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Midwifery Science
Entry Points (2023)
463
Course Overview
The Bachelor of Midwifery Science course is a four-year degree programme during which students learn the art and science of midwifery.
The course is provided in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) West. The programme consists of theoretical and clinical modules. The theoretical content aims to provide students with the knowledge necessary to underpin their professional practice. It comprises lectures, seminars, workshops, experiential learning, skills training and reading time.
Clinical modules are undertaken in the practice setting where students get a broad range of clinical experience in four different clinical placement sites across the Saolta University Health Care Group: University Hospital Galway, Mayo University Hospital, Portiuncula University Hospital and Sligo University Hospital.
While on clinical placements, students are supervised by a midwife who has been specially trained to guide and direct student learning and act as a preceptor to the student. Year four comprises clinical/theory instruction in Semester 1 and a 36-week internship in clinical practice, which runs from January to September.
Following completion of the programme, students are eligible to apply to register as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), the regulatory body.
Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
Academic staff teach the course from School of Nursing and Midwifery in collaboration with specialist midwives from clinical practice. The Midwifery Lecturers include:
Ms Margaret Coohill (MSc (Midwifery), BSc, RM, RNT, RGN)
Ms Caroline Keegan (MSc, BSc, RM, RNT, RGN)
Ms Heather Helen (MSc (Midwifery), BSc, RM, RGN)
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science), and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
Additional Requirements
All successful applicants who are offered places on the degree programme will be required to have medical screening and Garda vetting: this will include medical assessment, screening and, if necessary, vaccination prior to the first clinical placement, in accordance with the policies of University of Galway and the Saolta University Health Care Group.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
4 years
Next start date
September 2024
A Level Grades (2023)
universityofgalway.ie/alevels
Average intake
20
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Award
CAO
GY517
Course code
Course Outline
Year 1
Semester 1
NU1107 Health and Applied Bioscience 1 (10 ECTS)
NU1110 Foundations to Midwifery Practice (10 ECTS)
NU1120 An Introduction to the Profession of Midwifery (5 ECTS)
NU1121 Anatomy, Physiology and Applied Skills for Midwifery Practice (5 ECTS)
Semester 2
NU1112 Research and Evidence for Practice 1 (5 ECTS)
NU1122 Adaptations to Childbirth and Midwifery Care (10 ECTS)
NU1114 Communications and Interpersonal Skills (5 ECTS)
Semester 1 & 2
NU1123 Clinical Practice I & 2 (10 ECTS)
NU114 Practice Assessment (0 ECTS)
Year 2
Semester 1
NU2200 Health and Applied Biosciences 2 – (10 ECTS)
NU2208 Supporting Women Experiencing Normal Childbirth (10 ECTS)
Nu2210 Care of the Well Newborn (5 ECTS)
Semester 2
NU2202 Research and Evidence for Practice 2 (5 ECTS)
NU2204 Psychology Applied to Midwifery Practice (5 ECTS)
SP2119 Midwifery and the Sociology of Childbirth (5 ECTS)
NU2211 Infant Nutrition (5 ECTS)
Semester 1 & 2
NU2207 Clinical Practice 3 & 4 (10 ECTS)
NU243 Practice Assessment (0 ECTS)
Year 3
Semester 1
NU3113 Women with Complex Needs During Childbirth 1 (10 ECTS)
NU3114 Clinical Governance and Midwifery Practice (5 ECTS)
NU3115 Women with Complex Needs During Childbirth 2 (10 ECTS)
Semester 2
NU314 Elective (5 ECTS)
NU3104 Law and Ethics (5 ECTS)
NU3105 Medicine and Clinical Practice (10 ECTS)
NU3116 The Newborn with Complex Needs (5ECTS)
Semester 1 & 2
NU3117 Clinical Practice 5 & 6 (10 ECTS)
NU193 Practice Assessment (O ECTS)
Year 4
Semester 1
NU4102 Personal and Professional Development for Midwifery (10 ECTS)
NU4103 Clinical Practice 7 (10 ECTS)
NU470 Practice Assessment (Pre-Internship) (0 ECTS)
Semester 2
NU4104 Becoming a midwife (5 ECTS)
NU4105 Internship Midwifery (15 ECTS)
NU486 Practice Assessment (Internship 1) (0 ECTS)
NU487 Practice Assessment (Internship 2) (0 ECTS)
NU488 Practice Assessment (Internship 3) (0 ECTS)
NU489 Practice Assessment (Internship 4) (0 ECTS)
NU490 Practice Assessment (Internship 5) (0 ECTS)
NU491 Practice Assessment (Internship 6) (0 ECTS)
Semester 1 & 2
NU4101 - Research Project (20 ECTS)
Practice Placement:
Year 1 to Year 3: The student spends between 8-14 weeks each year in practice placement integrated across each semester.
Year 1: Core midwifery clinical placement – antenatal, intranatal, and postnatal experience
Year 2: Core midwifery, Gynaecology, Primary Health Care, High Dependency, Theatre and Self-Selected Placement.
Year 3: Core midwifery, Midwifery-led, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Mental Health.
Year 4: Semester 1 Pre-internship placement.
Year 4: Semester 2 – 36 weeks clinical internship paid placement with rotation across core midwifery areas – antenatal, intranatal and postnatal.
Further Education
Midwifery graduates can pursue further study at masters and PhD level: MSc Advanced Practice midwifery
Other opportunities for specialization:
There are many career opportunities for midwives e.g. educator, researcher, Advanced Midwife Practitioner, Lactation consultant, Perinatal Mental Health etc.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
There are many career opportunities for midwives both in Ireland and abroad, including in the hospital and community settings.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Clinical placements are undertaken in the HSE West: in University Hospital Galway, Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. Placements also take place in community and mental healthcare settings in the HSE West area. While on clinical placements, students will be supervised by a midwife who has been specially prepared to guide and direct student learning and act as a preceptor to the student. Students who are required to travel to distant placements may apply to the HSE West for support in meeting travel and accommodation costs.
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€7,106 p.a. (€7,246 p.a. including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€4,106 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Student Contribution
€3,000 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€26,500 p.a. (€26,640 p.a. including levy) 2024/25
*EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Contribution Charge + Student Levy
Student Levy: €140 - payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI. Further detail here https://su.nuigalway.ie/
Find out More
Dr Magdalena Ohaja
The School of Nursing and Midwifery
T 353 (0)91 495 602
E nursing.midwifery@universityofgalway.ie
What Our Students Say
Emma Doyle | BSc (Midwifery)
... Being a third year student, studying Midwifery in University of Galway, is challenging but definitely rewarding. I really like our new modern Nursing and Midwifery building; it's such a lovely environment and really conducive to learning. The clinical skills labs are really cool and so well equipped. They give a realistic insight into what it's like working in a hospital environment. I enjoy the fact that class sizes are small so you really get to know other students and the lecturers. The lecturers are so enthusiastic about their topics that it makes learning enjoyable and a lot easier! The support and teaching in the clinical setting given by experienced clinical staff is also great and sometimes you are learning things without even realising it...
