Bachelor of Midwifery

Academic requirements

University Entrance as defined by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

In addition, Midwifery Council also requires that all applicants have NCEA level 3, consisting of: 60 credits at Level 3 or higher including: a minimum of 18 credits in Biology, Chemistry or Physics a minimum of 16 credits at Level 3 in an English language 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 approved subjects or domains on the National Qualifications Framework. 20 credits at Level 2, including: a minimum of 16 credits in Biology and a further 16 credits in Chemistry or Physics 16 credits in another Level 2 subject.

OR you have successfully completed a relevant Foundation OR Health bridging qualification at Level 4 OR above.

OR a recognised equivalent.

Special admission

is available for this degree.

For those over 20, you must have evidence of academic equivalence of the academic requirements above or demonstrated evidence of the ability to study successfully at degree level, as required by the Midwifery Council.

Discretionary admission is not available for this degree.

Applicants who are under 20 must meet the academic requirements listed above, as required by the Midwifery Council.

International requirements and equivalence

To enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).

This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.

English Language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must complete an assessment of your English Language and pass the required standard.

This is not applicable for applicants where any of the official languages of Aotearoa are their first language.

You need either an: Overall Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0, with scores in the following areas: Comprehension band 6.5 Writing band 6.5 Speaking band 7.0 Listening band 7.0 OR Occupational English Test (OET) with passes at A or B (350 or above) in the four areas.

Evidence of successful completion must be provided at the time of application.

If you believe that you should be exempt from this requirement, please contact the Midwifery Council by emailing [email protected].

Any exemptions are at the discretion of the Midwifery Council and applicants must provide written proof of exemption or IELTS results to be accepted to the Bachelor of Midwifery.

Additional entry criteria When you apply, you also need to provide: at least two written references.

The reference is required to demonstrate that you have good character and that you will be able to operate as a safe and effective midwife, as required by the Children’s Act 2014.

References will ideally be provided by an academic in a leadership or tutorial position/teacher/lecturer, and an employment/professional/volunteer-based referee.

Referees cannot be a family member, partner or flatmate.

a self-declaration, providing information about: a) criminal convictions.

You need to let us know whether you have been convicted of, or have been prosecuted for, a criminal offence.

Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, some types of criminal conviction may result in the Midwifery Council refusing to register a person as a midwife.

2. mental and physical conditions.

You need to let us know if you have had any mental and/or physical conditions, to demonstrate that you are fit for practice as a midwife.

Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, some types of physical or mental health conditions may result in the Midwifery Council being unable to register the person as a midwife.

A medical report may also be requested, where evidence of good health is required, as per Midwifery Council requirements.

3. Approx. 500-word statement outlining your understanding of the role of the midwife and why you wish to be one, and how you will balance the unique challenges of studying midwifery with your current obligations.

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 Word document with double line spacing, with your name at the top of the page.

4. driver’s license.

Let us know whether you hold a driver's license, and, if not, whether you have access to reliable transport.

Please note: This programme has travel requirements associated with clinical placements.

It’s recommended that you have a full driver’s license so you can meet the placement requirements.

Evidence that you have a First Aid Certificate covering relevant NZQA standards or skills standards (e.g. 6401 and 6402) Once you have started the programme, you will need to: declare any pending or new convictions (failure to do this may result in you being withdrawn from the programme) provide evidence of your immunisation status to secure clinical practice experiences, which may be required by clinical placement providers.

Once you are accepted into the programme you are required to complete a safety check.

The safety check is required to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Children’s Act 2014.

This may include, but is not limited to: Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) Reference checks Police check A risk assessment Unsatisfactory results arising from the full safety checking process may result in you being declined entry or withdrawn from the programme of study.

Please note: Registered health practitioners from other disciplines who seek Recognition of Prior Learning on the basis of their health professional qualification and practice experience must hold registration with the relevant regulator authority in New Zealand and provide a Certificate of Good Standing from that authority.

Special admission

is available for this degree.

Applicants who are over 20 years must have evidence of academic equivalence of the above (academic admission); or demonstrated evidence of ability to study successfully at degree level, as required by Midwifery Council.

Don't meet the entry requirements?

Our Health Bridging Certificate acts as a bridging programme into this midwifery qualification.

The Health Bridging Certificate is also ideal if you need to update specific knowledge and skills, and demonstrate your academic ability.

Distance options are available.

Please note: Due to the high demand for places, successful completion of the Health Bridging Certificate (Level 4) will not automatically guarantee you entry into the Bachelor of Midwifery programme.

Health and vaccination information You don’t need to supply evidence of your vaccination status to apply for this programme.

However, the placement component of this programme has a higher risk of exposure to vaccine preventable diseases.

Therefore, most placement providers will require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated and have immunity for tuberculosis, varicella, measles, hepatitis B and pertussis (within the last 10 years).

Evidence of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases is ascertained by a blood test and your vaccination records.

Placements are an integral part of this programme, and you’ll need to complete the vaccine requirements to be able to successfully achieve your qualification.

Once you have been accepted into the programme, you will be notified that you must produce current evidence of immunisation status.

Immunisation status is determined by a blood test and your vaccination history.

If you have concerns or questions about this requirement, please feel free to contact us.

Other risks and information The nature of midwifery practice means that, at times, you may be at risk of: Physical injuries that may occur as a result of hazards in the classroom, laboratory or practice setting Allergic reactions through contact with latex, exposure to drugs or chemicals Issues affecting your emotional and physical wellbeing Infection or cross-infection through contact with infective agents in the laboratory or practice setting.

How we manage these risks We will provide health and safety information relating to computer use and to practice equipment and advise you how to reduce any risk of injury.

You will have access to copies of relevant hazards registers and processes for reporting accidents and injuries so our Health and Safety Officers can follow them up.

You are required to undergo screening tests for infectious diseases and immune status prior to the commencement of the programme.