Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Midwifery at Deakin University is a dual degree that prepares you to become both a registered nurse and a registered midwife, combining clinical expertise with woman-centred maternity care. It’s ideal for students who want diverse career options in healthcare, learning across hospital, community, and maternity settings with strong industry integration.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
Your first year builds a strong scientific and professional foundation, introducing core units such as Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (HBS109), Quality and Safety: Nursing Practice 1 (HNN112), and Evidence-Based Practice (HNN108). You’ll also begin midwifery-focused learning with Partnerships in Midwifery 1: Pregnancy Care (HNM109), while developing essential patient assessment and safety skills early in the program.

Year 2
In the second year, your learning becomes more clinically focused, integrating nursing and midwifery practice across different care settings. You’ll study units like Quality Use of Medicines (HNN215), Acute Illness and Supportive Care (HNN227), and Partnerships in Midwifery 2: Labour and Birth Care (HNM210), strengthening your ability to manage complex patient needs and support women during childbirth.

Year 3
This year expands your applied knowledge into specialised and community-based care, focusing on areas such as primary health care, mental health, and maternal and newborn care. You’ll continue integrating theory with practice, building confidence in clinical decision-making and working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Year 4
In your final year, you consolidate advanced clinical skills and professional readiness, preparing for registration in both nursing and midwifery. With extensive placements and integrated learning, you’ll refine your leadership, communication, and patient-care capabilities across diverse healthcare environments.

Focus areas (in a string):

Nursing practice, midwifery care (pregnancy, labour, postnatal), maternal and newborn health, clinical decision-making, patient-centred and woman-centred care

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop clinical competence in nursing and midwifery; apply evidence-based practice; deliver safe and ethical patient care; support women through pregnancy and childbirth; work effectively in multidisciplinary healthcare teams

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), enabling graduates to register as both a nurse and a midwife

Reputation (employability rankings):

Deakin is ranked #14 globally for nursing, with strong industry connections and a curriculum developed in consultation with healthcare partners to enhance employability

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Deakin University, the Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery programs are designed to provide you with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources that will help you develop the practical skills necessary for a successful career in healthcare. The university emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring that you not only learn in the classroom but also apply your knowledge in real-world settings.

Here’s how you can expect to engage in experiential learning throughout your studies:

- Clinical Simulation Labs: Deakin’s nursing and midwifery students benefit from advanced simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity mannequins and clinical scenarios that mimic real-life situations, allowing you to practice your skills in a safe environment.

- Professional Practice Placements: You’ll undertake extensive placements in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and community health services, where you can apply your learning and gain invaluable experience working alongside professionals.

- Interprofessional Education: Collaborate with students from other health disciplines through group projects and workshops, enhancing your teamwork skills and understanding of holistic patient care.

- Digital Learning Tools: Utilize cutting-edge software and online platforms for learning and assessment, including virtual simulations and e-learning modules that complement your hands-on training.

- Research Facilities: Access dedicated laboratories and research institutes where you can engage in innovative projects and contribute to advancements in nursing and midwifery practices.

- Field Trips and Community Engagement: Participate in field trips to various healthcare facilities and community organizations, providing you with insights into diverse healthcare environments and practices.

- Library Resources: Benefit from Deakin’s extensive library services, which offer a wealth of resources, including access to medical journals, databases, and study spaces tailored for health students.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to ensure that you graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the practical skills and confidence needed to excel in your nursing or midwifery career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Deakin University’s Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery program opens the door to a wide range of rewarding healthcare careers across hospitals, community health organisations, aged care, maternity services, and private healthcare settings. With strong clinical placement opportunities and industry-focused training, graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and practical experience. Common career pathways include registered nurse, midwife, neonatal nurse, community health nurse, maternal and child health nurse, and clinical care coordinator.

This strong career preparation is supported by a range of future-focused opportunities and services:

Career Support Services: DeakinTALENT provides students with personalised career coaching, resume and interview support, networking workshops, and employability programs to help graduates transition smoothly into the healthcare workforce.
Professional Recognition & Accreditation: The nursing and midwifery programs are accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council, allowing graduates to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. This professional recognition is highly valued across Australia and can support international career mobility.
Industry Placements & Partnerships: Deakin has strong relationships with hospitals, maternity centres, and healthcare providers across Victoria, giving students access to valuable placement experiences and professional networking opportunities throughout their studies.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: Healthcare remains one of Australia’s fastest-growing employment sectors, with qualified nurses and midwives in high demand across public and private healthcare systems. Graduates benefit from strong employment prospects and opportunities for career advancement in specialised clinical areas.
Practical Graduate Readiness: Through simulation training, real-world placements, and collaborative healthcare learning, students graduate with the confidence, communication skills, and clinical competence employers look for in modern healthcare professionals.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery at Deakin University, students can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, or master’s degrees in specialised fields including critical care, mental health, emergency nursing, neonatal care, public health, healthcare leadership, and advanced clinical practice. Graduates may also pursue research pathways, including honours and doctoral studies, for careers in healthcare education, policy, and clinical research.