AUT - Midwifery: Bachelor of Health Science

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Midwifery: Bachelor of Health Science

AUT’s degree prepares you for a successful career as a midwife, either in independent practice as a lead maternity carer, or at a hospital. Graduates become skilled to work in partnership with women and their families to provide excellent midwifery care, and to understand uncomplicated childbirth. Papers in complicated childbirth, neonatal care and babies requiring special care are also taught. 
More than half of your time is spent in clinical practice because students need a significant amount of practical experience to become a confident and competent midwife. Clinical experience reflects the real world of midwifery, including shift work and being on call, so you must be prepared to work a range of hours in clinical experience throughout Auckland. You complete 2,400 practice hours over your degree.

Want to enrol in a programme: Apply online

Quick facts

Programme code: AK1035
Level: 7
Points: 480
Duration: 3 years full time (3 semesters per year*)
Venue: North Shore Campus, Manukau Campus, Distance learning: Northland, Taranaki and Middlemore Hospital (through live video links and local classes)
Start date: 4 March 2013

AUT University encourages early application. This qualification will remain open until all places have been filled.

* This 480-point curriculum will normally be offered full time over 3 years (including Summer School) with options for a period of up to 4 years.

Admission and entry requirements

  • University Entrance 
  • 14 NCEA credits at Level 3 or higher in Biology or Chemistry;
    14 credits at Level 3 from 1 of the following subjects: Economics, Te Reo Māori or Te Reo Rangatira, Physical Education, Drama, Social Studies, English, History, Geography, Classics, Art History, Media Studies;
    a further 14 credits at Level 3 in 2 additional subjects or evidence of academic equivalence
  • English Language Requirements

Additional entry requirements

  • Must meet Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act requirements
  • Police clearance
  • An interview may be required
  • Applicants with 2 or more years of secondary and/or tertiary education outside NZ must meet IELTS requirements and will be interviewed

Structure

Below is a summary. For a comprehensive overview of the degree, please refer to the Academic calendar

Year 1

The scientific underpinnings are developed and normal childbirth explored.

Papers (core or compulsory)
525194 Professional Frameworks for Midwifery Practice
555401 Health and Environment OR 555339 Māori Health, Development and Environment
555101 Lifespan Development and Communication
555301 Knowledge Enquiry and Communication
555201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
556202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
525195 Developing Midwifery Practice
526902 Lactation and Breastfeeding
526914 Art and Science of Midwifery I
526924 Midwifery Practice for Normal Birth I
556301 Methods of Research & Enquiry

Year 2

In-depth studies of the art, science and practice of midwifery are undertaken and complemented by research and pharmacology. Complication and factors that impact on midwifery are studied, and the skills and knowledge learned are applied to prepare you for professional practice.

Papers (core or compulsory)
526915 Art and Science of Midwifery II
526918 Midwifery Practice for Normal Birth II
526919 Midwifery Practice and the Normal Neonate
526920 Womens Health Assessment And the Midwife
526921 Midwifery Practice for Women with Complications of Childbirth I
526922 Exploring Women’s Health in Midwifery Practice
527202 Complicated Childbirth
527220 Newborn with Special Needs
527230 Midwifery Practice for Women with Complications of Childbirth II
527188 Pharmacology for Professional Practice

Year 3

You will integrate theory into practice through long placements with independent midwives in community and public hospitals.

Papers (core or compulsory)
527201 Prescribing and Legislation for Midwives
527221 Childbirth Complexities
527226 Complexity and Diversity in Midwifery Practice
527227 Integrating Midwifery Practice I
527228 Integrating Midwifery Practice II
527229 Transition to Practice
556108 Special Topic (level 6)
557108 Special Topic (level 7)
526210 Clinical Project

Te Ara Hauora Māori papers

Students who wish to seek careers with a Māori development perspective, should select the following 4 papers as electives or as an alternative course of study.

555339 Māori Health, Development and Environment (instead of 555401 Health and Environment)
527872 Māori Health Promotion
567431 Applied Primary Māori Mental Health
567417 Utilising Supervision in Practice

We will support Te Ara Hauora Māori students to form relationships with Māori health providers, industry stakeholders and communities, and AUT Māori staff and students.

Career opportunities

Midwives work in the areas of pregnancy, childbirth and the first six weeks after childbirth. They are employed in public hospital services, or set up in practice as a self-employed midwife in the community.

Graduates and students of health science

Your other Bachelor of Health Science study options

You can choose to study the degree without a health major:

 Or you can choose to major in one of the following specialised areas:

Or you can choose one of our clinical degree areas:

Other courses you may be interested in

Bachelor of Business & Bachelor of Health Science (psychology) conjoint degree
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Health Science
Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management

Last updated: 08 Oct 2012 2:00pm

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