Midwifery - Advanced Practice

Key programme benefits to future students

The MSc Advanced Practice (Midwifery) has been developed to enable experienced registered midwives, to develop an expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills and clinical competencies for an expanded autonomous scope of practice. This programme was developed in collaboration within a consortium that includes 5 universities: UCD, UCC, University of Galway, TCD, and UL.



The part-time Level 9 programme offers a range of modules supporting the development of an advanced practitioner who is innovative at assessing and managing care in partnership with women, takes responsibility for decisions made, is research active, is woman-centered and an active member of the multi-professional team. Theory and practice are integrated throughout the programme.



Key Fact: The MSc Advanced Practice (Midwifery) aims to develop students’ knowledge and critical thinking skills to provide advanced clinical midwifery practice. To enhance care and ‘improved clinical outcomes for women and their babies through higher levels of critical analysis, problem solving and senior clinical decision-making as a lead healthcare professional who is accountable and responsible for their own practice.

Year 1

Autumn Modules

• Health Research Methods/Methodology

• Leadership, Quality Improvement and Governance

• Advanced Practice Decision Making for Health Professionals



Spring Modules

• Professional, Ethical, Legal and Interpersonal Dimensions to Nurse/Midwife Prescribing

• Drug Action and Prescribing and Practicum

• Advanced Health Assessment

• Clinical Practicum in Nursing/Midwifery Prescribing 1 & 2



Year 2

Autumn Modules

• Dissertation 1

• Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum (Midwifery) 1



Spring Modules

• Dissertation 2

• Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum (Midwifery) 2

Applicants must have a minimum of an honours primary degree in Midwifery (or Nursing) with a minimum award of 2h2 (level 8 QQI recognised) or equivalent. Hold active (Midwife) registration on a division of the professional register maintained by the NMBI.



Recognition of appropriate prior learning.



Provide evidence of support from an employer and completed Site Declaration Forms.



Applicants must comply with current minimum entry requirements for admission to the programme of education for nurse/midwife prescribing; the candidate must have three years’ recent post registration clinical experience (this must be within the past five years) with the equivalent of one year full-time experience in the specific area of practice Post Registration Clinical Experience (please complete and upload with your application).



Must provide nomination and confirmation of a clinical supervisor (consultant or Advance Practice Nurse) (completed Site Declaration Forms in below section).



The Professional Mentor form should be filled out by an Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) or higher.



The Clinical Mentor form should be filled out by a Consultant Doctor or Advanced Practice Nurse.



The Director of Nursing Support form should be filled out by the Director of Nursing (DON)



What to Include with your Application:

Qualification transcripts and certificates

NMBI registration certificate

Completed Post Registration Clinical Experience Form

Your Site Declaration Forms x 3: Professional Mentor Agreement, Clinical Mentor Agreement, Director of Nursing Support

A copy of your birth certificate/passport (showing your legal name)

If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice

If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:

• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts

AND

• English language competency certificate



Minimum Language Requirements

Where an applicant's first language is neither English nor Irish, excellent use of one of these languages must be demonstrated (either by having completed a degree in an English or Irish speaking country or by passing the International English Language Testing System exam, Academic Format, with an overall grade level of at least 6.5 (IELTS) and no score below 6 in any individual part).

Preparing your Application:

1. Research your programme: Each postgraduate programme at University of Limerick is unique. Explore your course content, duration, fees, and entry requirements on ul.ie.



2. Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the course you are interested in. This usually includes your undergraduate degree award, subject specialities, English language proficiency (for non-native speakers), and any specific requirements for the course.



3. Prepare Documents: Gather all the necessary documents. This typically includes your academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, and references. If English is not your first language, you’ll also need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.



4. Online Application: Once you are ready to apply, visit your postgraduate programme page on ul.ie/gps and use the Apply Now button to access UL’s online application system. You will need to create an account if you are a new user.



5. Complete the Application: Fill in the application form with all the required details. This will include personal information and academic history.



6. Upload Documents: Upload all the necessary documents that you prepared earlier. Make sure they are clear and legible.



7. Submit Application: Review your application thoroughly to ensure all information is correct and then submit your application. The application fee for your postgraduate application is €50. This includes an option to choose a second choice.



8. Track Your Application: After submission, you can track the status of your application through the online application system.



9. Interview: Depending on the programme, you may be invited for an interview. This could be in person or online.



10. Acceptance: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer email from the university. You will need to accept this offer to secure your place.



Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and places offered to successful candidates. This means that it’s a good idea to apply as early as possible to increase your chances of securing a place.



Please note that these steps are a general guide and the exact process may vary depending on the specific programme and your individual circumstances. Always check the University of Limerick website or contact the postgraduate admissions department for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

2 years full-time,* blended.



*This masters programme has been developed for working practitioners and is delivered on a part-time timetable.

Autumn

Graduate careers

On successful completion, students will be eligible to apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) for registration as an Advanced Midwife Practitioner (RAMP) and Registered Midwife Prescriber (RMP).