Bachelor of Midwifery

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of the Sunshine Coast

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Midwifery at the University of the Sunshine Coast 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 dive into foundational concepts of midwifery and health care, taking courses such as "Introduction to Midwifery" and "Human Anatomy and Physiology." This year focuses on developing essential skills in communication, ethics, and the social context of midwifery practice, setting a strong base for future learning.

The second year builds on this foundation with more specialized courses like "Midwifery Practice 1" and "Pharmacology for Midwives." Students will engage in practical placements, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their clinical skills and understanding of midwifery care.

In the final year, students will undertake advanced courses such as "Midwifery Practice 2" and "Research Methods in Midwifery." This year emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to confidently enter the workforce as competent and compassionate midwives.

Focus Areas: Maternal and newborn health, clinical practice, evidence-based midwifery.

Learning Outcomes: Competence in midwifery practice, effective communication skills, understanding of ethical and legal frameworks in healthcare.

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

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of the Sunshine Coast consistently ranks highly for graduate employability, with a strong reputation for producing skilled and job-ready graduates in the health sector.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of the Sunshine Coast, 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 real-world experience through placements in hospitals and community settings, allowing you to apply your learning in practical situations.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Bachelor of Midwifery program:

- Simulation Labs: Access to advanced simulation facilities that replicate real-life scenarios, helping you develop critical clinical skills.
- Clinical Placements: Hands-on experience in hospitals and community health settings, providing you with the chance to work alongside experienced midwives and healthcare professionals.
- Group Projects: Collaborative learning experiences that encourage teamwork and communication, essential skills for any midwifery practice.
- Digital Tools: Utilization of software and digital resources that support learning and enhance your understanding of midwifery practices.
- Field Trips: Opportunities to visit various healthcare facilities and community organizations, giving you insights into different aspects of midwifery care.
- Research Laboratories: Access to dedicated research facilities where you can engage in projects that contribute to the field of midwifery.
- Library Resources: Comprehensive library services that provide access to a wide range of academic texts, journals, and online resources specific to midwifery and healthcare.
- Supportive Institutes: Collaboration with various health institutes that focus on maternal and child health, offering additional learning and networking opportunities.

These experiential learning components 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.

Embarking on this journey in midwifery could be one of the most rewarding decisions you make. I encourage you to apply and take the first step towards a fulfilling career!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Bachelor of Midwifery are well-prepared to enter the healthcare industry as confident and compassionate professionals supporting women and families throughout pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care. The program creates strong career pathways into public and private hospitals, maternity wards, community health services, birthing centres, and regional healthcare settings. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as Registered Midwife, Maternal Health Practitioner, Women’s Health Specialist, or Clinical Midwifery Educator, with excellent long-term employment prospects across Australia.

This strong industry preparation is supported by a range of future-focused opportunities:

USC offers dedicated career support services, including employability workshops, career counselling, interview preparation, and networking opportunities designed specifically for health students.
Students complete extensive clinical placements across a variety of healthcare environments, gaining real-world experience and building professional industry connections before graduation.
The university has partnerships with hospitals, maternity services, and healthcare organisations throughout Queensland, providing students with valuable practical exposure to diverse midwifery settings.
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).
Midwifery continues to be a high-demand profession in Australia, with increasing opportunities in metropolitan, regional, and rural healthcare services.
Graduate midwives in Australia can expect competitive starting salaries, generally ranging from AUD 70,000–85,000 per year, with opportunities for salary growth through experience and specialisation.
USC is recognised for its strong focus on practical learning, supportive teaching environment, and industry-engaged healthcare education, helping graduates transition successfully into professional practice.
Graduates benefit from USC’s emphasis on evidence-based care, communication skills, and continuity-of-care experiences that are highly valued by healthcare employers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Midwifery, students can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or Master’s degree in areas including Advanced Midwifery Practice, Women’s Health, Public Health, Healthcare Leadership, or Nursing Science. Graduates interested in research and academic careers may also progress into honours, Master by Research, or PhD programs, opening pathways into advanced clinical practice, healthcare leadership, education, and maternal health research.