Bachelor of Nursing Science (General - Galway and Portiuncula)

The Bachelor of Nursing Science (General - Galway and Portiuncula) at University of Galway prepares you to become a confident and compassionate midwife, caring for women and families throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. It’s ideal for students who want a meaningful healthcare career where hands-on clinical experience meets strong academic learning in anatomy, physiology, professional practice and family care.

Curriculum Structure

Year One

In your first year you build a solid foundation in biological science and midwifery practice. You’ll study Anatomy and Physiology for Midwives, Introduction to Midwifery Practice, and Psychosocial Factors in Pregnancy and Childbearing, helping you understand how the body works, how families experience pregnancy, and how midwives support normal birth. Alongside this, early clinical experiences introduce you to maternity settings so you can begin applying what you learn in real-world healthcare environments.

Year Two

In the second year the focus broadens to include normal and complex aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Modules like Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in Midwifery, Maternal and Newborn Health, and Health Promotion in Midwifery deepen your understanding of how to care for women and newborns. You’ll also spend more time in clinical settings, working directly with women and families under professional supervision and developing your communication, assessment and care planning skills.

Year Three

In your third year, learning moves towards enhanced professional competence and leadership in midwifery. Through units such as Complex Care in Normal Childbearing, Professional Practice and Ethics in Midwifery, and Contemporary Issues in Midwifery, you will learn to respond to varied clinical situations with sound judgment and evidence-based care. Your clinical practice continues to grow, helping you make confident decisions while delivering individualized care.

Year Four

In your final year, everything you’ve learned comes together to prepare you for autonomous midwifery practice. You study Research Methods in Midwifery, Leadership and Management, and Midwifery Practice Integration, where you refine your knowledge and skills in clinical practice, research, teamwork, and professional responsibility. Extended placements give you real responsibility within care teams, helping you transition smoothly into practice as a qualified midwife.

Focus areas (in a string):

Midwifery practice, anatomy and physiology, maternal and newborn health, pathophysiology and pharmacology, health promotion, professional practice and ethics, clinical leadership and research.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Graduates will provide safe, compassionate, evidence-based midwifery care, work effectively within interdisciplinary teams, communicate confidently with women and families, apply ethical and professional standards, and contribute to improved maternal and newborn health outcomes.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This honours degree is aligned with Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications at Level 8 and prepares graduates for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, enabling you to practise professionally as a qualified midwife.

Reputation (employability rankings):

University of Galway is recognised nationally and internationally for its strong health sciences and midwifery education; graduates are highly regarded by employers and enter the workforce with the skills, confidence and clinical experience to make an immediate impact.