical skills necessary for starting their professional career as a registered midwife. Graduates can seek employment as registered midwives and have opportunities to work in other countries, particularly in the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Requirements

• Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements: At least six subjects must be presented, with a minimum grade H5 in two subjects and a minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programs unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.
• EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications: Applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.
• Mature Students: To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO.
• QQI FET Entry: Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications.
• Fitness to Practise: This program is subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy.
• Student Garda Vetting: All students on this program will come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust through educational and training opportunities. To ensure the protection of the public, and to justify public trust and confidence, UCC is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake this program.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
• See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
• Check out scholarships that may be available to you.

How to Apply

• Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants: Apply via the CAO.
• Mature Applicants: Apply via the CAO by 1 February.
• QQI/FET Applicants: Apply via the CAO.
• Non-EU Applicants: If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal.

Similar Courses

• BSc (Hons) General Nursing
• BSc (Hons) Children's & General Nursing
• BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
• BSc (Hons) Intellectual Disability Nursing

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Midwifery program at University College Cork offers a comprehensive education in midwifery, preparing students for a rewarding career as registered midwives. With its strong reputation, varied clinical placements, and opportunities for study abroad, this program is an excellent choice for those passionate about midwifery.