This is an 18-month programme for Registered General Nurses that leads to a Higher Diploma in Midwifery and registration as a midwife (RM) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
The programme is full time and is offered in partnership with Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH). Successful applicants will have EU Fees paid by the HSE subject to certain conditions. Students receive an 18-month contract of employment with CUMH and as an employee of the maternity services, must meet certain contractual obligations. Details will be provided in the contract of employment under the HSE Midwifery Sponsorship arrangements.
The theoretical component of the programme is delivered over 26 weeks with lectures in UCC and CUMH.
The practice component consists of 52 weeks of midwifery practice which includes annual leave. Midwifery practice includes a 24-hour cycle of care for mothers and babies therefore student midwives work day and night duty including weekends.
The 18 month programme meets the EU Directive for midwifery education programmes in Ireland. For those who wish to register as a midwife in other EU countries, under EU regulations, a further 12 months of practice as a qualified midwife is required.
The course works towards developing a thinking, analytical, questioning midwife, who has an interest in learning and who can fully exploit the learning advantages of working within a midwifery environment. The course is student-based and designed to equip you with the clinical skills and theoretical knowledge needed by qualified midwives to provide high quality woman-centred care both inIrelandand internationally. Graduates will have an excellent theoretical framework which will ensure safe evidence-based autonomous midwifery practice.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
There is an opportunity to gain experience in the area of womens health in Europe during a one week elective placement. This week is self-funded.