Bachelor of Science in Midwifery

About You

Are you interested in providing a vital, caring service to women and the community during the life-changing event of childbirth? Have you got good observation and communication skills? Do you like applying your learning in practice? Are you willing to learn, practise and take on the responsibilities in providing skilled midwifery care? If so, then this course might suit you.

Why Study Midwifery at UL?

The BSc Midwifery course will prepare you to become a competent midwife who is sensitive to the needs of pregnant women and their families. The course leads to registration as a midwife (R.M.)

The word ‘midwife’ means being with women. A midwife gives care and support to women and their families during pregnancy, labour, birth and to new mothers and their babies. Today’s midwife is responsive to the socio-economic, cultural, educational, physical and psychological needs of women.

This course is full-time with practice placements currently in the University of Limerick Hospital Group, and in the maternity services of Waterford Regional Hospital, South Tipperary General Hospital Clonmel and St Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny. You will learn about midwifery based on a wellness model of women-centred care. The course will give you the knowledge and skills of normal midwifery care. It includes the study of physiology, sociology, research, management, law and ethics. A midwife recognises and initiates action when deviations from normal occur. As this course leads to academic and professional qualifications, students will need to put time and effort into study.

This is a four year programme with a balance between student time in UL, and midwifery practice, as follows:

• 69 weeks Theory (minimum)
• 45 weeks un-rostered Clinical Placement
• 36 weeks Internship

The University offers a number of access places on all University courses for socio-economically disadvantaged students. Financial documentation in support of each application is required. Potential applicants should make advance contact with the UL Access Office - telephone 061 213104.

Midwifery is a demanding profession both physically and emotionally. Successful applicants must be of good physical and mental health and have the ability to achieve the required competencies of a midwife.  Offers of places on the nursing programmes are subject to satisfactory completion of Garda Vetting & Health Screening, including vaccination. This will be organised by the Department of Nursing and Midwifery. Prospective students should be aware that there is likely to be a cost implication to be borne by the student for health screening and vaccination.

To find out more, go to www.ul.ie/nm

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

In addition applicants must hold an O6/ H7 grade in one of the following Laboratory Science subjects: Biology; Physics, Chemistry; Physics and Chemistry; or Agricultural Science.

Enquiries about the methods of evaluation of results of examinations and qualifications other than the Republic of Ireland Leaving Certificate Examination should be addressed to the Admissions Office at UL. See below for additional entry requirements.

QQI Entry

Certain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling admission requirements for this programme. Go to the UL Admissions QQI page for a full list of modules.

Mature Students:

Applicants who wish to be considered for a place on the grounds of mature years must satisfy the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) as to their suitability by means of an assessment test. Mature applicants should be 23 years old on or before January 1st of the year of enrolment. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. In addition to the CAO application, applicants must also register and apply through the PAS website www.publicjobs.ie This is required as PAS undertakes the written assessment on behalf of the NCC. Mature applicants may also be considered on the basis of educational qualifications. Such applicants should also consult the booklet: Nursing and Midwifery A Career for You, published by the Nursing Careers Centre, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland Tel +353 (0)1 6398500 www.nursingcareers.ie

Offers of places on the midwifery programmes are subject to the satisfactory completion of a health declaration/medical assessment and vaccination programme. † Indicates that students admitted to the programme are required to undergo a Garda Vetting process.

Midwifery is a rewarding career and the programme will provide you with the knowledge and experience to contribute effectively to maternity services.

A midwife can practice in a wide variety of settings; the home, the community and hospitals in Ireland or abroad. Career pathways for the midwife may include clinical, clinical specialist’s roles, management or education.

Follow-On Study

Graduates from this programme can pursue further study in nursing and healthcare. UL has a variety of Postgraduate, Masters and PhD programmes in the department of Nursing and Midwifery. Go to www.nm.ul.ie to find out more.

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