Bachelor of Midwifery

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Adelaide

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Midwifery at the University of Adelaide is an exceptional program designed for those passionate about supporting women and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. This degree is ideal for individuals who are empathetic, dedicated, and eager to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent and compassionate midwives.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students will dive into foundational concepts of midwifery and healthcare, taking courses such as "Introduction to Midwifery" and "Human Anatomy and Physiology." This year focuses on developing essential skills in communication, ethics, and the biological sciences that underpin midwifery practice.

The second year builds on this foundation, with courses like "Midwifery Practice 1" and "Pharmacology for Midwives," where students engage in more hands-on learning and begin to apply their knowledge in clinical settings. This year emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and the role of midwives in supporting diverse families.

In the final year, students will undertake advanced courses such as "Midwifery Practice 2" and "Public Health and Midwifery," culminating in a comprehensive capstone project. This year is designed to refine clinical skills and prepare students for the transition into professional practice, ensuring they are ready to meet the challenges of the midwifery profession.

Focus Areas: Maternal health, newborn care, public health, and evidence-based practice.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be equipped to provide safe, respectful, and culturally competent 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 the highest standards of education and practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Adelaide consistently ranks highly in employability, with QS World University Rankings placing it among the top universities globally for graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Adelaide, 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 benefit from 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 components of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Bachelor of Midwifery program:

- Simulation Labs: Access to advanced simulation facilities that replicate real-life clinical situations, enabling you to practice and refine your skills.
- Field Placements: Hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals and community health services, where you can work alongside experienced midwives.
- Group Projects: Collaborative learning experiences that encourage teamwork and communication, essential skills for any midwifery professional.
- Digital Tools: Utilization of software and digital resources that support learning and clinical practice, including electronic health records and patient management systems.
- Research Laboratories: Opportunities to engage in research projects that contribute to the advancement of midwifery practice and healthcare outcomes.
- Library Resources: Access to extensive library facilities, including specialized collections related to midwifery and healthcare, to support your studies and research.
- Workshops and Seminars: Participation in workshops and guest lectures from industry professionals, providing insights into current practices and innovations in midwifery.

Choosing the Bachelor of Midwifery at the University of Adelaide means you’re not just learning; you’re preparing to make a real difference in the lives of families and communities. I encourage you to apply and take the first step towards a rewarding career in midwifery!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Midwifery at The University of Adelaide are highly skilled healthcare professionals equipped with strong clinical expertise, evidence-based practice knowledge, and compassionate patient care skills. The program prepares students for rewarding careers supporting women and families through pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care across hospitals, maternity units, community health organisations, and regional healthcare services. Graduates commonly work as Registered Midwives, Maternal and Child Health Practitioners, Community Midwives, Women’s Health Specialists, and Neonatal Care Practitioners.

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

Strong Employment Demand: Midwifery continues to be one of Australia’s highest-demand healthcare professions, with growing opportunities across hospitals, maternity services, women’s health clinics, and community healthcare settings.
Competitive Graduate Salaries: Midwifery graduates in Australia generally earn starting salaries ranging from approximately AUD $70,000–$95,000 per year depending on healthcare setting, experience, and specialisation, with additional earning potential in leadership, neonatal care, and regional healthcare roles.
Career Development and Employability Services: The University of Adelaide provides extensive employability support including career counselling, resume and interview preparation, mentoring programs, placement support, networking opportunities, and graduate career services tailored for healthcare students.
Industry Partnerships and Field Placements: Students complete extensive clinical placements across hospitals, maternity wards, community health services, and healthcare organisations throughout South Australia, gaining valuable real-world experience and professional industry connections before graduation.
Professional Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Midwifery is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), enabling graduates to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through AHPRA. This qualification is recognised nationally and internationally.
Hands-On Graduate Readiness: Through advanced simulation laboratories, field placements, collaborative healthcare projects, and practical training experiences, graduates develop strong clinical confidence and competencies required for contemporary midwifery practice.
Research and Innovation Opportunities: Students benefit from access to research laboratories, healthcare innovation initiatives, and evidence-based learning environments that strengthen research capability and professional healthcare practice.
Global Reputation and Academic Excellence: The University of Adelaide is internationally recognised for its healthcare education and biomedical research excellence, giving graduates a highly respected qualification with strong career mobility.
Long-Term Career Growth: Graduates may pursue specialised pathways in neonatal care, maternal and child health, antenatal education, lactation consultancy, women’s health leadership, rural healthcare, clinical education, 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. The University of Adelaide 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 healthcare policy development.