Bachelor of Midwifery

Midwives work with women to provide care in pregnancy, childbirth and up to the first six weeks of a baby's life.

Our four-year Bachelor of Midwifery degree will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for midwifery practice in New Zealand. Its blended (online and face-to-face) delivery method enables you to study and work in Christchurch, MidSouth Canterbury, NelsonMarlborough or the West Coast.

All sites are supported by a midwifery lecturer who’ll provide individual support, organise face-to-face tutorials, facilitate your online studies and coordinate local practice experience for you in your own region.

Throughout the degree you’ll explore and acquire knowledge from Ara educatorsKaiako, experienced midwives practicing in the community and in maternity facilities, and from women and families who will share their childbirth experiences with you.

The degree draws on an apprenticeship model where you’ll gain valuable midwifery practice experience and opportunities to integrate knowledge, skills, practice and professional behaviours through extended placements, working alongside experienced midwives. In total you’ll undertake at least 2400 hours of clinical practice over the four years of the degree.

The Bachelor of Midwifery is recognised by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand and became a unified programme in December 2024, meaning its aims and learning outcomes are identical across the three polytechnic tertiary institutes in New Zealand which offer it (Ara Institute of Canterbury, Otago Polytechnic and Wintec).
By the time you graduate, you’ll possess a good understanding of how to assess the social, psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural needs of each woman and her family, enabling you to support them through the childbirth experience.

New Zealand University Entrance – NCEA Level 3 consisting of:

60 credits at Level 3 including:

a minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 in biology, chemistry or physics

a minimum of 16 credits in an English rich subject (such as English, history, art history, classics, geography, economics or media studies)

a further 16 credits at Level 3 or higher in two other subjects from the approved list of subjects*

And 20 credits at Level 2 including:

a minimum of 16 credits in biology

a further 16 credits in chemistry or physics

16 credits in another Level 2 subject

Or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Pre Health Pathway or equivalent

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

A self-declaration, providing information regarding:

Criminal convictions. Applicants are required to indicate whether they have been convicted of, or have been prosecuted for, a ciminal offence.

Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of criminal conviction may result in the Midwifery Council refusing to register a person as a midwife.

mental and physical conditions. Applicants are required to indicate if they have had any mental and/or physical conditions, to demonstrate that they are fit for practice as a midwife.

Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of physical or mental conditions may result in the Midwifery Council bieng unable to register a person as a midwife.

Personal statement, which demonstrates communication skills and self -responsibility in relation to their learning and practice, as required by Midwifery Council.

an indication of whether they hold a driver's license, and if not whether they have access to reliable transport.

At least two written references. A reference is required to demonstrate the applicant has good character and that the applicant is sufficient for safe and effective practice as a midwife, as required by the Children's Act 2014.

Referees will ideally be provided by an academic in a leadership or tutorial poistion/teacher/lecturer, and a employment/professional/volunteer-based referee. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.