Higher Diploma in Midwifery
Four great reasons to consider this course
- Successful completion of this programme entitles you to register as a qualified midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
- This programme embraces student centred, real-world learning where students are encouraged to relate midwifery theory to midwifery practice.
- Students on this programme benefit from smaller class sizes and one to one engagement with lecturers.
- Students on this programme are paid employees of the HSE. Students will retain their current point on the staff nurse salary scale on entry into the programme and will also be granted incremental credit (if applicable) during the programme.
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Course Summary
The Higher Diploma in Midwifery is an 18-month full-time add-on course for Registered General Nurses who wish to become midwives.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda and will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to carry out their duties as a midwife in accordance with the definition of a midwife adapted from the International Confederation of Midwives’ (ICM 2011) definition and adopted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
"The higher diploma programme was very practically based and gave me the real-life learning needed to develop my skills to become a competent Midwife."
Kate Finnamore, Higher Diploma in Midwifery, 2016 - 2018
The programme is normally divided into three semesters with a combination of theoretical and clinical modules being provided each semester.
Modules taught on the programme include:
Semester 1
- HDip The Profession of Midwifery
- HDip Midwifery Practice 1
- HDip Midwifery and Women’s Health
- HDip Clinical 1
Semester 2
- HDip Midwifery Practice 2
- HDip The Healthy Neonate
- HDip Sensitive Midwifery
- HDip Clinical 2
Semester 3
- HDip Midwifery Practice 3
- HDip The Complex Neonate
- HDip Developing the Profession of Midwifery
- HDip Clinical 3
*Please note modules are subject to change
The following learning and teaching strategies underpin this programme:
- Enquiry Based Learning (EBL)
- Tutorials
- Lectures
- Group Work / Seminars
- Clinical / Practical Skills
- Clinical Placements
The Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme will provide the appropriate foundation for midwives to practice following registration. This will be the basis of a career trajectory and will help prepare midwives for continuing professional development. Career pathways can be considered in terms of clinical, management, education and research pathways.
The HSE has identified that applicants must:
- Be registered in the General Division of the Register of Nurses maintained by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) or entitled to be so registered
- Have a minimum of 6 months post registration experience as an RGN within the past 3 years, working a minimum of 78 hours per month
Throughout this programme time is balanced between college and clinical placements.
Registered General Nurses with NMBI who:
Wish to care for women and families in a holistic manner before, during and after pregnancy.
Have an interest in health and wellbeing, particularly women’s health and wellbeing.
Have an interest in specialised neonatal care and care of healthy newborn infants.
Jill Atkinson (Head of Midwifery Section)
Phone: +353 42 937 0264
Email: jill.atkinson@dkit.ie
Dr Deirdre O'Malley (Programme Director)
Email: Deirdre.OMalley@dkit.ie
Opportunities for academic progression include academic study at level 9 and 10.
| Course ID | HBS07485 |
| Course Type | Postgraduate |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Level | 8 |
| Duration | 18 Months |
| School | School of Health & Science |
| Department | Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years |
| Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
| Delivery Method | On Campus |
How To Apply
Apply via PAC.ie
Applications for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery Programme must be made through Postgraduate Application Centre (PAC) when recruitment commences every 18 months.
