Course

Graduate Diploma in Midwifery

Approved Abbreviation: GradDipMidwif

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Western Sydney University Course Code: 4505.1

CRICOS Code: 015574E

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Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in this course was 2001 to 2006.

The Graduate Diploma in Midwifery is designed for registered nurses wishing to pursue a career in midwifery. The course places emphasis on the art and science of midwifery. Midwifery encompasses the phenomenon of reproduction, including sexuality, family planning, pregnancy, birth and the postnatal care of the mother and baby. There is an emphasis on health promotion and holistic midwifery care throughout the course. Students will gain essential clinical experience through paid employment in an affiliated maternity hospital for the duration of the course. The course enables registered nurses to develop as beginning midwives.

Study Mode
One year full-time or two years part-time study.

Advanced standing

Applications for advanced standing will be assessed in accordance with current UWS policy.

Accreditation
The Graduate Diploma in Midwifery was initially accredited by the Nurses and Midwives Board (NMB) of New South Wales. From 1st July 2010 the approval, recognition and accreditation of courses has been transferred to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMAC). Course accreditation can be checked on their website. Http://www.anmac.org.au/accreditation-services

Admission

Applications for the course must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Further information on admission to postgraduate courses is available on the Local Admissions section of the UWS website.

Students may be considered for admission if they:

• possess a relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent, and

• are a registered nurse in NSW, a statutory requirement.

• meet requirements for employment within an approved maternity unit, including interview.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Recommended Sequence

Full-time

Year 1

Quarter 1

400076

Fundamentals of Pregnancy and Birth

400077

Fundamentals of the Postnatal Period and the Newborn

Quarter 2

400078

Complications of Pregnancy and the Postnatal Period

400080

Practice of Midwifery I

Quarter 3

400079

Complications of Labour, Birth and Newborn

400082

Essentials for Best Practice in Midwifery

Quarter 4

400081

Practice of Midwifery II

And one elective.

Part-time

Year 1

Quarter 1

400076

Fundamentals of Pregnancy and Birth

Quarter 2

400078

Complications of Pregnancy and the Postnatal Period

Quarter 3

400082

Essentials for Best Practice in Midwifery

Quarter 4

And one elective.

Year 2

Quarter 1

400077

Fundamentals of the Postnatal Period and the Newborn

Quarter 2

400080

Practice of Midwifery I

Quarter 3

400079

Complications of Labour, Birth and Newborn

Quarter 4

400081

Practice of Midwifery II

Elective Units

The following are two possible elective units. Students should consult the course coordinator for further possible elective options:

NU814A

Midwifery in the Australian Context

NU816A

Organisation of Maternity Services

Clinical Experience

Students will also undertake clinical experience on a full-time basis of 32 hours per week, organised through the course coordinator and undertaken in maternity units that have been approved by the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW. Clinical placements will be in maternity units in the Sydney South West and Sydney West Area Health Services.