Program Overview

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Higher Diploma in Midwifery

The Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme is offered in partnership with the National Maternity Hospital. Upon successful completion of the programme, students are eligible for registration as a Registered Midwife (RM) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and the award of Higher Diploma in Midwifery from University College Dublin at level 8 National Qualification Authority Ireland Framework.

Key Information

• Major Code: X770 Sept / X837 March
• Duration: 18 months
• Next Intake: Sept 2025
• Applications for September 2025 intake: Open on 1st February 2025, close on April 18th 2025, with interviews at the beginning of May 2025

Overview

This programme is for Registered General Nurses who want to become midwives. Midwives provide support, information, skilled and compassionate care during the process of pregnancy and giving birth, and prepare the woman and her partner to care for their baby confidently after the birth.

Who is the Programme For?

This programme is designed for Registered General Nurses who wish to pursue a career in midwifery. It provides them with the necessary education and clinical practice experience to become competent midwives.

What Will I Study?

The Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme is designed to provide Registered General Nurses with education and clinical practice experience in the art and science of midwifery. The programme is highly structured and progressive, building on the knowledge and experience gained as a registered nurse, and helping students to adapt their skills to the maternity care environment.

Award

On successful completion of all theory and clinical modules, students will be awarded a Level 8 Higher Diploma in Midwifery and can then proceed to register as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

Programme Structure

This full-time, 18-month programme runs continuously over 4 trimesters. Students will alternate between 6 or 7 week theory blocks in UCD and clinical placements in the National Maternity Hospital.

Clinical Practice Experience

All clinical practice experience is gained at the National Maternity Hospital, one of the leading maternity hospitals in Ireland. Students will have the opportunity to gain experience in all areas of midwifery practice under supervision, including community midwifery.

Fees, Expenses, and Salary

If successful in the interview process and accepting an offer onto the programme, students will be paid employees of the National Maternity Hospital. The fees for this programme are sponsored by the Health Service Executive, subject to certain conditions.

Entry Requirements

To apply for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme, applicants must:

• Hold a primary degree in Nursing or equivalent
• Be currently registered as a Registered General Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
• Have at least six months' post-registration acute clinical nursing experience
• Be successful in the National Maternity Hospital screening and interview process
• Meet the English language requirements as specified by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

Applications for RPL must be submitted online through the SISWeb account. There are two instances in which students can apply to have recognised prior learning taken into account when applying for a programme in UCD:

1. RPL for admission to a UCD programme
2. RPL for exemption from a module or modules on a UCD programme

When applying for RPL, students must submit their application as early as possible and preferably before commencing the relevant module/stage/programme. The application will be reviewed by the Taught Graduate Standing Committee and Programme Board.