Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This graduate-entry midwifery degree combines core midwifery science with applied clinical practice. You will study the biological, psychosocial and public-health foundations of pregnancy and childbirth, and develop skills in assessment, clinical decision-making, communication and professional practice.

• Core clinical topics: normal and complicated pregnancy, labour and birth, postnatal care and neonatal wellbeing.
• Foundations in health science: human anatomy and physiology relevant to maternity, pharmacology for midwives and pathophysiology.
• Midwifery practice and models of care: continuity of midwifery care, woman-centred care, community and homebirth practice, and working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Population health and professional issues: maternal and child public health, perinatal mental health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander maternal health, ethics, legal frameworks and professional regulation.
• Research and evidence-based practice: research methods, critically appraising evidence and translating research into clinical practice.
• Skills development: simulated clinical scenarios, communication and counselling for diverse populations, cultural safety and reflective practice.
• Clinical placements: multiple supervised placements across hospitals, birthing centres and community settings that consolidate classroom and simulation learning into hands-on experience.

Assessment methods typically include written assignments, case-based clinical assessments, simulation tasks, observed clinical practice and a research or evidence-translation project.

Entry requirements

Entry is intended for applicants who already hold a completed bachelor degree or equivalent tertiary qualification. Selection is based on academic performance in prior study and may consider relevant healthcare or community experience.

• Completion of an Australian or recognised international bachelor-level qualification (or equivalent).
• Satisfactory academic standing in prior tertiary study. Specific grade or GPA thresholds are set by the university and may vary by campus.
• Demonstrated English language proficiency in line with university requirements for health professional programs.
• Pre-enrolment requirements for clinical placement, typically including a current police/criminal history check, immunisation documentation, child-related and/or working with children checks, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Some intakes may require a selection interview or additional statements addressing suitability for midwifery practice.

Applicants should consult the university's admissions information for precise academic and statutory clearance requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work as registered midwives across a range of settings. Typical career pathways include employment in public and private hospitals, birth centres, community and homebirth services, primary health and maternal-child health clinics.

• Clinical midwifery in metropolitan, regional and rural health services.
• Continuity-of-care midwifery roles and caseload midwifery models.
• Specialist areas such as midwifery-led clinics, neonatal care liaison, perinatal mental health and public health programs.
• Opportunities in education, clinical leadership, policy, program coordination and non-government organisations.
• Further study pathways into postgraduate midwifery, nurse-midwifery, research degrees or health management.

On successful completion of the program and required statutory checks, graduates are typically eligible to apply for registration with the national nursing and midwifery regulator to practise as a midwife.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises values-based, person-centred care combined with practical clinical experience. The university has established partnerships with maternity services and community providers that support diverse placement experiences and exposure to a range of models of care.

• Practical learning through simulation suites and supervised placements that mirror contemporary clinical settings.
• Curriculum that integrates evidence-based practice with attention to cultural safety and the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
• Smaller cohort sizes that support close supervision and mentoring by experienced midwifery academics and clinicians.
• Student support services, including academic skills, counselling and placement coordination tailored for health students.

Prospective students should review ACU's program pages and speak with admissions staff for campus-specific details and guidance on the application process.