Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This degree combines theoretical study with extensive clinical experience to develop knowledge and practical skills needed for safe, autonomous midwifery practice. Core topics typically include human anatomy and physiology in pregnancy, normal and complex labour and birth, newborn assessment and care, pharmacology in midwifery, perinatal mental health, public health and maternal‑child nutrition, professional and ethical practice, and research methods for midwifery.

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, skills and simulation laboratory sessions, case studies and supervised clinical placements across community, hospital and home‑birth settings. Students learn continuity of care models, antenatal and postnatal assessment, intrapartum care, emergency response and newborn resuscitation. The programme also covers interprofessional practice, cultural safety and working with diverse families, including attention to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Clinical placements are an integral part of the degree and occur throughout the programme, allowing students to consolidate skills under the supervision of registered midwives and clinicians. Students are assessed through written assignments, practical demonstrations, reflective journals, case presentations and clinical competency assessments.

Entry requirements

Admission is generally available to applicants who have completed secondary schooling or who hold recognised tertiary qualifications. Typical pathways include completion of the final year of secondary education with satisfactory English competency, or prior university study. ACU also considers mature‑age applicants and those with relevant health care experience.

All offers are subject to meeting professional requirements for clinical placement, which commonly include a criminal history check, relevant immunisations, and certified evidence of fitness to practise. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate approved English language proficiency. Selection may include consideration of academic record, personal statement and sometimes an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to apply for registration as midwives with the national regulatory authority and work in a variety of settings. Typical entry‑level roles include hospital midwife, community midwife, birth centre midwife and roles in primary maternity care. With experience, midwives move into specialist clinical roles, leadership and management, education, research, policy and advocacy, or private practice.

Midwifery graduates may also pursue postgraduate study in areas such as advanced midwifery practice, maternal and child health, public health, counselling or research. Opportunities exist across metropolitan, regional and remote health services and in non‑clinical roles with professional organisations and government agencies.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises student support, clinically relevant teaching and ethical, person‑centred care aligned with its health sciences strengths. Students benefit from established partnerships with local hospitals, community health services and specialised maternity centres for placement opportunities. ACU provides access to simulation suites and skills laboratories where students develop and practise clinical techniques in realistic scenarios.

The university promotes small cohort teaching in health programmes, enabling close supervision and mentoring by experienced academic staff who are practising clinicians. The curriculum integrates contemporary evidence and professional standards, preparing graduates for registration and practice in a variety of maternity care settings.