Bachelor of Midwifery

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Southern Cross University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Midwifery at Southern Cross University is designed for those passionate about supporting women and families through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. This program is ideal for individuals who are compassionate, dedicated, and eager to make a positive impact in the lives of others while gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to become a registered midwife.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students will lay a solid foundation in midwifery practice with courses such as "Foundations of Midwifery" and "Human Anatomy and Physiology." These units introduce essential concepts of maternal and newborn health, focusing on the physiological and psychological aspects of pregnancy and childbirth.

The second year dives 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 holistic care and understanding the complexities of midwifery in various contexts.

In the final year, students will refine their expertise through advanced courses such as "Midwifery Leadership and Management" and "Research in Midwifery Practice." This year emphasizes critical thinking and leadership skills, preparing graduates to take on roles in diverse healthcare settings and contribute to the advancement of midwifery practice.

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

Learning Outcomes: Competence in midwifery practice, ability to provide holistic care, critical thinking and leadership skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), ensuring that graduates meet the national standards for midwifery practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Southern Cross University is recognized for its strong employability outcomes, consistently ranking highly in graduate employment rates according to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Southern Cross University, 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 gain practical skills that are crucial for your future career. The program emphasizes experiential learning through various facilities and tools that enhance your educational journey.

Students have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs, where they can practice clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment. Additionally, the program includes opportunities for field placements in hospitals and community settings, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world scenarios.

Here are some key features of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Bachelor of Midwifery program at Southern Cross University:

- Simulation Labs: Engage in realistic scenarios using high-fidelity mannequins and equipment that mimic real-life situations.
- Field Placements: Gain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals and community health services, to develop your clinical skills.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on projects that encourage teamwork and problem-solving, essential skills for a successful midwifery career.
- Digital Tools: Utilize advanced software for patient management and care planning, enhancing your ability to work in modern healthcare environments.
- Research Laboratories: Access dedicated spaces for research and study, allowing you to explore midwifery topics in depth.
- Library Resources: Benefit from extensive library facilities that provide access to a wide range of academic journals, books, and online resources specific to midwifery.
- Field Trips: Participate in excursions to various healthcare facilities, giving you insights into different midwifery practices and environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Midwifery at Southern Cross University are equipped with the clinical expertise, practical experience, and compassionate care skills needed to support women and families throughout pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care. The program prepares students for rewarding careers across hospitals, maternity units, community healthcare services, and regional healthcare settings. Graduates commonly work as Registered Midwives, Maternal and Child Health Practitioners, Community Midwives, Neonatal Care Support Practitioners, and Women’s Health Specialists.

This strong career preparation is supported by excellent future opportunities and industry-focused learning experiences:

Strong Employment Demand: Midwifery remains one of Australia’s high-demand healthcare professions, with growing opportunities available in public hospitals, private maternity services, and regional healthcare centres.
Competitive Graduate Salaries: Midwifery graduates in Australia typically earn median starting salaries of approximately AUD $70,000–$75,000 per year, with experienced midwives and specialised practitioners earning significantly higher salaries depending on experience and area of practice.
Career Support and Employability Services: Southern Cross University provides students with career guidance, employability workshops, resume and interview support, networking opportunities, and placement assistance to help graduates transition successfully into professional practice.
Industry Partnerships and Clinical Placements: Students gain extensive hands-on experience through placements with hospitals, maternity units, and community healthcare organisations, helping them build valuable professional networks before graduation.
Professional Accreditation: 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 accreditation ensures graduates meet national professional standards and supports international career recognition.
Hands-On Graduate Readiness: Through advanced simulation labs, real-world placements, collaborative learning activities, and exposure to modern healthcare technologies, students graduate with the confidence and practical skills needed for contemporary midwifery practice.
Long-Term Career Opportunities: Graduates may pursue specialised pathways in neonatal care, maternal and child health, antenatal education, lactation consultancy, women’s health leadership, rural healthcare, and healthcare management.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Midwifery, students can continue their education 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. Graduates interested in academic or research careers may also pursue higher research degrees such as a Master by Research or PhD, leading to opportunities in healthcare research, university teaching, advanced clinical practice, and healthcare policy development.