Bachelor of Midwifery
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
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.
*Three years full-time study. Please note the credit value is equivalent to four years full-time study. All courses are compulsory.
In our most recent graduate survey, 100% of 2016 Bachelor of Midwifery graduates were in employment (Ara Graduate Outcome Survey, 2016).
Entry requirements
New Zealand University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher) which must include
OR
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Pre Health Pathway or equivalent
Note: Students who have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge examination) should contact Ara for requirements.
* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications- standards/awards/university-entrance
If an applicant does not have a minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 in Biology OR Chemistry, they must have achieved 16 credits at level 2 in Biology OR Chemistry.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
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.
In addition you must
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 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.
IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS test report form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
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.
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.