Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours)

1 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of the Sunshine Coast

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) at University of the Sunshine Coast is a one-year advanced program designed for registered midwives who want to deepen their clinical expertise while developing strong research capabilities. It’s ideal if you’re aiming to move into leadership, specialised practice, or postgraduate study, with a focus on investigating real-world maternity care challenges.

Curriculum structure

Honours Year (1 year full-time)
Throughout this year, your learning is centred on research and advanced midwifery practice, allowing you to explore contemporary issues in pregnancy and childbirth. You’ll engage in coursework and an independent research project, selecting a topic of interest while strengthening your analytical and evidence-based practice skills, supported by your prior clinical foundation as a registered midwife.

Focus areas (in a string):

Advanced midwifery practice, clinical research, maternity care innovation, evidence-based practice, leadership in healthcare

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop advanced research skills, apply evidence-based midwifery practice, critically analyse maternity care issues, demonstrate leadership in clinical settings, and prepare for postgraduate or research-focused careers

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Designed for registered midwives (AHPRA-registered), supporting continued professional development and progression within the midwifery profession

Reputation (employability rankings):

Ranked No.1 public university in Queensland for student support and 5 stars for teaching quality (Good Universities Guide 2026), reinforcing strong graduate outcomes and student satisfaction

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) is an exciting step towards a rewarding career in healthcare. One of the standout features of this program is its strong emphasis on experiential learning, which allows students to gain practical skills and hands-on experience in real-world settings. USC provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance your learning journey, ensuring you are well-prepared for your future role as a midwife.

Through a combination of classroom learning and practical experiences, you will engage in various activities that foster your development. Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) program:

- Clinical Placements: You will complete extensive clinical placements in hospitals and community settings, allowing you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-life situations.
- Simulation Labs: USC features advanced simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity mannequins and birthing simulators, providing a safe environment to practice essential skills.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects with fellow students encourage teamwork and communication, essential skills for any midwife.
- Field Trips: Opportunities to visit various healthcare facilities and community organizations give you insight into different aspects of midwifery practice.
- Research Facilities: Access to dedicated research laboratories and resources supports your academic growth and encourages you to engage in innovative projects.
- Digital Tools: The program incorporates the use of digital tools and software for data management and patient care, preparing you for the tech-savvy healthcare environment.
- Library Resources: USC’s libraries offer a wealth of resources, including access to medical journals, books, and online databases to support your studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) are highly valued within Australia’s healthcare system for their advanced clinical skills, research capability, and patient-centred approach to maternity care. The honours qualification gives graduates an additional competitive advantage for leadership, specialist practice, and research-focused roles within the healthcare sector. Career opportunities include positions as a Registered Midwife, Clinical Midwifery Specialist, Maternal and Child Health Practitioner, Women’s Health Educator, or Midwifery Research Assistant across hospitals, maternity clinics, community health services, and regional healthcare settings.

This strong professional preparation is supported by several long-term progression opportunities:

USC provides dedicated career support services, including employability workshops, career counselling, interview preparation, industry networking events, and graduate employment assistance for health students.
Students complete extensive clinical placements across hospitals, maternity wards, and community healthcare settings, helping them develop professional confidence and establish industry connections before graduation.
The university maintains partnerships with healthcare providers and health services across Queensland, giving students exposure to a broad range of clinical environments and maternity care models.
The Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) 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).
The honours component develops advanced research and critical thinking skills, making graduates highly competitive for leadership, policy, education, and evidence-based healthcare roles.
Midwifery remains a high-demand profession across Australia, with strong employment opportunities in both metropolitan and regional healthcare services.
Graduate midwives in Australia generally earn starting salaries between AUD 70,000–85,000 annually, with increased earning potential available through advanced practice, education, and management roles.
USC is recognised for its strong practical learning environment, personalised student support, and focus on contemporary healthcare education, helping graduates transition successfully into professional practice and future study.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours), graduates can continue into higher-level postgraduate study such as a Master of Midwifery, Master of Public Health, Master of Healthcare Leadership, or specialised women’s health qualifications. The honours degree also provides a direct pathway into research-based programs such as a Master by Research or PhD, opening opportunities in clinical research, university teaching, healthcare policy, and advanced maternal health practice.