Southern Cross University

What you'll study

This professionally accredited degree combines theoretical study with extensive clinical practice to build knowledge and skills in midwifery practice. Core areas of study typically include anatomy and physiology for childbirth, normal labour and birth, antenatal and postnatal care, newborn assessment and care, pharmacology and pain management in labour, perinatal mental health, maternal and newborn health promotion, cultural safety and working with diverse communities, professional and ethical practice, research methods and evidence-based care.

The course is structured around progressive clinical skill development delivered through simulated learning in campus clinical laboratories and multiple placements in hospital maternity units, birthing centres and community settings. Students can expect block placements across pregnancy, intrapartum and postnatal care where they will work under supervision to meet professional practice requirements. Research and a capstone or clinical consolidation unit are commonly included to prepare students for autonomous practice and ongoing professional development.

Entry requirements

Entry pathways typically include completion of senior secondary education or an equivalent qualification, with selection based on academic achievement and other criteria set by the university. Applicants may be considered through alternative pathways such as tertiary preparation programs or recognised prior study and experience. Domestic applicants will need to satisfy any health, immunisation and background screening requirements for clinical placements (for example, police checks and immunisation status) and meet any professional fitness-to-practice requirements.

International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency to the level specified by the university and hold any visas required for study and clinical placement in Australia. Specific unit prerequisites, interviews or selection tasks may apply in some intake cohorts. Successful completion of the degree leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) via AHPRA, subject to meeting all registration requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work as registered midwives in a variety of health care settings. Common career destinations include hospital maternity wards, birthing centres, community and primary health services, homebirth practice, and specialist roles in postnatal and perinatal mental health. With further experience or postgraduate study, graduates can move into roles in clinical education, midwifery leadership and management, public health, policy, research, or international and non-governmental organisations focusing on maternal and newborn health.

Midwifery can also provide a platform for specialisation in areas such as maternal fetal medicine support, lactation consultancy, Indigenous health, rural and remote practice, and program coordination for maternity services.

Why study at Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University offers a practice-focused midwifery program with an emphasis on woman-centred care and rural and regional health needs. The university provides access to simulated clinical learning spaces and small cohort teaching that supports close engagement with academic staff and clinical educators. Strong placement partnerships across hospitals, birthing centres and community services in New South Wales and Queensland give students a breadth of clinical experiences.

Students benefit from academics with clinical midwifery experience, opportunities for interprofessional learning with other health disciplines, and support for meeting the professional and regulatory requirements needed for registration and transition into practice. The program’s placement emphasis and community links are particularly suited to students interested in working in regional, rural or community-based maternity care.