Applications for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery have now closed. The next intake for this programme is anticipated for Autumn 2025. 

This programme is delivered in conjunction with the University Maternity Hospital, Limerick. The duration of the programme is 18 months and is full time.

The philosophy of midwifery education is based on a wellness model of women centred holistic care. The programme aims to prepare a competent, caring, research-minded, analytical and reflective midwife practitioner who applies a systematic, evidence based approach to responding proactively, creatively, collaboratively and sensitively to the needs of pregnant women and their families. The programme is full time and the student is both an employee of the University Maternity Hospital, Limerick and a student of the University of Limerick. 

On successful completion of the programme students will be able to present for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and practice as a midwife and be awarded a Higher Diploma in Midwifery (Level 8) from the University of Limerick. For those wishing to register as a midwife in other EU countries, a further 12 months of midwifery practice post qualification is required in the Republic of Ireland under EU regulations. The Department of Nursing and Midwifery in the University of Limerick has received approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland for the programme.

Semester OneStudents are grounded in normal midwifery care and will acquire the theory and skills of assessment of mother and baby.
Semester TwoStudents are exposed to the theory underpinning complex midwifery care and so that while recognising and appreciating that pregnancy and childbirth are physiological processes they may be complicated by obstetric, medical and gynecological problems.
Semester Three                                                    Students are provided an opportunity to consolidate practice through midwifery theory, utilising skills and knowledge that support the woman in achieving her potential throughout her pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period.

 

The programme is offered over 78 weeks with theory and practice acquired in tandem throughout the three semesters with further practice placements outside of the semester.

Semester 1
  • NM5001 Principles of Maternal and Infant Care
  • NM4231 Midwifery Care in Pregnancy
  • NM4192 Midwifery Care in Childbirth
  • NM4253 Midwifery Care for the Postnatal Mother, baby and Family
  • NM5011 Practice Placement HDip Midwifery A
Semester 2 
  • NM4264 Responding to Complex Needs During Pregnancy
  • NM4274 Obstetric Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth
  • NM4136 Responding to Complex Needs in the Postnatal Period
  • NM4146 Responding to Complex Needs of the At-Risk and Ill Neonate
  • NM5002 Practice Placement HDip Midwifery B
 Semester 3
  • NM4284 Reproductive Health & Wellbeing
  • NM5021 Clinical Governance in Midwifery
  • NM5031 Integrating and Consolidating Midwifery
  • NM5003 Practice Placement HDip Midwifery C
  • NM5041 Practice Placement HDip Midwifery D
  • Be registered in the General Division of the Register of Nurses maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) or entitled to be so registered

The next intake to the Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme in the University of Limerick and the University Maternity Hospital, Limerick is anticipated to be Autumn 2025.

Contact nm@ul.ie for further information.

Programe fees are administered through the HSE West executive and are subject to certain conditions.

Salary is administered through the HSE West executive. 

For job specifications, please see the Programme Brochure. 

The Verification of Service Form must be completed also.