Auckland University of Technology

What you'll study

This programme combines academic study with extensive supervised clinical practice to develop the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required for midwifery practice. Teaching emphasises physiological birth, continuity of care, cultural safety (including tikanga Māori and Pacific models of health), public health perspectives and evidence-based practice.

• Foundational sciences: human anatomy and physiology, maternal and neonatal physiology, pharmacology relevant to pregnancy and childbirth.
• Midwifery practice modules: antenatal care, intrapartum care, postnatal care, newborn assessment, breastfeeding support and perinatal mental health.
• Community and public health: health promotion, community-based maternity services, social determinants of health and working with families and whānau.
• Professional practice and ethics: professional regulation, legal and ethical issues in midwifery, documentation and clinical decision-making.
• Cultural safety and indigenous health: learning within Te Tiriti o Waitangi frameworks, Māori and Pacific health models and culturally responsive care.
• Research and critical inquiry: research methods, appraisal of evidence, and a research-informed project or capstone that integrates theory with practice.
• Clinical placement sequence: progressively advanced placements across primary, secondary and community settings, often including continuity of care caseloads where students follow women through pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Entry requirements

Applicants require secondary school University Entrance (or an equivalent qualification) and will usually be expected to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competence. Prior study in biology or health-related subjects is recommended but not always mandatory. Admission into the midwifery degree is competitive and typically involves a selection process.

• Selection components commonly include a written application and an interview to assess suitability, communication skills and commitment to midwifery values.
• Successful applicants must meet health and safety requirements: immunisation checks, a current first aid certificate (or completion early in the programme), and police vetting as required for clinical placement.
• Students should be prepared for clinical placement obligations, including travel to partnered hospitals and community services across the region; a drivers licence can be helpful though not always mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the national midwifery regulatory authority and to practise as midwives. Career pathways include roles in hospital maternity units, community midwifery and lead maternity carer positions, primary care settings, and specialist perinatal services.

• Employment as a registered midwife in district health boards / health providers and private practice.
• Community-based roles such as lead maternity carer, antenatal education, breastfeeding support and public health maternity programmes.
• Further specialisation or postgraduate study opportunities in areas such as perinatal mental health, neonatal care, public health, education, research or policy.
• Work in non-government organisations, international health programmes, and roles that support maternal and child health policy and advocacy.

Why study at Auckland University of Technology

AUT offers a practice-led midwifery education with strong clinical partnerships across metropolitan and regional maternity services, supported learning in clinical simulation facilities and a focus on culturally safe care. The programme integrates Māori and Pacific health perspectives, preparing graduates to work effectively with diverse communities.

• Structured clinical placement programme with experienced clinical educators and opportunities for continuity of care learning.
• Access to simulation labs and interprofessional learning with other health programmes to build teamwork and clinical decision-making skills.
• Emphasis on research-informed teaching and options to engage in applied research or quality-improvement projects during study.
• Support services for students, including academic learning support, mental health and wellbeing resources, and career advice to transition into practice.