Bachelor of Midwifery

Midwives work with women to provide care in pregnancy, childbirth and up to the first six weeks of a baby's life.

Recognised by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand, our three-year degree uses blended delivery techniques to enable you to study and work in Christchurch, Nelson/Marlborough, the West Coast or South Canterbury.

All sites are supported by a midwifery lecturer who'll provide individual support, organise face-to-face tutorials, facilitate your online studies and coordinate local practice experience for you in your own region.

The degree is made up of theory and practice undertaken over 45 weeks each year and includes compulsory block weeks in Christchurch.

Topics covered include midwifery practice skills, nutrition, lactation and bioscience foundations. You'll learn about Maori health, integrated midwifery practice and rural midwifery practice to allow you to adapt to the wide range of needs and circumstances encountered in midwifery. You'll also follow at least 25 women throughout their midwifery care and facilitate 40 births in a variety of maternity settings.

By the time you graduate, you'll possess a good understanding of how to assess the social, psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural needs of each woman and her family, enabling you to support them through the childbirth experience.

Please note:

• This degree is likely to gain NZQA approval to become a four-year programme from February 2025. Contact us if you would like to know more.
• Your application for this programme must include a personal statement of approximately 500 words.

Please note: on completion of Year 3 you will be required to sit the Midwifery Council National Exam (at an additional cost of $200) to enable you to be registered to practice as a midwife.

You can work as a midwife, providing midwifery services either as a self-employed midwife with a caseload in the community or employed in a hospital setting providing maternity services to women.

Many graduates have established practices with their colleagues or joined an existing midwifery practice.

Midwives have the opportunity to develop skills in health management areas, education, and women's health settings and to participate and undertake research projects as well as work with other health professionals to enhance health care provision for women and their families.