Bachelor of Midwifery

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian Catholic University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Midwifery at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed for those passionate about supporting women and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. This program is ideal for individuals who are empathetic, dedicated, and eager to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students will lay a solid foundation in midwifery practice through courses such as "Foundations of Midwifery" and "Human Development Across the Lifespan." These units introduce essential concepts in midwifery, anatomy, and physiology, equipping students with the knowledge to understand the complexities of maternal and infant health.

The second year delves deeper into clinical practice and midwifery care, with units like "Midwifery Care in the Childbearing Continuum" and "Pharmacology for Midwives." Students will engage in hands-on learning experiences, developing their skills in providing comprehensive care to women and their families, while also exploring the ethical and legal aspects of midwifery.

In the final year, students will focus on advanced midwifery practice and leadership through courses such as "Midwifery Practice: Complex Care" and "Research in Midwifery." This year emphasizes critical thinking and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to take on leadership roles in the field and contribute to the ongoing development of midwifery as a profession.

Focus Areas: Maternal and infant health, clinical practice, leadership in midwifery.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be equipped to provide safe, evidence-based midwifery care, advocate for women's health, and engage in lifelong learning and professional development.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Bachelor of Midwifery is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), ensuring that the program meets national standards for midwifery education.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): ACU consistently ranks highly in employability, with recent statistics showing that 85% of graduates find employment within four months of completing their degree, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Australian Catholic University (ACU), the Bachelor of Midwifery program is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. This approach ensures that you not only learn the essential concepts of midwifery but also develop the practical skills necessary to excel in the field. ACU offers state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance your learning experience, allowing you to engage in real-world scenarios and prepare for your future career.

Through a combination of classroom learning, simulation labs, and clinical placements, you will gain invaluable insights and skills. Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Bachelor of Midwifery program:

- Simulation Labs: ACU features advanced simulation facilities where you can practice midwifery skills in a safe and controlled environment. These labs are equipped with high-fidelity mannequins and realistic birthing scenarios.

- Clinical Placements: You will have the opportunity to undertake clinical placements in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and community health services. This hands-on experience is crucial for applying your knowledge in real-life situations.

- Group Projects: Collaborative learning is emphasized through group projects that encourage teamwork and communication skills, essential for working in healthcare environments.

- Digital Tools: ACU integrates digital tools and resources into the curriculum, including access to online learning platforms and software that support your studies and clinical practice.

- Field Trips: The program includes field trips to relevant healthcare facilities, providing insights into different aspects of midwifery practice and the healthcare system.

- Research Laboratories: ACU has dedicated research facilities where you can engage in midwifery research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

- Library Resources: The university's libraries offer extensive resources, including access to medical journals, textbooks, and online databases that support your academic research and learning.

- Supportive Learning Environment: ACU fosters a supportive community with access to academic advisors, peer mentoring, and workshops that enhance your learning experience.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to ensure that you graduate as a competent and confident midwife, ready to make a positive impact in the lives of mothers and their families.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Midwifery at Australian Catholic University are highly respected healthcare professionals equipped with the clinical expertise, compassionate care skills, and practical experience needed to support women and families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. The program prepares students for rewarding careers in hospitals, maternity units, community health organisations, and women’s healthcare services across Australia. Graduates commonly work as Registered Midwives, Maternal and Child Health Practitioners, Community Midwives, Neonatal Care Support Practitioners, and Women’s Health Specialists.

This strong professional preparation is supported by excellent graduate opportunities and industry-focused learning experiences:

Strong Graduate Employment Outcomes: Midwifery remains one of Australia’s highest-demand healthcare professions, with strong employment opportunities available across public hospitals, private healthcare providers, maternity clinics, and regional healthcare services.
Competitive Graduate Salaries: Midwifery graduates in Australia typically earn starting salaries ranging from approximately AUD $70,000–$95,000 per year depending on healthcare setting, experience, and specialisation, with higher earning potential in leadership and specialised maternal healthcare roles.
Career Development and Employability Services: ACU provides students with dedicated career support including employability workshops, interview preparation, resume assistance, placement support, mentoring programs, and professional networking opportunities to help graduates transition confidently into the workforce.
Industry Partnerships and Clinical Placements: Students complete extensive clinical placements across leading hospitals, maternity wards, and healthcare organisations, gaining valuable real-world experience while working alongside experienced midwives and healthcare professionals.
Professional Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Midwifery is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), allowing graduates to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through AHPRA. This qualification is recognised throughout Australia and internationally.
Hands-On Graduate Readiness: Through advanced simulation laboratories, clinical placements, collaborative projects, and practical healthcare training, students graduate with the confidence and competencies required for contemporary midwifery practice.
Research and Evidence-Based Practice Opportunities: ACU’s strong focus on research-informed healthcare education allows students to engage with evidence-based practice and healthcare research initiatives throughout their studies.
Long-Term Career Growth: Graduates may pursue specialised pathways in neonatal care, maternal and child health, antenatal education, lactation consultancy, women’s health leadership, community health, and healthcare management.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Midwifery, students can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, or Master’s degrees in Midwifery, Women’s Health, Public Health, Healthcare Leadership, Clinical Education, or Research. ACU also offers higher research pathways including Master by Research and PhD programs for students interested in advanced clinical practice, healthcare innovation, university teaching, healthcare leadership, and policy development.