Higher Diploma in Midwifery

This full-time, 18-month programme runs continuously over 4 trimesters. Students will alternate between 6 or 7 week theory blocks in UCD and clinical placements in the National Maternity Hospital. At the end of each trimester is an examination period where different kinds of assessments are held such as  objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE’s), MCQ’s and online exams. Some modules will also have coursework such as written assignments and posters. Full attendance at scheduled class in UCD is mandatory. Annual leave is allocated during clinical placement only.

The Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme is designed to provide Registered General Nurses with education and clinical practice experience in the art and science of midwifery. The programme is highly structured, and progressive, building on the knowledge and experience you have already gained as a registered nurse, and helping you to adapt your skills to the maternity care environment. When you commence the programme you are initially prepared with foundational midwifery modules which provide you with a firm base for further development. Subsequent modules enhance your knowledge, confidence and clinical practice abilities. During the programme you also learn about the wider social, regulatory and quality assurance dimensions of maternity care, the place of research in developing a quality service, how to provide safe and effective midwifery care, working collaboratively and effectively in teams, and the importance of developing good communication and interpersonal skills in order to work effectively in partnership with women and their partners during the maternity care cycle. When you commence the programme, you are provided with the sequence of theory and clinical practice for the duration of the 18-month programme. All theory modules are provided in UCD, and a variety of teaching and learning strategies are used, such as lectures, group work and tutorials, some of which will be delivered online. You will also spend time in our clinical skills laboratory, where you will learn all of the new technical skills you will need before progressing onto clinical placements.  A variety of module assessment strategies are employed, to cater for different learning styles.
 

Practice Placement Experience

All clinical practice experience is gained at the National Maternity Hospital, one of the leading maternity hospitals In Ireland. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in all areas of midwifery practice under supervision, including community midwifery. You are provided with a preceptor during each of your clinical practice placements, and you are also supported by a programme specific Clinical Midwifery Tutor who provides clinical teaching at the bedside and through clinical tutorials.

If you are successful in the interview process and accept an offer onto the programme you will be a paid employee of the National Maternity Hospital. The fees for this programme are sponsored by the Health Service Executive subject to certain conditions. More information about this sponsorship is available here.

In order to apply for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme in UCD you must:

• Hold a primary degree in Nursing or equivalent

• Be currently registered as a Registered General Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

• Have at least six month’s post-registration acute clinical nursing experience.

• Be successful in the National Maternity Hospital screening and interview process

• Have the necessary language requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English and whose primary degree was obtained in a country where English is not the official language of instruction must provide proof of proficiency in English. For more information about UCD School of Nursing and Midwifery language requirements please click here. Please note that the National Maternity Hospital may also ask for specific formal certification of English language competence as part of the application process.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be granted in respect of individual modules if applicants can demonstrate that the modules' learning outcomes have been achieved through prior credentialled or experiential learning. In some cases, where an applicant does not meet the prerequisites for entry to a programme, an RPL application may be considered. Further information can be found in respect of this here.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: No

This programme is for Registered General Nurses who want to become midwives. Please note, applications are made directly to the National Maternity Hospital and not on the UCD application system.

The process of pregnancy and giving birth to a baby is one of the most important events in the life of a woman and her partner. Midwives provide support, information, skilled and compassionate care during this process, and prepare the woman and her partner to care for their baby confidently after the birth. While many women have a completely normal childbearing experience, some women and their babies have more complex needs. All women benefit from the care that a skilled and compassionate midwife provides. On this programme, you will be thoroughly prepared to provide high quality, reflective, compassionate and evidence-based midwifery care to childbearing women and their babies.