Advanced Practice (Midwifery)

Course Description

This course prepares suitably qualified, experienced nurses, who wish to pursue a career as an Advanced Midwife Practitioner, to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes. The course provides the student with a broad-based education experience incorporating the key concepts of person centred care, autonomy and empowerment, professional ethics, consultation and collaboration and professional leadership thus enabling them to practice at the highest professional standards across the spectrum of care. Upon successful completion of this course the graduate will be eligible to apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland for registration as a Registered Midwife Prescriber (RMP). Graduate who meet the professional requirements may be eligible to apply for Registered Advanced Midwife Practitioner (RAMP).

Applicants who already hold a MSc in Midwifery may be eligible to complete a one year Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery – Advanced Practice (AMP) in line with year one of the Masters.

Applicants who already have a Masters in Midwifery and who are active as a Registered Midwife Prescriber (RMP) may be eligible to complete a one year Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Practice. (AMP); and will undertake the following two modules:  

Advanced Practice in the Clinical Practicum with defined pathways (20 ECTS)
Decisions Making and Advanced Practice Professional Roles (10 ECTS)

The various entrance and exit strategies depend on prior academic achievements and professional registrations and are arranged on an individual basis. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the School of Nursing and Midwifery to discuss individual requirements.

Year One

Normally commences with a full week in September and thereafter generally one to two days per week for the remainder of the academic year in addition to 96 hrs for prescribing.
A blended learning approach is utilised in the delivery of theoretical content which includes lectures, group discussions and self-directed learning. The assessment process is a combination of written and practical assignments. Students undertaking the M.Sc./P.Grad.Dip. (and P.Grad.Cert.) in Midwifery-Advanced Practice (AMP) are required to work in their area of practice for a minimum of 500 hours during Year One. This clinical placement takes place under the supervision of an experienced senior clinician.

Year Two of the part-time MSc

Attendance at workshops and classes throughout the academic year.
A blended learning approach is utilised in the delivery of theoretical content which includes lectures, group discussions and self-directed learning. The assessment process is a combination of written and practical assignments. At the end of Year Two M. Sc. Students are required to submit a dissertation on a subject related to their field of study

Postgraduate Certificate in Midwifery – Advanced Practice (AMP)

•    Decision Making and Advanced Practice Professional roles (10 ECTS)
•    Advanced Practice in the Clinical Practicum with defined pathways (20 ECTS)

Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery – Advanced Practice (AMP)

•    Professional, Ethical, Legal and Communication Issues informing Nurse and Midwife Prescribing and Clinical Practicum   (10 ECTS)
•    Decision Making and Advanced Practice Professional roles (10 ECTS)
•    Advanced  Health Assessment (10 ECTS)
•    Prescribing Medicinal Products & Ionising Radiation (10 ECTS)
•    Advanced Practice in the Clinical Practicum with defined pathways (20 ECTS)

Masters in Midwifery – Advanced Practice (AMP) two year part-time
Year One

•    Professional, Ethical, Legal and Communication Issues informing Nurse and Midwife Prescribing and Clinical Practicum   (10 ECTS)
•    Decision Making and Advanced Practice Professional roles (10 ECTS)
•    Advanced  Health Assessment (10 ECTS)
•    Prescribing Medicinal Products & Ionising Radiation (10 ECTS)
•    Advanced Practice in the Clinical Practicum with defined pathways (20 ECTS)

Year Two

•    Leadership, Quality Improvement and Governance (10 ECTS)
•    Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals (10 ECTS)
•    Dissertation in Advanced Practice (30 ECTS)

The M.Sc. carries 110 ECTS credits, the P.Grad.Dip. carries 60 ECTS credits, the P.Grad.Cert. carries 30 ECTS credits.