Midwifery - Advanced Practice Midwifery

The philosophy of the MSc in Advanced Practice (Midwifery) programme is based on a humanistic perspective and utilises an andragogical approach in teaching for understanding which is appropriate for midwives undertaking this programme. The advanced practitioner of midwifery combines scientific knowledge and understanding with a sensitivity to the individual needs of women and their families. Advanced practitioners are a strong voice for the profession, the evidence reveals they improve practice and lead out on innovation particularly the development of key services for women and their families.

The MSc programme:

Is offered on a 2-year part-time, with an intake each September.

Is positioned at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (Quality and Qualifications Ireland [QQI] 2014).

Includes 110 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits over two years (part- time), equivalent to a minimum of 2200 effort hours.

Comprises of combined theoretical and clinical components, which fulfil the Advanced Practice (Nursing) Standards and Requirements of the NMBI, encompassing the key concepts of person-centred care, autonomy and empowerment, professional ethics, consultation and collaboration, and professional leadership. Similarly, this programme reflects the Advanced Practice (Midwifery) Standards and Requirements (NMBI 2018) principles for AMP competencies of respect for the dignity of the person, professional responsibility and accountability, quality of practice, trust and confidentiality, and collaboration with others.

Comprises of common modules for an outline of the module titles, ECTS, and NQAI levels). Integrates pre-existing NMBI approved modules relating to nurse/midwife medicinal prescribing.

For midwives seeking admission to the MSc Advanced Practice (Midwifery), applicants are required to:

Have a minimum of an honour’s primary degree in Nursing or Midwifery or equivalent.

Hold active registration on the midwifery division of the professional register maintained by the NMBI.

Provide evidence of support from an employer and completed Site Declaration Forms, signed by the Director of Midwifery/Public Health/authorised Midwife Manager containing confirmation of a clinical supervisor who will provide supervision, support and learning opportunities, including opportunities to practice under supervision to gain the required competencies and clinical competence to practice at an advanced level in midwifery.

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 in midwifery (this must be within the past 5 years) with the equivalent of one-year full-time experience in the specific area of practice.

Students must continue to work in the area in which they intend to prescribe for the duration of the prescribing clinical module i.e. January - August.

Applicants must provide nomination and confirmation of a clinical supervisor (completed Site Self-Declaration Forms, signed by the clinical supervisor) who will provide the student with supervision, support and opportunities including shadowing opportunities to gain the required competencies for nurse/midwife prescribing in his/her practice area/organisation.

For applicants who wish to undertake the Professional Certificate-Examination of the Newborn of Graduate Certificate in Obstetric Ultrasound, these will be additional credits. The programmes are currently offered in UCD.

Candidates who have successfully completed the prescribing programme in the past may be eligible to apply for an exemption from this entry criterion.

Additional requirements:

In addition, applicants must:

Possess IT competencies

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.

Documents required

Certificates of midwifery qualifications or validated copies of awards
Transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant
A current photocopy of NMBI registration
Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport
Professional Reference Form
Evidence of Continued Professional Development
Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)
Clinical Mentor Agreement Form
Director of Midwifery Support Form
Professional Mentor Agreement Form

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

MSc Advanced Practice Midwifery PT (X952)
Duration 2 Years
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

2 years part-time, blended.

NEXT INTAKE: 2024/2025 September.