Western Sydney University

Graduate Diploma in Midwifery

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 14 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Diploma

Prepare to transition from registered nursing into midwifery through woman-centred theory, employed clinical experience and a pathway supporting eligibility to apply for registration as a midwife.

Course overview

For registered nurses ready to move into midwifery, this graduate diploma combines advanced academic study with midwifery practice. It develops the knowledge and decision-making required to provide woman-centred, evidence-based care across pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period while preparing graduates to apply for registration as a midwife.

You will study professional foundations, perinatal care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander maternal and newborn health, complex midwifery practice, psychosocial issues and pharmacology. The course also builds capability in health promotion, culturally safe practice, communication, legal and ethical responsibilities, referral and collaborative maternity care.

The 80-credit-point program runs for 14 months at Parramatta South. You must secure a 12-month employed position as a registered nurse and midwifery student with an approved NSW Health Local Health District hospital or private maternity unit before enrolling. This position provides the required midwifery practice experience alongside your university studies.

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

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
14 months (Full time)
Campus
Parramatta
Intake
4th January, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

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 Perinatal Care
  • Perinatal Care in Practice
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Maternal and Newborn Health
  • Complex Midwifery Theory and Practice
  • Perinatal Psychosocial Issues
  • Pharmacology for Midwifery Practice
  • Preparation for Midwifery Practice

Entry requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be a Division 1 registered nurse with current registration through AHPRA and the NMBA
  • Meet the applicable English language proficiency requirements
  • Secure Midwifery Practice Experience in an approved maternity hospital
  • Obtain an employed position as a registered nurse and midwifery student within a participating NSW Health Local Health District hospital or private maternity unit
  • Applicants are responsible for securing the employment position. Recruitment generally occurs during June through the NSW Health MidStart process and applicants must be registered nurses when interviewed.

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

If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. If your application is successful, you can reduce the number of subjects you need to study, saving you time and money. 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.