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Bachelor of Midwifery

Close Date: 1 September
International Close Date: 1 September

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.

Recognised by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand, our three-year degree uses blended delivery techniques to enable you to study and work in Christchurch, Nelson/Marlborough, the West Coast or South Canterbury.

All sites are supported by a midwifery lecturer who’ll provide individual support, organise face-to-face tutorials, facilitate your online studies and coordinate local practice experience for you in your own region.

The degree is made up of theory and practice undertaken over 45 weeks each year and includes compulsory block weeks in Christchurch.

Topics covered include midwifery practice skills, nutrition, lactation and bioscience foundations. You’ll learn about Māori 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’ll also follow at least 25 women throughout their midwifery care and facilitate 40 births in a variety of maternity settings.

By the time you graduate, you’ll possess a good understanding of how to assess the social, psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural needs of each woman and her family, enabling you to support them through the childbirth experience.

Please note: your application for this programme must include a personal statement of approximately 500 words, outlining your understanding of the role of a midwife and why you wish to be one. We encourage you to include your personal qualities and details of any life experiences that could be relevant to the profession. Your statement should be on A4 paper with double line spacing, with your name at the top of the page. Upload or attach this to your application.

New Zealand University Entrance – NCEA Level 3 consisting of:

60 credits at Level 3 including:

  • a minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 in biology, chemistry or physics
  • a minimum of 16 credits in an English rich subject (such as English, history, art history, classics, geography, economics or media studies)
  • a further 16 credits at Level 3 or higher in two other subjects from the approved list of subjects*

And 20 credits at Level 2 including:

  • a minimum of 16 credits in biology
  • a further 16 credits in chemistry or physics
  • 16 credits in another Level 2 subject

and Literacy* - 10 credits at level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing and Numeracy* - 10 credits at level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Pre Health Pathway or equivalent.

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/

Provide a personal statement outlining your understanding of the role of the midwife and describe why you want to be a midwife.

Consent to Disclosure of Information:

  • Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
  • The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of Midwifery.
  • Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.

You need to disclose any health or learning issues which may affect your ability to meet the academic and/or practical requirements of the programme

In order to participate in the clinical components of the programme, it is expected that:

  • you meet all relevant Health Authority requirements which may include providing evidence of immunity to nominated diseases.

Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s).

Before commencing the programme, you will need to:

  • provide a copy of a valid first aid certificate with evidence that this course is of at least 8 hours in length and includes NQF unit standards 6401 and 6402
  • hold a current Class 1 Driver’s Licence
  • have basic computer skills
  • an interview may be required

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

Registered nurses or other Registered health practitioners must hold registration with the relevant regulatory authority in New Zealand. A Certificate of Good Standing is required from the relevant regulatory authority.

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study and work experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, you may also be required to provide evidence of English language skills as listed below.

  • The Midwifery Council of New Zealand accepts OET test (with passes at A or B level in four areas) as an alternative to IELTS.
  • Applicants wanting an exception must contact the Midwifery Council as Ara does not have the authority to grant an exception.
  • Scores for IELTS and OET assessments of English Language ability must be achieved in one sitting of the respective tests.
  • The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 7.0 Academic

  • 7 Listening
  • 6.5 Reading
  • 6.5 Writing
  • 7 Speaking

A selection process will occur based on application information including; academic, experience and personal attributes.

It is recommended that applications are submitted early as there are limited places available on this programme. Late applications may be accepted.

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more

Career opportunities

Please note: on completion of Year 3 you will be required to sit the Midwifery Council National Exam (at an additional cost of $200) to enable you to be registered to practice as a midwife.

You can work as a midwife, providing midwifery services either as a self-employed midwife with a caseload in the community or employed in a hospital setting providing maternity services to women.

Many graduates have established practices with their colleagues or joined an existing midwifery practice.

Midwives have the opportunity to develop skills in health management areas, education, and women's health settings and to participate and undertake research projects as well as work with other health professionals to enhance health care provision for women and their families.

Recommended school subjects

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry

Bachelor of Midwifery

FULL-TIME - 3 Years

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

Information
Type Degree
Code CH3991
Application close date 1 September
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
International application close date 1 September
Credits 480
Level 7
Additional Equipment/Fees Approx $2000 - $4500 per year including text books and equipment plus travel and accommodation expenses for satellite students attending compulsory block weeks in Christchurch. $200 National Midwifery Exam (Year 3).
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
May be eligible for Fees Free? Yes
Reference CH3991-STRU
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Additional Entry Requirements

Provide a personal statement outlining your understanding of the role of the midwife and describe why you want to be a midwife.

Consent to Disclosure of Information:

  • Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
  • The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of Midwifery.
  • Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.

You need to disclose any health or learning issues which may affect your ability to meet the academic and/or practical requirements of the programme

In order to participate in the clinical components of the programme, it is expected that:

  • you meet all relevant Health Authority requirements which may include providing evidence of immunity to nominated diseases.

Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s).

Before commencing the programme, you will need to:

  • provide a copy of a valid first aid certificate with evidence that this course is of at least 8 hours in length and includes NQF unit standards 6401 and 6402
  • hold a current Class 1 Driver’s Licence
  • have basic computer skills
  • an interview may be required

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Find out more

Documents

Area of Interest

Key Information for Students

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