Nursing - Advanced Practice Midwifery

Course Overview

Advanced Practice curriculum is reflective of contemporary trends, policy, and developments concerning the profession of midwifery, health care practices, legislative and regulatory requirements and the societal and demographic changes and associated healthcare needs.



Within the programme, the student initially focuses on attaining the knowledge, competencies, and skills for midwife prescribing and the core theoretical perspectives underpinning clinical decision-making, good governance, leadership, and research awareness. Standardised modules are included to support the development of core and specialist knowledge, skills, and competencies.

Course Modules

- Decision Making, and Advanced Practice Professional Roles

- Advanced Health Assessment

- Pharmacology and Medicinal Prescribing

- Professional, Ethical & Legal Issues of Nurse and Midwife Prescribing

- Clinical Practicum

For midwives seeking admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery (Advanced Practice) applicants are required to:

1. Have a master's degree in midwifery or equivalent.



2. Hold current active registration on midwives division of the professional register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).



3. Comply with current minimum entry requirements for admission to the programme of education for nurse/midwife prescribing and must have three years’ recent post-registration clinical experience in midwifery (this must be within the past five years) with the equivalent of ‘one year’ full time experience in the specific area of clinical practice.



4. A copy of current NMBI registrations (e.g., RGN, RM, RNP, RNID, RPN, PHN, RCN as required) (NMBI 2017 & 2018).



5. Evidence of academic achievements including copies of all academic transcripts from completed educational courses.



6. Copies of official awards (parchments) from completed educational courses.



7. Evidence of current clinical specialist area.8. A completed Site Declaration Form signed by the Director of Midwifery and Medical Mentor.



Provide evidence of support from an employer and completed Site Declaration Forms containing confirmation of a clinical supervisor who will provide supervision, support and learning opportunities, including shadowing opportunities to gain the required competencies and clinical competence to practice at an advanced level in midwifery (including midwife prescribing).

How to apply

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.



Online Application

Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

1 year full-time.

Next start date: September 2024.



Closing Date: No set closing date. Offers are made on a continuous basis.

Career Opportunities

Students who successfully complete this programme are eligible to register as an Advanced Midwife Practitioner (RAMP) with NMBI.