Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery)
Develop the skills to provide excellent midwifery care with AUT's Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery) degree.
AUT’s midwifery degree prepares you for a successful and rewarding career as a midwife, either as a hospital midwife or a lead maternity carer (a self-employed case loading midwife). Study midwifery at AUT's South Campus in Manukau or via distance learning in Northland, Rotorua and Taranaki (through a live online platform and local classes).
Practical experience is a key part of the midwifery programme. You spend more than half of your time in clinical practice, developing the skills to become a confident and competent midwife. Throughout your studies you complete 2,400 practice hours, an experience that reflects the real world of midwifery.
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Minimum entry requirements
If you have New Zealand qualifications
- University Entrance or equivalent
- Must be capable of meeting Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) and Children’s Act 2014 requirements, including police clearance
- Must hold a valid driver’s license
- Will require satisfactory references
- Applicants will normally require 18 credits at level 3 in Biology or Chemistry, and 16 credits in one subject from Art History, Classical Studies, Drama, English, Geography, Health Education, History, Media Studies, Social Studies, Te Reo Māori, Te Reo Rangatira
Applicants with English as a second or other language should have completed at least three years of schooling in New Zealand, or will be required to meet IELTS requirements
If you have qualifications from another country
See entry requirements for students from other countries. Select your country from the dropdown menu.
Useful New Zealand school subjects
Biology, Chemistry, Health, Physical Education, Psychology, Science, Art History, Classical Studies, Drama, English, Geography, Health Education, History, Media Studies, Social Studies, Statistics, Te Reo Māori, Te Reo Rangatira
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall with 6.5 or higher in Reading and Writing, and 7.0 in Listening and Speaking
The Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery) is a four-year (480-point) programme.
Year 1
Semester 1 courses
- HEAL506 Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication (15 points)
- HEAL512 Te Tiriti Ora (15 points)
- HEAL513 Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Practice (15 points)
- HEAL514 Understanding the Human Body Systems for Health Practice (15 points)
In the first semester all students study the same four courses to help you develop an in-depth understanding of general healthcare, learning alongside other health science students.
If you started before 2026
If you started your studies in the Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery) in 2025 or earlier, the courses you need to complete may be a little different. Find out what courses you need to take to complete your qualification if you started in 2025 or earlier.
Semester 2 courses
- HEAL609 Integrated Human Body Systems (15 points)
- MIDW501 Constructions of Knowledge (15 points)
- MIDW502 Midwifery Practice 1 (15 points)
- MIDW604 Art and Science of Midwifery 1 (15 points)
Year 2
Semester 1 courses
- HEAL610 Methods of Research and Enquiry (15 points)
- MIDW609 Midwifery Practice 2 (15 points)
- MIDW614 Art and Science of Midwifery 2 (30 points)
Semester 2 courses
- MIDW613 Woman's Health (15 points)
- MIDW615 Art and Science of Midwifery 3 (15 points)
- MIDW616 Midwifery Practice 3 (30 points)
Year 3
Semester 1 courses
- MIDW617 Midwifery Practice 4 (30 points)
- MIDW703 Art and Science of Midwifery 4 (15 points)
- PHMY701 Pharmacology for Professional Practice (15 points)
Semester 2 courses
- MIDW702 Prescribing and Legislation for Midwives (15 points)
- MIDW705 Responding to Childbirth Complexities (15 points)
- MIDW706 Midwifery Practice 5 (30 points)
Year 4
Semester 1 courses
- MIDW707 Midwifery Practice 6 (30 points)
- MIDW708 Midwifery Practice 7 (30 points)
Semester 2 courses
- MIDW709 Midwifery Practice 8 (30 points)
- MIDW712 Practice Project (30 points)
Workplace experience when you study midwifery
Throughout your studies you complete 2,400 practice hours, an experience that reflects the real world of midwifery.
Hours of clinical placements you complete in this degree
You can find the approximate number of hours you spend on clinical placements below:
- Year 1: 150 hours (simulation and skills on campus)
- Year 2: 450 hours
- Year 3: 600 hours
- Year 4: 1,200 hours
Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?
Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.
Workplace experience in AUT programmes
Ready to enrol in your courses?
Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.
Job opportunities for midwives are good, especially in the Auckland region.
Midwives work in the areas of pregnancy and childbirth, including 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. Throughout your studies you complete 2,400 practice hours, an experience that reflects the real world of midwifery.
Becoming a midwife
To register as a midwife you will need to meet the requirements of New Zealand's Midwifery Council
Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.
Other undergraduate study options
- Bachelor of Health Science
- Case Management
- Counselling
- Health Management
- Paramedicine
- Perioperative Practice
- Psychology
- Public and Environmental Health
- No major (tailor the degree to your interests and career goals)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry)
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology conjoint programmes
Postgraduate study options
Distance learning (Taranaki, Northland, Rotorua)
($8,190 - $8,412 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
($44,300 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
- Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
- International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
- Fees-free study may be available for domestic students
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.