Bachelor of Midwifery (HLB001.2)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Canberra

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Midwifery (HLB001.2) at the University of Canberra 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 compassionate, dedicated, and eager to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students will dive into foundational knowledge with units such as "Introduction to Midwifery" and "Human Anatomy and Physiology." These courses provide essential insights into the biological and physiological aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, equipping students with the necessary skills to support expectant mothers.

The second year builds on this foundation, introducing more specialized topics like "Midwifery Practice 1" and "Pharmacology for Midwives." Here, students engage in practical placements, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings while developing critical skills in midwifery practice.

In the final year, students will focus on advanced concepts through units such as "Midwifery Practice 2" and "Research in Midwifery." This year emphasizes leadership and advocacy in midwifery, preparing graduates to take on roles that influence policy and practice in the healthcare system.

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

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 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): The University of Canberra consistently ranks highly in employability, with recent statistics showing that 85% of graduates find employment within six months of completing their degree, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Canberra, the Bachelor of Midwifery (HLB001.2) 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 offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance your learning experience, including simulation labs and clinical placements.

Experiential learning is a key component of the Bachelor of Midwifery program, allowing you to engage in real-world scenarios and develop your skills in a supportive environment. Here are some of the exciting opportunities you can expect:

- Simulation Labs: Utilize advanced simulation technology to practice clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment, preparing you for real-life situations.
- Clinical Placements: Gain invaluable experience through placements in hospitals and community health settings, where you will work alongside experienced midwives and healthcare professionals.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with fellow students on group assignments that encourage teamwork and communication, essential skills for any midwifery professional.
- Digital Tools: Access to specialized software and digital resources that support your learning and help you stay updated with the latest practices in midwifery.
- Field Trips: Participate in field trips to various healthcare facilities, providing you with insights into different midwifery practices and environments.
- Research Laboratories: Engage in research projects within designated laboratories, allowing you to explore innovative practices and contribute to the field of midwifery.
- Library Resources: Benefit from extensive library resources, including access to medical journals, textbooks, and online databases that support your studies.
- Dedicated Facilities: Take advantage of the university's dedicated health facilities, designed to enhance your learning experience and provide a realistic setting for your training.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Midwifery at University of Canberra are equipped with the clinical expertise, communication skills, and hands-on experience needed to support women and families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. The program prepares students for a highly rewarding healthcare career with strong employment demand across hospitals, maternity clinics, and community healthcare settings. Graduates commonly pursue careers as Registered Midwives, Maternal Health Practitioners, Neonatal Care Assistants, Community Midwives, and Women’s Health Specialists.

This strong professional preparation is supported by excellent graduate opportunities and industry engagement:

Strong Employment Demand: Midwifery continues to be a high-demand profession across Australia, with increasing need for qualified midwives in both metropolitan and regional healthcare settings.
Competitive Graduate Salaries: Midwifery graduates in Australia typically earn median starting salaries ranging from approximately AUD $70,000–$75,000 per year, with experienced midwives and specialists earning significantly higher depending on their role and location.
Career Support Services: The University of Canberra provides employability services including career workshops, interview preparation, resume support, networking events, and industry mentoring to help students transition successfully into the workforce.
Industry Partnerships and Clinical Placements: Students gain valuable professional experience through extensive placements with hospitals, maternity units, and healthcare organisations, helping them build industry connections before graduation.
Professional Accreditation: 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 accreditation ensures graduates meet national professional standards and supports international career recognition.
Hands-On Graduate Readiness: Through simulation labs, clinical training, collaborative projects, and real-world placements, students graduate with the confidence and practical experience needed for modern midwifery practice.
Long-Term Career Growth: Graduates may specialise in areas such as neonatal care, maternal and child health, antenatal education, rural and remote healthcare, lactation consultancy, women’s health leadership, 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 and research careers may also pursue higher research degrees such as a Master by Research or PhD, opening pathways into healthcare research, policy development, university teaching, and advanced clinical practice.