Program Overview

Midwifery Program

The Higher Diploma in Midwifery is a full-time program running for 18 months from the date of first registration for the program.

Course Outline

The program will be offered on a continuous basis with students commencing the program 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.

• 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 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.

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-centered care both in Ireland and internationally.

Requirements

• Applicants undertaking the Midwife Registration Education Post-RGN program 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 are competency-based. Only successful applicants will then apply to UCC for a place on the program.

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.