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 broad clinical experience across four different hospital sites.

• Global Health is a module within the Undergraduate Midwifery, General and Mental Health Nursing programmes. As part of the Global Health module students have the opportunity to undertake a service learning placement in East Africa –Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya.
• Eligible to travel and practice midwifery in other European countries and internationally.

There are many career opportunities for midwives e.g. Staff Midwife, Unit Manager, Assistant Director of Midwifery, Director of Midwifery, educator, researcher, Advanced Midwife Practitioner, Lactation Consultant, Perinatal Mental Health, Neonatal Intensive Care, management, Community Midwifery and leadership roles. Midwives may also advance their careers in a hospital setting, midwifery-led units, the community, lecturing or research roles. All these diverse roles contribute to enhancing midwifery care offered to people.

Further Education Opportunities

There are a variety of continuing professional development opportunities available to graduates of this programme, in particular postgraduate programmes within the School of Nursing,Midwifery and Evidence Science at the University of Galway.

Midwifery graduates can pursue further study at Masters (MSc Advanced Practice Midwifery) and PhD level.

Global Health is a module within the Undergraduate Midwifery, General and Mental Health Nursing programmes. As part of the Global Health module  students   have the opportunity to undertake a service learning placement in East Africa –Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya. 

This takes place in semester 2 of Year 2. The University of Galway strives to expand collaboration and partnership with other global Universities to offer greater opportunities to study abroad.

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

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

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

The structure of practice placements are outlined in the table below.

Year	Practice Placements
Year 1	Students are allocated approximately ten weeks  in year 1 in clinical practice placement integrated across two semesters. Students will gain core midwifery clinical placement within antenatal, intranatal,  postnatal and community settings.
Year 2	Students are allocated approximately twelve weeks in  year 2 in clinical practice placement integrated across two semesters.   Students will gain core midwifery experience in clinical placements within, community, neonatal and Gynaecology setting.  .
Year 3	Semester 1 Student are allocated approximately   four weeks in pre-internship practice placementincluding  core midwifery and community midwifery placement, Semester 2 Students are allocated approximately twelve weeks clinical internship with rotation across core midwifery areas including community placements. This placement will be at the end of semester 2 - from March to June. During the clinical internship students are paid a salary.
Year 4	Semester 2 Students are allocated approximately twenty four weeks clinical internship. This is a paid placement with rotations across core midwifery settings including  community midwifery, This commences in November and runs until June. During the clinical internship period, students are paid a salary.

Accrediting Body
This four-year programme, offered in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) West and North West Regional Health Authority, 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.

Graduate Opportunities 
There are many career opportunities for midwives e.g. Staff Midwife, Unit Manager, Assistant Director of Midwifery, Director of Midwifery, educator, researcher, Advanced Midwife Practitioner, Lactation Consultant, Perinatal Mental Health, management, and leadership roles. Midwives may also advance their careers in a hospital setting, midwifery-led units, the community, lecturing or research roles. All these diverse roles contribute to enhancing midwifery care offered to people

International Opportunities
Global Health is a module within the Undergraduate Midwifery, General and Mental Health Nursing programmes As part of the Global Health module  students  have the opportunity to undertake a service learning placement in East Africa – Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya. 

Dr Linda Biesty                                                             
E: linda.biesty@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

Dr Simone Lepage
E: simone.lepage@universityofgalway.ie

Learning
At the School of Nursing ,Midwifery and Evidence Science, 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 facilitate our students to engage with subject experts to develop expertise in innovative technology. Students are encouraged to developattributes and perspectives that will equip them to be critical thinkers. Our philosophy strategises lifelong learning and to build resilience for work and caree progression. This is enhanced by a  world class library that enrich their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this programme are:

Information associated with lectures and assignments are 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.

Designed to 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)

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.

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.

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.

Students have opportunities to engage with other disciplines through  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 method in which students are assessed  varies 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.

.  Students who have a disability/specific learning difficulty and who require particular supports should notify the DSS in advance of admission to the University. Contact: disabilityservice@universityofgalway.ie   

• 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.
• The University of Galway have comprehensive support services available to students who experience health problems. These include medical and mental health services, including the Student Health Unit for GP and physiotherapy care.
• Student Support Services: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/global-galway/inboundstudyabroad/studentsupportservices/
• International Student Officer: Louise Kelly, our dedicated International Student Officer, is available to support international students with non-academic issues and ensure a positive experience at the university.  Contact: kelly@universityofgalway.ie 
• Chaplaincy: The Chaplaincy service offers pastoral care, welfare support and spiritual guidance to the students and staff of University of Galway. Contact Information

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 NMBI ambassador programme selects students to represent the NMBI from a midwifery student perspective in Ireland. This includes social and media events across the country.

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: 

Centre for Health Research Methodology
Cancer Care and Education Research Group
Psychosocial Dementia Research Group
Vascular Access and Intravenous Therapy

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.

 

Undergraduate Programme Director for Midwifery

Ms Heather Helen
Lecturer / Assistant Professor in Midwifery

School of Nursing, Midwifery and Evidence Science
University of Galway
+353 91 | 495601
heather.helen@universityofgalway.ie

 Web

 

 

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:
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 eventwhere 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 frm 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.

QQI/FET/FETAC Places
There is 1 place available on GY517 Bachelor of Midwifery Science. Holders of recognised QQI (FETAC Level 5/6) qualifications in any of the following awards who achieve a minimum of five distinctions, may be admitted on a competitive basis to Year One:

5M4468 Community and Health Services 5M4339 Health Care Support
5M3782 Health Service Skills

Additional Conditions: Applicants must attain at least 5 distinctions (80% or better) which must include two of the following in order to be eligible to apply for (GY517)

5N0749 Anatomy and Physiology, and 5N4325 Nursing Theory & Practice or 5N0758 Care Support.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€4,606	€2,500	€28,000	€140	€2,640	€7,246	€28,140

• 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 €2,500 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 1.8% 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.

 

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information.

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.