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 gives registered nurses the knowledge, skills and clinical experience to become registered midwives. Over 18 months, you’ll build your capability in woman-centred care across pregnancy, labour, birth, postnatal care, complex midwifery care and neonatal special care.
This course is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), giving graduates a recognised pathway to apply for registration as a midwife.
You will complete at least 856 hours of clinical practice, with placements beginning in trimester 1 and continuing throughout the course. You will study online, benefitting from campus intensives and simulation activities, alongside clinical placement experience with approved maternity service partners. Deakin’s School of Nursing and Midwifery is ranked #14 in the world for nursing, giving you the confidence to learn with a globally recognised school.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 29 January 2027
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
2027 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.
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.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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
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.
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0, (includes minimum score of 7.0 in Speaking, Reading and Listening, and minimum score of 6.5 in Writing),
- OET: minimum score of 350 in Listening and Writing and 360 in Reading and Speaking.
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 63 (includes minimum score of 58 in Listening, 59 in Reading, 60 in Writing and 76 in Speaking)
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 or evidence of achievement of the minimum English language test result as specified above.
Nursing or Midwifery English Language Requirements Self-Declaration
Applicants applying directly to Deakin are required to complete and submit the Deakin University Nursing or Midwifery English Language Requirements Self-Declaration form with their online course application via the applicant portal.
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. To meet both NMBA and Deakin University requirements, 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'.
$4,908 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
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 are open. Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Applicant declaration
Applicants must complete the Applicant declaration as part of their application.
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 |
|---|
| Practice midwifery that is underpinned by the philosophy of woman-centred care. |
| Critically engage in a process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation to provide evidence informed safe and quality care to optimise outcomes in partnership with the woman. |
| Be a reflective learner who actively develops and maintains the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for contemporary midwifery practice. |
| Develop sustainable, culturally safe partnerships, enriched by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and knowledges founded on mutual trust, respect and collaboration to support safe, quality midwifery care. |
| Foster effective professional relationships to ensure safe and quality care. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
