Key facts
Duration
1.5 years in a combination of full-time and part-time study
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Midwifery course provides the knowledge, skills and ethical understanding you need to become a registered midwife – launching you into a career where you can make a real difference for women and their families. This course prepares you to provide high quality woman-centred care. Midwives play an invaluable role in supporting women across the continuum of pregnancy, labour, birth and the first weeks following birth.
Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Midwifery is developed in consultation with our healthcare partners, ensuring you’re always connected to those at the forefront of industry. The course is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), enabling clear career outcomes upon graduation.
Aspiring to enter the maternity health care sector with the confidence to succeed as a midwife?
Throughout this 18 month course you will engage in experiential learning in our purpose-built Clinical Simulation Centres. Our Clinical Simulation Centres provide a safe, supportive and realistic environment for you to develop and hone the essential midwifery skills to prepare you for clinical practice.
Midwifery practice experiences are undertaken at partner organisations who offer employment (paid) and/or clinical only (non-paid) practice models, supported by qualified and experienced clinicians. Midwifery practice experiences are secured by the applicant through our healthcare partners. These positions are advertised through the health service. Acceptance into a health service postgraduate midwifery program is a pre-requisite requirement for acceptance into Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Midwifery.
Clinical practice begins in trimester 1 and continues throughout the 18 months of your course. Clinical practice provides an opportunity to care for women and families from diverse cultural backgrounds in a range of maternity settings, enabling application of knowledge and further development of technical and non-technical midwifery skills.
The course covers a broad range of study areas that reflect the breadth of maternity care. An intensive program at the start of the course builds your foundational knowledge of what it takes to begin working as a registered nurse in the postnatal environment. You will then go on to explore specialised areas of midwifery including:
- pregnancy, birthing and postnatal care
- complex midwifery care, including emergency management
- neonatal special care
Gain a valuable mix of hands-on clinical practice and theory with a nursing and midwifery school that’s ranked #15 in the world by two prestigious international ranking bodies.* As one of the most research active schools in Australia, our School of Nursing and Midwifery boasts some of the best facilities and resources available.
When you graduate from the course, you will have completed at least 856 hours of clinical practice. Additionally, our employment-based program offers you significant clinical experiences in a paid maternity services role. This can provide an important financial boost, and students who take advantage of this program often secure continued employment with their host organisation.
* 2024 ShanghaiRankings Ranking of Academic Subjects
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 are closed.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Midwifery
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- H676
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
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Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery, you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study this course over 3 consecutive trimesters.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: Both the theoretical and clinical components of the assessment for each unit must be passed to successfully gain an overall pass in this course. Compulsory clinical hurdle requirements form part of the assessment of this course. Recognition of the importance of clinical assessments is calculated in the overall student workload.
Year 1 - Trimester 1 (Commencing February)
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Intakes by location
This course commences in Trimester 1 (March) only. It is available to commence in March across all nominated locations.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
NOTE: Course will commence February due to intensive requirements.
NOTE: Students enrol in online however there are significant campus requirements at Burwood (Melbourne)
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Police Record Check
In accordance with Department of Human Services policy, all students are required to undertake a National Police Record Check prior to professional experience placements in each calendar year of their course.
Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of professional experience placement will not be able to undertake professional experience placement and this will impede progress in the course.
Working with Children Check
In accordance with the Worker Screening Act 2020, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of professional experience placement will not be able to undertake professional experience placement and this will impede progress in the course.
Immunisation
Students are required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This may include lectures, seminars and simulation. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
The course involves compulsory clinical practice hours over the duration of the course with your host organisation. An intensive teaching program is conducted at the Melbourne Burwood Campus in mid-February and nominated ‘study days’ are conducted throughout each of the trimesters during the 18 months of the course. Students will typically be employed in a supervised part-time placement arrangement within maternity services at their host organisation.
Students are expected to participate in all timetabled learning experiences, online or at specified physical locations.
In order to participate in on-campus learning activities, and to safely engage in placements in clinical environments, there are a number of skills and functions that students need to be able to demonstrate, with or without reasonable adjustments. These skills and functions are known as Inherent Requirements. Find out more about the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery Inherent Requirements.
To discuss these requirements and the adjustments we can provide to support your success, please contact the Disability Resource Centre.
Work experience
Clinical Practicum
The Graduate Diploma of Midwifery has been designed to incorporate clinical learning opportunities and supervised part-time arrangements within your host organisation. Students are usually employed within a collaborating health service to support and provide a sound clinical learning environment for the clinical program requirements of the course. Some healthcare partners offer non-paid clinical midwifery practice experience including pregnancy care, labour and birth, postnatal care and neonatal special care.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- completion of a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent
- registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia with no conditions or restrictions
- evidence of secure, ongoing employment or clinical placement support in a maternity setting within Australia, with appropriate clinical supervision
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests and meet the requirements for test results specified in the NMBA English language skills registration standard:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band less than 7.0)
- OET: minimum score of B in each of the four bands
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 66 (with no communication band less than 66)
ANMAC additional English language proficiency requirements
In addition to meeting the Deakin English language requirement, it is an Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) accreditation requirement that applicants meet the English language requirements of the ANMAC Accreditation Standards leading to initial registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) at commencement of their course.
These requirements include a self- declaration that English is their primary language, evidence of achievement of the minimum English language test result as specified above, or hold current registration with The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse.
Nursing English Language Requirements Self-Declaration
Applicants applying directly to Deakin are required to complete and submit the Deakin University Nursing English Language Requirements Self-Declaration form with their online course application.
Primary language
NMBA requirement is that English is your primary language and you have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English, including at least two years between years 7 and 12. This education must have been completed in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, United States of America.
As this midwifery course is offered collaboratively between the University and a range of partnership/collaborating hospitals, student selection into the course is a joint process. Students must independently apply for and seek permanent employment or clinical placement within a collaborating hospital to support learning and complete midwifery experience requirements of this accredited course.
Applicants are required to complete an Applicant Declaration form to be uploaded with their application
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$32,000 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$4,738 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above.
Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:
- If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
- If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points ofstudy. Each unit you enrol in has a credit pointvalue.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the
Learn more about
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan –including FEE-HELPor HECS-HELP –depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 open in July.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
Applicant declaration
Applicants must complete the Applicant declaration as part of their application.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Career outcomes
The midwife is recognised as a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women to give the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period to conduct births and provide care for the newborn and the infant. The midwife has an important task in health counselling and education, not only for the woman, but also within the family and the community. This work involves antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and may extend to women’s health, sexual or reproductive health and childcare. A midwife may practise in any setting, including the home, community, hospitals, clinics or health units.
Employment opportunities for registered midwives have never been greater due to the current shortage of qualified midwives both locally and overseas. Throughout your course you will develop the knowledge and skills that make you highly employable within the specialist field of midwifery.
Professional recognition
On successful completion of your course, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). This course is accredited with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and is an NMBA approved course.
The NMBA has mandatory registration standards that applicants need to meet to be registered. Core registration standards are available on the NMBA website.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes | Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Practice midwifery that is underpinned by the philosophy of woman-centred care. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession. |
| Critically engage in a process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation to provide evidence-based, safe and quality care to optimise outcomes in partnership with the woman. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession. |
| Be a reflective lifelong learner who is cognisant of, and actively develops and maintains their midwifery knowledge, skills and mindsets required for contemporary midwifery practice. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession. |
| Develop sustainable, respectful partnerships that are built on collaboration, mutual trust, respect and cultural safety. | GLO2: Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change. |
| Foster effective professional relationships to ensure safe and quality care. | GLO2: Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
