University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The course builds a solid foundation in normal physiological pregnancy and birth, and develops clinical decision-making, professional judgement and research literacy required for contemporary midwifery practice. Core topics include anatomy and physiology relevant to pregnancy and childbirth, pharmacology for midwives, antenatal care, intrapartum and postpartum care, newborn assessment and breastfeeding support.

Students also study broader areas that shape midwifery practice, such as public and maternal health, perinatal mental health, cultural safety and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, ethics and professional practice, and evidence-based practice and research methods.

Learning is delivered through a mix of lectures, tutorials, skills laboratories and high-fidelity simulation, with a strong emphasis on clinical practice. The programme includes multiple supervised placements across metropolitan and regional hospitals and community settings, where students develop hands-on experience in labour wards, postnatal care, antenatal clinics, community midwifery programs and homebirth services.

Throughout the degree students are supported to develop skills in continuity of care models, interdisciplinary teamwork, documentation and legal responsibilities, and health promotion for mothers, babies and families.

Entry requirements

Admission normally requires completion of secondary school qualifications equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) with an appropriate selection rank or successful completion of recognised tertiary study. Mature-age applicants with relevant health sector experience and applicants with prior tertiary qualifications may be considered via alternative pathways.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements. Applicants will also need to satisfy pre-enrolment health and safety criteria for clinical placements, which typically include a current police check/working with children check, relevant immunisations, and health screening documentation.

There may be a limited number of places and selection can include consideration of academic achievement, personal statements and, in some cases, interviews or supplementary information. Prospective students should check the University’s official admissions pages for the current entry process and any pathway options such as recognition of prior learning or advanced standing for enrolled nurses.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for registration as midwives and employment across public and private maternity services. Common early-career roles include hospital midwife in labour and birthing units, postnatal ward midwife, community and domiciliary midwife, and midwife working in antenatal clinics or breastfeeding support services.

With experience, midwives can move into caseload or continuity-of-care midwifery models, clinical midwife specialist roles, education and preceptorship, research, quality and safety positions, policy and advocacy, or leadership and management within health services. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate study in midwifery, neonatal care, public health or maternal and perinatal research.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a clinically focused midwifery degree with strong links to major metropolitan and regional health services, providing a wide range of placement experiences across hospital and community settings. Students benefit from contemporary simulation facilities and small-group practical teaching to develop clinical competence and confidence.

The University’s research activity in maternal and perinatal health provides opportunities to engage with current evidence and practice improvement projects, and students are taught by academic staff with clinical experience in midwifery care. The programme emphasises culturally safe care and community-centred practice relevant to South Australia and regional contexts.

By combining practical placement hours, multidisciplinary learning and research-informed teaching, the Bachelor of Midwifery from the University of Adelaide prepares graduates for safe, autonomous and woman-centred practice in a range of midwifery settings.