The Higher Diploma in Midwifery is a full-time programme running for 18 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The programme will be offered on a continuous basis with students commencing the programme in either September or March. Students will receive an 18 month contract of employment with the Cork University Maternity Hospital. The Higher Diploma will comply with the professional requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and the EU directives for registration as a midwife. Registered midwives who complete the programme will be eligible for midwifery registration in another EU Member State when they have completed one further year of clinical practice

In Year 1 students take taught modules to the value of 40 credits (Part A) and a practice module to the value of 10 credits (Part B). In Year 2 students take taught modules to the value of 30 credits (Part A) and a practice module to the value of 10 credits (Part B).

Students take 90 credits as follows:

Year 1
Part A
NU5057 Professionalism for Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
NU5058 Health Promotion for Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
NU5073 Evidence Based Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
NU5093 Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Neonate 1 (10 credits)
NU5095 Supporting Mothers during Pregnancy and Parenthood (10 credits)
SS5806 Social Policy and Midwifery Practice (5 credits)

Part B
NU5088 Midwifery Practice I (10 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Year 2
Part A
NU5043 Ethics for Midwives (5 credits)
NU5059 Childbirth and the Neonate II (10 credits)
NU5096 Normal Childbirth: Issues and Debates (5 credits)
NU6005 Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)

Part B
NU5089 Midwifery Practice II (10 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2021/2022 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2021/2022.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Higher Diploma in Midwifery (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Actively fulfil a philosophy of midwifery and a commitment to high standards of professional practice within the scope of midwifery practice and the health care services;
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills about pregnancy and childbirth and the newborn and provide safe and effective antenatal, childbirth and postnatal care for women and their families;
• Conceptualise the process of the childbirth cycle utilising the contribution of biological and social sciences;
• Establish and maintain effective caring and interpersonal relationships with women and articulate and represent the needs of individual women, babies and families while supporting shared decision-making throughout the woman's childbirth experience;
• Effectively coordinate, organise and manage midwifery care on own initiative and in consultation with the multidisciplinary team;
• Proactively effect change in response to women's needs and preferences that will benefit mothers and babies locally, nationally and internationally;
• Promote the concepts and politics of normal birth;
• Critically appraise and evaluate current research evidence and best practice for midwifery and its implications for practice in a variety of settings;
• Facilitate lifelong learning for self and others to enhance competent, flexible and responsive midwifery practice.