Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Midwifery)

Course Code: NE4
CRICOS Code: 031619G
Coordinator: Ms Rosey King

Course Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Midwifery is an innovative ten-month course, leading to endorsement to practice in the State of Victoria as a midwife, and is offered in collaboration with regional midwifery agencies. Learning will take place at the Mt Helen Campus of Ballarat University and in the community at a number of major participating rural and regional agencies, including:

Bacchus Marsh and Melton Memorial Hospital
Ballarat Health Services
Colac Area Health
East Grampians Health Services
Echuca Regional Health
Mildura Base Hospital
Northern Hospital (Epping)
Portland and District Hospital
St John of God Hospital Ballarat
St John of God Hospital Geelong
South West Health Care (Campberdown
Warrnambool Base Hospital
Werribee Mercy Hospital
Wimmera Health Care Group

Course Objectives

Graduates of the course will be expected to:

utilise relevant theory and research findings to guide their practice;
work in partnership for the provision of maternity care that is consistent with childbearing needs, values and expectations;
provide continuity care and support to women and families;
provide childbirth and health care education for women and their families;
practice safely and effectively within a variety of settings according to a selected model of care; and
practice in collaboration with health professionals in the provision of care for childbearing women and their families.

Course Structure

The course is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

PART TIME - Year One

Unit Code	Teaching Period 1	Credit Points
NM 441	Foundations of Midwifery Practice	15
NM 451	Research Based Practice Development in Midwifery	15
Teaching Period 3
NM 442	Midwifery in Context	15
NM 450	Introduction to Breastfeeding	15

PART TIME - Year Two

Unit Code	Teaching Period 1	Credit Points
NM 452	Evidence Based Practice in Midwifery 1	30
Teaching Period 3
NM 453	Evidence Based practice in Midwifery 2	30

FULL TIME

Unit Code	Teaching Period 1	Credit Points
NM 441	Foundations of Midwifery Practice	15
NM 451	Research Based Practice Development in Midwifery	15
NM 452	Evidence Based Midwifery Practice 1	30
Teaching Period 3
NM 442	Midwifery in Context	15
NM 450	Introduction to Breastfeeding	15
NM 453	Evidence Based Midwifery Practice 2	30

Clinical Units eg. Evidence Based Midwifery Practice 1 and 2 are assessed on the basis of clinical placement and academic exercises.

HOURS - ON AND OFF-CAMPUS

Unit Code and Title	On-campus Hours	Off-Campus Hours	Total Hours
NM 441 Foundations of Midwifery Practice	40	-	40
NM 442 Midwifery in Context	40	-	40
NM 450 Introduction to Breastfeeding	40	-	40
NM 451 Research Based Practice Development in Midwifery	40	-	40
NM 452 Evidence Based Practice in Midwifery 1	80	300	380
NM 453 Evidence Based Practice in Midwifery 2	80	300	380

* Subject to NBV approval

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Mode

Block mode delivery

Credit Points

120

Professional Recognition

Eligible for endorsement as a midwife by the Nurses Board of Victoria.

Admission Requirements

Normal admission requirements specify that students will have completed an undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing. Preference will be given to applicants who reside and work in the region.

Special entry without the Bachelor of Nursing may be considered, provided that applicants have a minimum of two years clinical experience and can demonstrate the capacity to undertake studies at a postgraduate level. Applicants not holding an undergraduate degree will be required to submit a written academic paper.

The course is offered predominately as HECS funded places to domestic students, and as a full fee-paying course to international students.

Processing of Applications

Applications can be made on the Direct Application Form (Postgraduate) available from the School of Nursing. The following documentation must be included before applications can be processed:

Certified academic transcript
Certified current Practising Certificate (including back page)
Two passport-size photographs, and
Two work-related references
Written academic paper (details in application package, where relevant)