Master of Midwifery overview
These courses are for midwives seeking to improve their knowledge of contemporary midwifery, interpretation of theory and ethics. Courses like those offered by James Cook University provide the opportunity to improve competency with these topics over the course of a year and a half. Midwives wishing to venture overseas to aid reproductive health in developing countries, become a participant in public health policy or design studies are well advised to take up this line of study.
Coursework master
This style of master degree is the standard for midwifery; the James Cook course mentioned above is an example of this, focussing on techniques and coursework. Those wishing to enter the employment options listed below are well advised to consider this line of study.
Research master
Those wishing to contribute to the field of midwifery rather than practice in it are advised to take this route of postgraduate study. The Master of Midwifery (Research) offered by Edith Cowan Universityprovides students with the chance to become independent researchers and begin a research career.
Employment options
The Master of Midwifery provides employment opportunities above and beyond standard midwife specialisations. The United Nations Population Fund is an example of a global initiative that seeks to end unsanitary or inadequate birthing practices in the developing world, making it a potential employer for graduates from this program.
Master of Midwifery graduates are especially qualified to enter traditional avenues of employment for midwives; they are well equipped to be infertility specialists at IVF Australia or aid in teen pregnancies at Best Beginnings and similar organisations. It is a versatile and sought-after qualification.
Graduates from a Master of Midwifery (Research) have a very clear career path: professional research. This can be a very fulfilling career choice, as it is the chance to make meaningful contributions to collective knowledge on midwifery and associated practice.
Scholarships and funding
General scholarships are the best option available to both research and coursework master degrees in midwifery. Funding options like the ECIG Scholarship Program or Gallipoli Scholarship Fund are a great way to alleviate the financial burden of study, but often have unique requirements that students ought to double check for eligibility.
Prerequisites and selection process
These courses require an existing bachelor degree in midwifery or graduate diploma in the subject for entrance into this course. Interested students with a bachelor level degree in nursing are advised to therefore take on the graduate diploma of nursing, for which they ought to earn credit, which will allow them to complete it faster and thus commence the Master of Midwifery sooner.