| Code | Pathway: MSCMWF; Direct Entry Yr 2: MSCMWF2 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | MSc |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Closing Date | Open until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised. |
| Non-EU Closing Date | Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised. |
| Start Date | 15 September 2025 |
Course Outline
The MSc Midwifery is a taught programme for midwives running over two years from the date of first registration for the programme. This programme is for Registered Midwives only. Registered General Nurses who wish to become Registered Midwives should apply for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery.
Students take 90 credits as follows:
Year 1 (60 credits)
- NU6005 Research Methods (10 credits)
- NU6070 Practice Enhancement for Nursing and Midwifery (10 credits)
plus elective modules (subject to availability) to the value of 40 credits to be chosen from the following:
- NU6140 Woman-Centred Care (10 credits)
- NU6153 Preparation for Birth and Parenthood Facilitation (10 credits)
- NU6167 Maternity Critical Care (10 credits)
- NU6201 Personal and Professional Portfolio (10 credits)
- NU6301 Personal and Professional Development (10 credits)
- NU6303 Advancing Practice for Patient Safety (10 credits)
- NU6306 Clinical Leadership for Healthcare Quality Improvement (10 credits)
- NU6310 Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice for Quality Improvement in Healthcare (10 credits)
- NU6312 Contemporary Issues in Healthcare (10 credits)
- NU6313 Digital Healthcare (10 credits)
Note: Not all modules will be offered each year. Alternatively, students may take up to a maximum of 10 credits, relevant to the MSc programme with the approval of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and subject to timetabling restraints, in lieu of 10 credits above.
Year 2
- MH6014 Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
- NU6151 Dissertation in Midwifery (20 credits)
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
The majority of modules are assessed by assignments. For some modules there will be examinations or a student may be required to make a presentation. In Year 2, students undertake a research study and complete a dissertation. A supervisor will be provided to support this work.
Why Choose This Course
This is an opportunity for qualified midwives to gain knowledge and understanding of midwifery in a broad context.
Skills and Careers Information
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
- Practise with greater insight of the research-base, ethical, socio-political and professional underpinnings of midwifery and health care in Ireland;
- Exercise enhanced personal and professional competence through accountability and autonomy in midwifery practice;
- Demonstrate higher levels of judgment in the practice of midwifery through the generation of midwifery knowledge for innovative, research-based midwifery practice;
- Act as innovators and leaders and contribute to practice development in midwifery;
- Teach others from a broad and in-depth knowledge base, derived from critical reflection on midwifery practice and the development of critical inquiry in midwifery
- Exercise accountability and autonomy within the clinical and professional boundaries of midwifery;
- Promote excellence in assessment and implementation of research-based practice, within agreed inter-disciplinary protocols in midwifery practice;
- Demonstrate high levels of judgment in the practice of nursing/midwifery through the generation of knowledge for innovative midwifery practice.
Requirements
Entry to Year 1 MSc (Midwifery) (MSCMW)
Applicants for the MSc (Midwifery) should normally:
- have a minimum of a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in Nursing or Midwifery or approved equivalent degree or qualification approved by the College of Medicine and Health AND
- hold professional registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or be eligible for such registration.
Direct Entry to Year 2 (MSCMWF2)
- Applicants for Direct Entry to Year 2 should normally have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery (NFQ, Level 9 or equivalent) or a Higher Diploma in Midwifery (NFQ, Level 8 or equivalent).
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Deferrals
Deferrals are not permitted on this course.
Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:
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You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
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Please upload certification of current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Apply Now