Central Queensland University

What you'll study

This graduate-entry bachelor focuses on the full continuum of midwifery care: antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal practice, newborn care, and community and public health approaches to maternal care. Core study areas include normal physiological childbirth, complications of pregnancy and birth, pharmacology for midwives, maternity-focused health assessment, clinical decision making and professional practice.

• Foundations of midwifery practice – models of care, history and philosophy of midwifery, cultural safety and woman-centred care.
• Antenatal and perinatal care – screening, risk assessment, health promotion and shared care with obstetric teams.
• Intrapartum care and newborn assessment – labour management, physiological birth, recognition of complications and immediate newborn care.
• Postnatal and community midwifery – breastfeeding support, postnatal assessment, family-centred community services and continuity of care models.
• Pharmacology and clinical skills – medicines commonly used in maternity care and simulated clinical procedures.
• Research, quality and safety – evidence-based practice, quality improvement and basic research literacy.
• Student preceptor training – preparing graduates to supervise, mentor and assess midwifery students and junior staff in clinical placements, including feedback and assessment techniques.

The program combines campus-based theoretical units, skills simulation in clinical laboratories and extensive clinical placements across hospital, birthing centre and community settings, including opportunities in regional and rural services.

Entry requirements

• Completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or current registration as a registered nurse where applicable to the graduate-entry pathway.
• Evidence of clinical suitability for placement: current immunisations as required, police/background check, and a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
• Satisfactory English language proficiency consistent with Australian higher-education requirements (international applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency via recognised tests or prior study in English).
• Some pathways may require a personal statement, referees, or evidence of relevant health care experience; selection can also include interview or additional assessment depending on applicant pool and campus.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to practise as registered midwives in a wide range of settings. Common career pathways include:

• Midwife in public or private maternity hospitals and birthing centres.
• Community and primary care midwifery, including continuity of care models and homebirth services.
• Caseload midwifery, antenatal clinics, and postnatal community programs.
• Rural and remote midwifery roles where midwives often work across broader scopes of practice.
• Roles in education and clinical supervision as a preceptor, facilitating student placements and supporting new graduate transition.
• Opportunities in research, policy, program coordination, maternal and child public health, and international maternal health work.

Why study at Central Queensland University

• Regional and rural strengths: CQU has a strong focus on preparing clinicians for practice across metropolitan, regional and remote settings, with diverse placement opportunities.
• Practice-focused learning: a combination of simulated clinical skills laboratories and supervised clinical placements gives hands-on experience across the maternity continuum.
• Support for clinical teaching roles: integrated student preceptor training equips graduates with the skills to supervise and assess students, enhancing employability in clinical education roles.
• Student support and flexible delivery: CQU offers supportive learning services and blended modes of study to accommodate students relocating for placements or balancing work and study.
• Program alignment with national professional standards: curriculum is designed to meet national midwifery competency frameworks, preparing graduates for professional registration and contemporary midwifery practice.