Bachelor of Midwifery
The Bachelor of Midwifery is a unique and internationally-renowned qualification leading to registration as a midwife in New Zealand. You will receive a rigorous theoretical education in a supportive and caring learning environment, and spend a significant amount of time gaining midwifery practice experience across a wide variety of settings including home, hospital and community services.Successful completion of this programme will prepare you to meet the requirements of the Midwifery Council of New Zealand for registration as a midwife.
In 2009 we launched a new Bachelor of Midwifery programme that is jointly owned and delivered by Otago Polytechnic and Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology. It provides a consistent midwifery programme across the South Island and lower North Island that meets the Midwifery Council of New Zealand’s new standards for midwifery education (2007). It is designed to increase the competence and confidence of graduates so they are well prepared to enter the midwifery workforce. It also aligns internationally with the midwifery education requirements of the European Union and UK.
Entry requirements
Minimum of 42 NQF credits at Level 3 or higher including a minimum of:
- 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in biology or chemistry AND
- 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in an English language rich subject AND
- A further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in two additional subjects or domains AND
- A minimum of 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in Mathematics/Pangarau.
You will be required to submit an essay demonstrating your commitment to midwifery and relevant life experiences, a current First Aid Certificate, CV and health declaration/medical certificate. Referees reports will be required.
Midwifery applicants will be selected into the programme on the basis of the following criteria:
- Demonstrated commitment to practising midwifery
- Life experience relevant to midwifery and/or womens health
- Demonstrated strong communication skills and self-responsibility in relation to learning and practice
- Demonstrated good health and good character via referee reports, declarations and a police check sufficient for safe and effective practice as a midwife.
Preference will be given to applicants who are 20 years or older who can demonstrate equivalence in the above academic requirements or evidence of the ability to study successfully at degree level.
Entry Criteria for Registered Health Professionals:
Registered health practitioners from other disciplines must hold registration with the relevant regulatory authority in New Zealand if seeking credit through RPL on the basis of their professional qualification and experience.
International entry requirements
Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds: Must meet all stated entry requirements. Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds must meet all stated entry requirements AND demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 7.0 (with no less than 6.5 in writing and reading and no less than 7.0 in speaking and listening).
Further study options
Postgraduate Certificate in Midwifery Practice, Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery, Master of Midwifery
Important dates and information
Duration: Three Years, Full-Time. The Midwifery Council of New Zealand requires completion within four years.
Location: Blended delivery with compulsory blocks.
Learning options: Full-time over three years or part-time over four years.
Start date: February
Domestic annual indicative fee: $8,136
International annual indicative fee: $25,500
Applications due by: 30 August
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