| Code | HDMWF |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 months full-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | HDip |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| Closing Date | 8 April 2025 |
| Start Date | September 2025 |
Course Outline
Please note that recruitment for this programme is made via HSE National Recruitment Service campaigns.
The HSE has ongoing opportunities for registered general nurses. In order to meet this requirement it is the intention of the National Recruitment Service (NRS) to create a panel from which sponsorship places on the 2025/2026 Higher Diploma in Midwifery Programme will be filled. The campaign from which this panel will be created is scheduled to go live on Tuesday 18th March 2025. The closing date for receipt of applications will be Tuesday 08th April 2025.
A webinar providing information on the programme and the application process will be held on 4th March 2025 19.00-20.00hrs (GMT). To register for this free event please click here Midwifery Sponsorship Programme Webinar
- Sponsorship Information and how/where to apply is advertised on the HSE Website https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/job-search/nursing/midwifery/
The Higher Diploma in Midwifery is a full-time programme running for 18 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The programme will be offered on a continuous basis with students commencing the programme in either September or March. Students will receive an 18 month contract of employment with the Cork University Maternity Hospital. The Higher Diploma will comply with the professional requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and the EU directives for registration as a midwife. Registered midwives who complete the programme will be eligible for midwifery registration in another EU Member State when they have completed one further year of clinical practice.
In Year 1, students take taught modules to the value of 40 credits (Part A) and a practice module to the value of 10 credits (Part B). In Year 2, students take taught modules to the value of 30 credits (Part A) and a practice module to the value of 10 credits (Part B).
Full attendance is required at all scheduled teaching activities in all modules and clinical placement to meet NMBI and EU requirements to be eligible for registration as a midwife.
Year 1 (duration nine months)
Part A
- NU5093 Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Neonate 1 (10 credits)
- NU5095 Supporting Mothers during Pregnancy and Parenthood (10 credits)
- NU5057 Professionalism for Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
- NU5058 Health Promotion for Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
- NU5073 Evidence Based Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
- SS5806 Social Policy and Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
Part B
- NU5088 Midwifery Practice I (10 credits)
Year 2 (duration nine months)
Part A
- NU5043 Ethics for Midwives (5 credits)
- NU5059 Childbirth and the Neonate II (10 credits)
- NU5096 Normal Childbirth: Issues and Debates (5 credits)
- NU6005 Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
Part B
- NU5089 Midwifery Practice II (10 credits)
Fitness to Practise
This programme is subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy.
Course Practicalities
Assessment
Assessment is through a variety of approaches including written assignments, class presentations and end-of-year examinations. Assessment of midwifery practice is a continuous process and includes the assessment of midwifery skills and competencies for practice.
Who teaches this course
- Dr Rhona O'Connell RGN, RM, RNT, BA, DipAppPsychol (RCSI), PhD MEd (TCD)
- Dr Geraldine McLoughlin RGN, RM, HDipEd, MSc, PhD
- Dr Patricia Leahy-Warren RGN, RM, BSc (Nurs), DipCom, DipMgt, HDipPHN, MSc (Nurs), PhD
- Dr Joan McCarthy BA, MA, PhD
- Agnes Phelan RGN, HDip, BSc, RNT, MComm
- Dr Margaret Murphy MSc, BSc, RM, RGN, PGCert TLHE, PGDip TLHE, IBCLC, DN
Why Choose This Course
The course works towards developing a thinking, analytical, questioning midwife, who has an interest in learning and who can fully exploit the learning advantages of working within a midwifery environment. The course is student-based and designed to equip you with the clinical skills and theoretical knowledge needed by qualified midwives to provide high quality woman-centred care both in Ireland and internationally. Graduates will have an excellent theoretical framework which will ensure safe evidence-based autonomous midwifery practice.
Top 50 Nursing School in the World
The School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, has been ranked within the top 50 nursing schools in the world, according to the QS global subject rankings. The school provides a world-class environment for cutting-edge research to prepare tomorrow’s nurses to shape and advance health care practices through research and education. Within UCC’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, researchers are addressing global challenges, including the growing burden of diseases, nurse workforce requirements, population ageing, and sustainable approaches to healthcare and health promotion and our teaching staff are at the forefront of these developments.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
Students have an opportunity to gain experience in an area relevant to midwifery practice locally, nationally or internationally during a one week elective placement. This week is self-funded.
Skills and Careers Information
Midwives are expected to be responsive to the changing needs of women and their families and therefore need an educational input that positively influences their practice and develops their sense of autonomy. This course sets out to achieve this while meeting and maintaining the professional and practice requirements for post-registration midwifery education. You will be prepared to be proactive as a midwife in effecting change that will benefit mothers and babies.
Requirements
- Applicants undertaking the Midwife Registration Education Post-RGN programme must be nurses whose names are registered in the General Division of the Register of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
- Verification will be required on application.
- The application form and interview is competency-based. Only successful applicants will then apply to UCC for a place on the programme.
Fees and Costs
How To Apply
Additional Requirements
- Recruitment is through the HSE National Recruitment Service. See https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/job-search/nursing/midwifery/ for details.
- Potential applicants are advised to check this website for application details and closing dates.
- Further information about becoming a midwife for Registered General Nurses is available here - https://healthservice.hse.ie/filelibrary/onmsd/are-you-a-registered-general-nurse-and-interested-in-becoming-a-midwife.pdf
- Information about HSE sponsorship is available here - https://healthservice.hse.ie/about-us/onmsd/cpd-for-nurses-and-midwives/onmsd-sponsorship-schemes/student-midwife-recruitment-scheme.html