Western Sydney University
Graduate Diploma in Midwifery
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 14 months
Offers an immersive, practice-led pathway for registered nurses to become skilled, compassionate midwives equipped to support women through every stage of pregnancy and childbirth.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Midwifery emphasises a primary health care approach to enable you to participate fully in health-promoting activities. A diverse range of teaching and learning experiences is provided to enhance your acquisition of knowledge and midwifery skills. The program provides you with the opportunity to gain a recognised tertiary degree and registration to practise midwifery.
The Graduate Diploma in Midwifery is a program for registered nurses wishing to pursue a career in Midwifery. The program prepares graduates for eligibility to apply for registration throughout Australia as a registered midwife. The program combines theory and practice with an emphasis on woman-centred care, the art and science of midwifery, health promotion, communication skills, evidence-based practice and models of midwifery care within a primary health care approach. To be eligible for this program, students are required to obtain a 12-month position of employment as a Registered Nurse/midwifery student in an affiliated NSW Health Local Health District hospital or a Maternity Unit in a Private Hospital. The program will be offered over 14 months, with the students completing the last subject in Block A of the second year.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points. Each subject is worth 10 credit points.
Core subjects
- Professional Foundations of Midwifery
- Foundations of Antenatal and Birth Care
- Foundations of Postnatal and Newborn Care
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Maternal and Newborn Health
- Complex Midwifery Care
- Complex Midwifery Practice
- Essentials of Best Practice in Midwifery
- Preparation for Midwifery Practice
Entry requirements
- Registered Nurse (Division 1) (currently registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – Nursing and Midwifery)
- Midwifery Practice Experience (MPE) is required to be secured in an approved maternity hospital. The student is responsible for the application and securing of a position as a midwifery student in one of the approved hospitals.
English language requirements
All applicants will be required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements. Applicants need to be aware of the English language requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia that need to be demonstrated prior to registration.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning is the recognition of prior learning in terms of experience and/or studies. When you apply for Credit for Prior Learning, the university will assess your prior learning. It may award you Credit for Prior Learning in the program you are currently studying in recognition of what you have achieved. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates of this program can look forward to career opportunities in:
- Hospitals in metropolitan, rural, and remote areas
- Community settings (including homes)
- Self-employed (privately practising)
- Antenatal, postnatal and birthing care
- Research and Education
- Management and policy development
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $4,738 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full-time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means that the Australian Government pays part of the fees towards your program, therefore reducing your tuition fees. The remaining amount that you pay is referred to as your Student Contribution.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per subject you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
