Bachelor of Midwifery

Learn how to confidently nurture pregnant women through one of life's most meaningful events.

Midwives work with women to provide care in pregnancy, childbirth and up to the first six weeks of a baby's life. Midwives have a wide range of knowledge and skills to be able to support women and their families safely and appropriately. Recognised by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand, our three year degree* uses blended delivery techniques to enable you to study and work in your own community. You will be able to access practical experience, face-to-face tutorials and online study while living in your own region, including Christchurch, Nelson/Marlborough, West Coast and South Canterbury. All sites are supported by a midwifery lecturer/s who will provide individual support, organise the tutorials and coordinate local midwifery practice experience for you. Compulsory block weeks are taught in Christchurch throughout the year, and all students are required to attend these sessions. To meet the Midwifery Council of New Zealand requirements the degree is made up of theory and practice content carried out over 45 weeks of delivery per year. You will have the opportunity to follow at least 25 women throughout their midwifery care and facilitate 40 births in a variety of maternity settings. Studies cover a wide range of topics including midwifery practice skills, nutrition, lactation and bioscience foundations. You will also learn about Maori health, integrated midwifery practice and rural midwifery practice to allow you to adapt to the wide range of needs and circumstances encountered in midwifery. You will gain a good understanding of how to assess the social, psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs of each woman and her family, so you have the knowledge and skills needed to support women during their childbirth experience. With approval from Head of Midwifery, students may study part-time over four years, choosing one of the following options depending on your personal circumstances: The first option (preferred) is for students to complete year one full time, undertake the second year over two years and complete the third year full time. Option two involves undertaking year one over two years and then completing years two and three full time. In both options course progression is planned to maximise recent midwifery practice before entry to year three of the programme.