The Bachelor of Midwifery Science at University of Galway is an internationally recognised four-year degree that prepares you to become a confident, compassionate, and highly skilled midwife. You’ll learn the art and science of midwifery through a blend of academic study and hands-on clinical experience—guided by expert lecturers and supported by experienced midwifery professionals across hospital and community settings.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain a strong foundation in midwifery—balancing theory with real-world practice:

• Acquire the knowledge, professional values and discipline-specific competencies to deliver safe, high-quality, ethical, legal and accountable midwifery care across the life spectrum and in diverse healthcare settings.
• Demonstrate clinical skills and professional behaviours underpinned by the NMBI Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives.
• Practise as a competent midwife to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate care based on a comprehensive and systematic assessment of health and maternity needs in consultation with the person receiving care, their family, and the multidisciplinary team.
• Apply theoretical principles to midwifery practice using professional judgement, critical reasoning, problem-solving and reflection informed by evidence from midwifery and the applied life, health and social sciences.
• Deliver person-centred, high-quality and safe midwifery care based on a collaborative relationship that respects dignity, autonomy, and the right to make health and life choices.

The course helps you grow as a professional and as a person—building your confidence, leadership skills, and understanding of how to support women, babies and families through life-changing experiences.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Opportunity to gain clinical experience across the HSE West North West University Health Care Group: University Hospital Galway, Mayo University Hospital, Portiuncula UniversityHospital and Sligo University Hospital.
• As part of the Global Health - Nursing and Midwifery in the International Setting Elective Module for our Undergraduate General, Mental Health and Midwifery Programmes, students who sign up have the opportunity to undertake a service learning in Africa -Tanzania and Kenya. 

Eligible to practice midwifery in other European countries and beyond.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Midwifery Science programme are well-prepared for a wide range of rewarding roles in maternity care. Career paths include:

• Clinical roles such as Staff Midwife, Advanced Midwife Practitioner, Lactation Consultant, and roles in Perinatal Mental Health or Neonatal Intensive Care.
• Leadership and management positions including Clinical Midwife Manager, Assistant Director of Midwifery, and Director of Midwifery.
• Education and research roles such as Midwifery Educator, Lecturer, or Researcher.

Midwives can work in hospital settings, midwifery-led units, community services, or pursue international opportunities. These diverse roles contribute to advancing the quality and scope of midwifery care.

Further Education Opportunities

Graduates can pursue a variety of postgraduate and professional development pathways, particularly through the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Galway. Opportunities include:

• MSc in Advanced Practice Midwifery
• PhD programmes in midwifery and related disciplines
• Continuing professional development (CPD) modules tailored to evolving clinical and leadership roles

These pathways support lifelong learning and career progression in clinical practice, education, research, and leadership

As part of the Global Health - Nursing and Midwifery in the International Setting Elective Module for our Undergraduate General, Mental Health and Midwifery Programmes, students who sign up have the opportunity to undertake a service learning in Africa -Tanzania and Kenya.  This opportunity takes place in semester 2 of Year 2.

 Practice placements are undertaken in the HSE West North West Health Care Group:

• University Hospital Galway,
• Mayo University Hospital,
• Portiuncula University Hospital &
• Sligo University Hospital.
• Placements also take place in community and mental healthcare settings in the HSE West North West University Health Care Group.

Students are afforded the opportunity to choose self-selected placements in different jurisdictions (nationally or internationally). Students will have the opportunity to experience continuity of care initiatives, which allows them to follow a woman throughout the pregnancy continuum.

Students who are required to travel to external placements may apply to the HSE West North West University Health Care Group for support in meeting travel and accommodation costs.

The structure of practice placements are outlined in table below.

Year	Practice Placements
Year 1	The student spends between 8 weeks each year in practice placement integrated across each semester. Core midwifery clinical placement – antenatal, intranatal, and postnatal experience
Year 2	The student spends between 17 weeks each year in practice placement integrated across each semester.   Core midwifery, Gynaecology, Primary Health Care, High Dependency, Theatre and Self-Selected Placement.
Year 3	The student spends between 12 weeks each year in practice placement integrated across each semester.   Core midwifery, Midwifery-led, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Mental Health.
Year 4	Semester 1 Students spend 8 weeks on a Pre-internship practice placement. Core midwifery, Midwifery-led, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Mental Health. Semester 2 36 weeks clinical internship paid placement with rotation across core midwifery areas which runs from January to September. During the clinical internship period, students are paid a salary.

This four-year programme, offered in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) West North West, leads to the award of BSc Midwifery .

On completion of the BSc Midwifery programme, graduates are eligible to apply to join the Register of Midwives with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) - the regulatory body for nursing and midwifery in Ireland.

Learning
At the School of Nursing and Midwifery, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. We provide a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life to work and make use of innovative technologies. A world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this programme are:

E-Learning technologies
Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space, podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities.

Lectures
Introduce information about new topics as a starting point for further self- directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers)

Practical and Simulation Based Education
We provide opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts in our clinical skills labs and simulation suite.

Self-directed study
This is an essential part of life as a University of Galway student.  This time affords the student with opportunities to undertake important private reading, engagement with        e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and research work for assignments.

Seminars/tutorials/workshops
Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic. This affords the student opportunities to ask questions, to assess progress and understanding with the support of peers. Students are also expected to make presentations and other contributions to peer groups.

Interprofessional Education (IPE)

Students have opportunities to engage in interprofessional learning.

Attendance

Students are expected to achieve 100% attendance in all the components of the programme (theory and practice).

Assessment
Assessments are carried out in a variety of formats, including written assignments, exams, poster and oral presentations, dissertations, project work, case studies and clinical skills assessment.

The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning outcomes of each module. Details of how each module is assessed is provided to all students at the start of each module.

Academic supports

The School of Nursing & Midwifery is committed to supporting students in relation to both their academic and personal development; the structures that are in place to support students within the school and university are presented below.

Academic Advisor

Each student is allocated an academic advisor for the duration of the programme. This advisor will monitor the students’ academic progress and is available to advise and support the student if they encounter difficulties either personal academic or relating to clinical practice whilst undertaking the programme.

• Academic Writing Centre- Providing one-on-one tutorials and email consultations on essay writing.
• Library- The Library provides a wide range of services to all students. Learn about these services, opening times and lots more on their webpage.
• Academic Skills Hub- This online resources hub aims to support all students to develop the key skills required for academic success and learn about IT and digital skills, workshops, assignments and exam techniques.
• Student Academic Advisors- Available to meet with students who wish to discuss personal, academic, financial or any other issues that may arise while in University.

Health and wellbeing Supports

The Disability Support Service (DSS) is available to University of Galway students who need supports or reasonable accommodations due to the impact of a disability, ongoing physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty.

• Student Counselling provides a free hybrid service of in-person, one-to-one counselling, and online counselling. They provide group counselling and workshops. The counselling service support about 10% of the student population each year.
• Student Health Unit Provides a wide variety of medical support services including GP services, sexual health support service and vaccination.

Our undergraduate students have a remarkable record of success and are recognised each year in the Dr Henry Hutchinson Stewart Medical Scholarships and Prizes. 

• The Tarpey Award recognises excellence related to clinical practice.
• The Community Engagement Award recognises outstanding community engagement.
  
  
  

The School of Nursing and Midwifery is a research-intensive school with a strong reputation for producing high-quality, internationally relevant research. Our work focuses on improving nursing and midwifery practice, enhancing patient outcomes, and informing national and international health policy. Our research, expertise and activities are centred on the following themes: 

Healthy and Active Ageing
Maternity Care and Women's Health,
Randomised Trials and Evidence Synthesis  

We are committed to collaborative research and have established partnerships with national and international universities, health services, and policy-making bodies. Our research collaborations include:

• The statutory Health Services, Department of Health, and acute hospital services
• Voluntary agencies, other state bodies, and professional healthcare organisations
• Interdisciplinary collaborations with academics across the University of Galway

Our researchers work closely with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and service users to ensure our research has real-world impact and relevance, see more information here.

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/medicine-nursing-and-health-sciences/nursing-midwifery/research/

Dr Linda Biesty
E: linda.biesty@universityofgalway.ie

Dr Miriam Brennan 
E:  miriam.brennan@universityofgalway.ie

Dr Caroline Keegan
E: caroline.keegan@universityofgalway.ie

Dr Patricia Healy
E: patricia.healy@universityofgalway.ie

Ms Heather Helen
E: heather.helen@universityofgalway.ie

Dr Magdalena Ohaja
E: magdalena.ohaja@universityofgalway.ie

Ms Jennifer Duggan
E: dugganjennifer@universityofgalway.ie 

Undergraduate Programme Director for Midwifery
School of Nursing and Midwifery
University of Galway
+353 91 | 495601
heather.helen@universityofgalway.ie

 Web

 

 

Q: Are there any progression restrictions if I choose Psychology as one of my subjects? 
A: Students of the BA (Joint-Honours) Programme who successfully complete Psychology at First Arts may proceed to Second Arts with the subject Psychological Studies and one other of the subjects completed at First Arts. Places are limited to 100 on academic merit in Psychology from the 1st Sittings in Semester 1 and 2 and you must have passed your other three academic subjects (40% or above) to be considered.  

Minimum 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

Health requirements:

inimum 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

Health requirements:

Nursing and midwifery are demanding professions, both physically and emotionally. This requires good mental and physical health and the ability to achieve the required competencies of a midwife. Students will be required to complete a Preplacement Health Assessment Form and as necessary undergo a medical assessment/screening. This aligns with the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland framework as detailed in "Nursing/Midwifery A Career for You (2023)"

Vaccination and Screening:

Registered students must engage with the School of Nursing and Midwifery Vaccination and Screening programme in collaboration with the clinical partners and in line with the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) Immunisation and Health Information for Health Care Workers and others in At-Risk Occupations. Vaccinations are not mandatory, however, a student who declines to be immunised against these illnesses or who has a confirmed medical contraindication to a vaccine, and as a result will not be in a position to acquire the necessary skills or core competencies and in agreement with clinical partners will be denied placement and unable to continue on this programme.

Statutory and Mandatory Training:

Statutory and Mandatory training are defined as training and skills that must be successfully completed and updated to participate and remain skilled in safe clinical practice.

Statutory Training: Training which is explicitly required by law; or required on the instruction of a statutory body on the basis of specific legislation. Statutory training is mandatory for all students attending placements.

Mandatory training is compulsory training that is deemed essential by an organisation for the safe and efficient delivery of services.

The Statutory and Mandatory training and Skills for ALL students are stipulated by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive and include the following:

• Manual Handling & People Handling training is completed in year 1 and updated in year 3
• AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Course (complete in year 1 and Updated in year 3)
• Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections to include:
• Hand hygiene (update at least once in each academic year)
• Exposure to blood and body fluids (Updated in year 3)
• Waste management (Updated in year 3)
• Personal Protective Equipment (Updated in year 3)
• Children First (Updated in year 3)
• Midwifery: Irish Maternity Early Warning System (IMEWS)
• Open Disclosure

Students must satisfactorily participate and obtain certification of completion/achieve competency in training and other health requirements to commence/continue with the programme.

Garda Vetting

In line with the requirements of the programme nursing and midwifery students in the University of Galway will undertake placements with external agencies, bringing them into contact with the public during which they will assume positions of trust. To ensure the protection of the public, and justify public trust and confidence, the University is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates undertake these programmes. University of Galway uses the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) and where applicable, may liaise with other vetting services* to assess the suitability of applicants for admission to such programmes. The University of Galway requires that students on nursing and midwifery programmes be Garda Vetted before they fully complete their registration as a student of the University. Students who have not completed their Garda Vetting will be registered provisionally until Garda Clearance is obtained. In the event

where applicants do not meet the Garda Vetting requirements of the University, registration on such programmes is subject to cancellation.

Overseas Police Clearance – Students with addresses outside of Ireland

Please note that Garda clearance will only cover addresses in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. If you have resided in countries outside of the Republic of Ireland / Northern Ireland for a period of 6 months or more from the date of your 16th birthday, it is mandatory for you to furnish the Admissions Office with a Police Clearance Certificate from those countries stating that you have/have not convictions recorded against you while residing there. Please ensure you apply for this as soon as possible as it can take up to 3 months to obtain.

Alternative Pathways

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements. 

Admissions Office  

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements,   

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€4,106	€3,000	€27,500	€140	€3,140	€7,246	€27,640

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Uniforms and name badges for clinical placements are supplied by the Health Service Executive.

Terence O’Malley DLA Piper Scholarship

University of Galway is delighted to partner with global law firm DLA Piper for the Terence O’Malley DLA Piper Scholarship. The scholarship, which is named after Terry O’Malley, Chairman Emeritus (US), will provide funding to support students in financial need studying at University of Galway School of Law.  

The Scholarship will support the successful Scholar throughout their degree to a minimum value of €7,500. The Scholarship is open to applicants who have made a formal application through the Central Applications Office for a first year place on one of the full-time undergraduate designated programmes of study in University of Galway School of Law. Find out more here.  

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.