Why Study Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery) at AUT?

• Professionally accredited by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.
• More than 2,400 hours of clinical placement throughout the programme.
• Learn from experienced practising midwives and researchers.
• Strong emphasis on woman-centred and family-focused maternity care.
• Clinical placements in hospitals and community maternity services.
• Excellent employment opportunities across New Zealand.
• Opportunity to work as a hospital midwife or self-employed Lead Maternity Carer (LMC).
• Access to AUT's simulation laboratories and modern teaching facilities.
• Strong graduate employment outcomes due to workforce demand.

Programme Structure

The programme spans four years and combines academic learning with extensive clinical practice.

Year 1

• Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication
• Te Tiriti Ora
• Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Practice
• Understanding Human Body Systems
• Integrated Human Body Systems
• Constructions of Knowledge
• Midwifery Practice 1
• Art and Science of Midwifery 1

Year 2

• Methods of Research and Enquiry
• Midwifery Practice 2
• Art and Science of Midwifery 2
• Woman's Health
• Art and Science of Midwifery 3
• Midwifery Practice 3

Year 3

• Midwifery Practice 4
• Art and Science of Midwifery 4
• Pharmacology for Professional Practice
• Prescribing and Legislation for Midwives
• Responding to Childbirth Complexities
• Midwifery Practice 5

Year 4

• Midwifery Practice 6
• Midwifery Practice 7
• Midwifery Practice 8
• Practice Project

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students study topics including:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Human Body Systems
• Women's Health
• Pregnancy and Antenatal Care
• Labour and Birth
• Postnatal Care
• Newborn Health
• Pharmacology
• Research Methods
• Healthcare Systems
• Communication Skills
• Midwifery Practice
• Clinical Decision Making
• Prescribing and Legislation
• Professional Ethics
• Health Promotion
• Practice Project

Disciplines / Areas of Study

The programme is a professional degree specialising in:

• Midwifery Practice
• Maternal Health
• Women's Health
• Neonatal Care
• Community Midwifery
• Clinical Practice
• Professional Practice
• Primary Maternity Care

Programme Highlights

• Accredited by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.
• 480-point professional degree.
• Four-year full-time programme.
• More than 2,400 hours of supervised clinical practice.
• Study through on-campus or approved regional distance pathways.
• Strong emphasis on evidence-based and woman-centred care.
• Excellent graduate employment prospects.
• Eligibility to apply for registration as a midwife in New Zealand after meeting professional requirements.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work as:

• Registered Midwife*
• Hospital Midwife
• Lead Maternity Carer (Self-employed Midwife)
• Community Midwife
• Maternity Care Coordinator
• Maternal Health Educator
• Women's Health Practitioner
• Clinical Midwifery Educator (with experience)
• Research Midwife (with further study)

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain a New Zealand Student Visa before beginning their studies.

Typical requirements include:

• Offer of Place from AUT
• Valid passport
• Payment of tuition fees (where required)
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
• Approved medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required)
• Police clearance (if required)
• Compliance with Immigration New Zealand visa conditions throughout the programme.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The programme is professionally accredited by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.
• Applications for 2026 have closed, with the next advertised intake commencing in February 2027.
• Students are required to complete 2,400 hours of clinical practice.
• Before attending clinical placements, students must meet all clinical compliance requirements, which may include immunisation records, police vetting, safety screening, CPR certification and other placement-specific health checks required by healthcare providers.
• Students must satisfy all academic and clinical competency requirements before becoming eligible to apply for professional registration.