Midwifery (Master of Health Sciences)
Midwifery (Higher Diploma)

Masters: the complex and changing nature of health care today requires nurses prepared to a minimum of a bachelors degree. In order to progress in a career as a midwife it is now recognised that a postgraduate qualification is a necessity. The Master of Health Sciences (Midwifery) is designed for the midwife to address in detail matters relating to the care of clients in their area of specialism. The clinical experience the midwife brings to the theoretical knowledge gained through the programme promotes the development of expert practice. The award can also be used as a stepping stone to advanced practice and teaching qualifications. The programme is part-time over two years or three years and is delivered in a blended format. Blended learning is an innovative teaching strategy which involves a combination of face-to-face and on-line learning. This means that learning/teaching is delivered on-line through Blackboard, an interactive learning system which connects directly to the University from your home computer. Face-to-face learning/teaching takes the form of 2 or 3 workshops (depending on the module) each semester. Students will therefore attend for 2 or 3 days a semester, plus and orientation day prior to the commencement of the first year.

HDip: the 18-month Higher Diploma in Midwifery is for reregistered nurses who wish to pursue a career in midwifery. The programme builds on students' prior professional, academic and personal experiences. Following successful completion of the programme students are competent to fulfil the role of the midwife as outlined by the International Confederation of Midwives and are eligible to apply to register as a midwife with An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann.

Masters programmes content:

1st year
Module title

• Concepts and Theories of Midwifery 
• Option choice 
• Reflective Practice I 
• Advanced Research Methods 
• Option choice 

 
2nd year
Module title

• Developing Practice 
• Option choice 
• Reflective Practice II 
• Option choice 
• Research Dissertation

HDip programme content:

• Application of the Biological Sciences to Midwifery 
• Normal Midwifery Care I 
• Evidence Based Practice 
• Social Sciences (Sociology and Psychology) 
• Normal Midwifery Care II 
• Care of the Woman at risk I 
• Clinical Practice 
• Practice Assessment  
• Care of the Woman at Risk II 
• The Neonate requiring Special Care 
• Issues in Midwifery Practice and Women's Health 
• Clinical Practice 
• Practice Assessment