Bachelor of Midwifery

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: This degree is likely to gain NZQA approval to become a four-year programme from February 2025. Contact us if you would like to know more. Your application for this programme must include a personal statement of approximately 500 words.

What if English is not my first Language? Overall IELTS 7.0 Academic 7 Listening 6.5 Reading 6.5 Writing 7 Speaking If English is not your first language, you may also be required to provide evidence of English language skills as listed below. If the mimimum score is not achieved in one sitting, the applicant may resit the relevent component. A pass may be achieved over several sittings not more than 12 months apart. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 reports (these forms should not be from a friend or relative). 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 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. 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/