Program Overview

Midwifery

Course Fact File

• Code: HDMWF
• Duration: 18 months full-time
• Teaching Mode: Full-time
• Qualifications: HDip
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• Closing Date: 8 April 2025
• Start Date: September 1st 2025

Course Outline

The Higher Diploma in Midwifery is a full-time programme running for 18 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The programme will be offered on a continuous basis with students commencing the programme in either September or March. Students will receive an 18 month contract of employment with the Cork University Maternity Hospital. The Higher Diploma will comply with the professional requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and the EU directives for registration as a midwife. Registered midwives who complete the programme will be eligible for midwifery registration in another EU Member State when they have completed one further year of clinical practice.

In Year 1, students take taught modules to the value of 40 credits (Part A) and a practice module to the value of 10 credits (Part B). In Year 2, students take taught modules to the value of 30 credits (Part A) and a practice module to the value of 10 credits (Part B).

Full attendance is required at all scheduled teaching activities in all modules and clinical placement to meet NMBI and EU requirements to be eligible for registration as a midwife.

Year 1 (duration nine months)

• Part A:
  • NU5093 Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Neonate 1 (10 credits)
  • NU5095 Supporting Mothers during Pregnancy and Parenthood (10 credits)
  • NU5057 Professionalism for Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
  • NU5058 Health Promotion for Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
  • NU5073 Evidence Based Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
  • SS5806 Social Policy and Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
• Part B:
  • NU5088 Midwifery Practice I (10 credits)

Year 2 (duration nine months)

• Part A:
  • NU5043 Ethics for Midwives (5 credits)
  • NU5059 Childbirth and the Neonate II (10 credits)
  • NU5096 Normal Childbirth: Issues and Debates (5 credits)
  • NU6005 Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
• Part B:
  • NU5089 Midwifery Practice II (10 credits)

Course Practicalities

Assessment

Assessment is through a variety of approaches including written assignments, class presentations and end-of-year examinations. Assessment of midwifery practice is a continuous process and includes the assessment of midwifery skills and competencies for practice.

Who teaches this course

• Dr Rhona O'Connell RGN, RM, RNT, BA, DipAppPsychol (RCSI), PhD MEd (TCD)
• Dr Geraldine McLoughlin RGN, RM, HDipEd, MSc, PhD
• Dr Patricia Leahy-Warren RGN, RM, BSc (Nurs), DipCom, DipMgt, HDipPHN, MSc (Nurs), PhD
• Dr Joan McCarthy BA, MA, PhD
• Agnes Phelan RGN, HDip, BSc, RNT, MComm
• Dr Margaret Murphy MSc, BSc, RM, RGN, PGCert TLHE, PGDip TLHE, IBCLC, DN

Why Choose This Course

The course works towards developing a thinking, analytical, questioning midwife, who has an interest in learning and who can fully exploit the learning advantages of working within a midwifery environment. The course is student-based and designed to equip you with the clinical skills and theoretical knowledge needed by qualified midwives to provide high quality woman-centred care both in Ireland and internationally. Graduates will have an excellent theoretical framework which will ensure safe evidence-based autonomous midwifery practice.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Students have an opportunity to gain experience in an area relevant to midwifery practice locally, nationally or internationally during a one week elective placement. This week is self-funded.

Skills and Careers Information

Midwives are expected to be responsive to the changing needs of women and their families and therefore need an educational input that positively influences their practice and develops their sense of autonomy. This course sets out to achieve this while meeting and maintaining the professional and practice requirements for post-registration midwifery education. You will be prepared to be proactive as a midwife in effecting change that will benefit mothers and babies.

Requirements

• Applicants undertaking the Midwife Registration Education Post-RGN programme must be nurses whose names are registered in the General Division of the Register of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• Verification will be required on application.
• The application form and interview is competency-based. Only successful applicants will then apply to UCC for a place on the programme.

Fees and Costs

Fitness to Practise

This programme is subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy.