Nursing: Advanced Practice Midwifery (MSc)

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Midwifery (Advanced Practice Midwifery) program at University of Galway equips registered midwives with advanced knowledge, skills, and competencies for an expanded scope of practice. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as Registered Advanced Midwife Practitioners (RAMP) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The program's flexible and blended learning approach includes a combination of face-to-face and online instruction, taught by experienced faculty. Upon completion, graduates are prepared for advanced practice roles in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, community healthcare, primary care, research, and education.

Program Outline

Nursing: Advanced Practice Midwifery (MSc) - University of Galway

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Midwifery (Advanced Practice Midwifery) program aims to equip experienced registered midwives with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to expand their practice autonomously.

• Enhance complex decision-making skills.
• Prepare students as advanced autonomous practitioners, competent in delivering high-quality direct care to specific women/client groups.
• Promote wellness, offer healthcare interventions, and advocate for healthy lifestyle choices for women/people, their families, and carers in various settings.
• Foster collaboration with other healthcare professionals within agreed scope of practice guidelines.
• Support students to expand their role as autonomous members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Develop professional leadership skills within their field of specialist practice.
• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to apply for registration as a Registered Advanced Midwife Practitioner (RAMP) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

Outline:

The program is a two-year, part-time MSc program that includes modules covering nurse and midwife prescribing, research, advanced practice, and management.

Year 1 (40 Credits):

• Required:
• NU6507: Leadership, Quality Improvement and Governance (Semester 1, 10 Credits):
This module explores the healthcare system, policies, governance, and their implications for practice. It covers quality improvement strategies, evidence-based practice, accreditation, regulation, and professional development. It also delves into leadership and management frameworks, collaboration, communication, and team building in healthcare.
• NU6610: Decision Making and Advanced Practice Professional Roles (Semester 1, 10 Credits): This module focuses on case management, clinical decision-making, standards of care, ethics, cultural competence, person-centered care, and advanced practice role development.
It explores contemporary issues in healthcare and the future of health service delivery.
• NU6312: Advanced Health Assessment (Semester 2, 10 Credits): This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to conduct comprehensive health history reviews and physical assessments on patients in clinical settings.
• NU502: Advanced Research Methods (Semester 2, 10 Credits): This module explores research methodologies, research design, systematic review processes, and the development of research protocols.
• Optional:
• RPL010: Recognised Prior Learning (Semester 1 & 2, 10 Credits):
• RPL020: Recognised Prior Learning (Semester 1 & 2, 20 Credits):
• RPL030: Recognised Prior Learning (Semester 1 & 2, 30 Credits):

Year 2 (70 Credits):

• Required:
• NU010.I: Professional, Ethical & Legal Issues of Nurse and Midwife Prescribing (Semester 1, 10 Credits):
This module prepares nurses and midwives to prescribe safely, appropriately, cost-effectively, legally, and ethically. It covers the regulatory framework, evidence-based knowledge, ethical principles, client-centered approaches, and support networks for prescribing practice.
• NU6506: Clinical Practicum (Semester 2, 20 Credits): This module involves 500 hours of clinical placement with supervision, focusing on developing expertise in specific practice areas like chronic disease management, oncology, older person care, women's health, mental health, and more.
• NU6515: Research Dissertation (Semester 1 & 2, 30 Credits): Students undertake a piece of primary research or an evidence synthesis on a topic relevant to their practice area, with support from a research supervisor.
• NU1191: Pharmacology, Health and Medicinal Prescribing (Semester 1, 10 Credits): This module covers the pharmacological treatment of patients, including drug mechanisms, clinical applications, patient variability, polypharmacy, and risk/benefit assessments.
• Optional:
• RPL010: Recognised Prior Learning (Semester 1 & 2, 10 Credits):
• RPL020: Recognised Prior Learning (Semester 1 & 2, 20 Credits):
• RPL030: Recognised Prior Learning (Semester 1 & 2, 30 Credits):

Assessment:

Students are assessed using a variety of methodologies, including:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE)
• Assignments
• Portfolios
• Case Studies

Teaching:

The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face teaching with facilitated online learning. The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members, including:

• Dr. Linda Biesty
• Ms. Catherine Meagher
• Dr. Maura Dowling
• Dr. Catherine Houghton
This qualification opens up opportunities for advanced practice roles in various healthcare settings, including:
• Hospitals
• Community healthcare
• Primary care
• Research
• Education

Other:

• The program is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the individual needs of students.
• Students are encouraged to engage in research and contribute to the development of the midwifery profession.
• The program provides opportunities for students to network with other healthcare professionals and develop their leadership skills.

Fees: EU €6,555 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25 Fees: Tuition €6,450 p.a. 2024/25 Fees: Student levy €105 p.a. 2024/25 Fees: Non EU €14,500 p.a. (€14,605 p.a. including levy) 2024/25