Master of Midwifery

Choose this intensive programme if you want to pursue independent research and scholarship. This internationally recognised programme has a strong focus on research and theory. You can also build on your Postgraduate Diploma to achieve your degree. 

Domestic

Duration
2 Years Full-time
4 Years Part-time
Level
9
Credits
180
Fees
$8,248
*Approximate first year tuition fee – see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
Online
Location
Online
Intakes
February
July

International

Duration
2 Years Full-time
4 Years Part-time
Level
9
Credits
180
Fees
$25,924
*Approximate first year tuition fee – see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
Online
Location
Online
Intakes
February
July

What You Study

Thesis or dissertation

There are two options for completing this programme. 

You can complete a 120 credit midwifery thesis or alternative research output, or in some instances a 60 credit midwifery dissertation.

The thesis option enables you to complete a piece of original research based on higher order skills of analysis and critical evaluation.

Both pathways also require the completion of two compulsory prerequisite courses: Pathway to Thesis: Midwifery Knowledge, and Pathway to Thesis: Midwifery Research Methodologies.

Further study options

Opportunities for further research and enrolment in PhD programmes are available elsewhere in New Zealand and overseas.

Midwifery organisations 

  • Te Kāreti o ngā Kaiwhakawhānau ki Aotearoa | New Zealand College of Midwives (“The College”) is the professional organisation and recognised 'voice' for midwives and student midwives in New Zealand. It represents more than 2800 members: NZ College of Midwives.
  • Ngā Maia Trust | Māori Midwives ō Aotearoa (Ngā Maia) is the national organisation representing Māori birthing. The kaupapa of Ngā Maia focuses on Māmā, Pēpi and Whānau and promoting Mātauranga Māori in pregnancy and childbirth: Ngā Maia.
  • The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) supports, represents and works to strengthen professional associations of midwives on a global basis. At present ICM have more than 90 member associations in more than 70 countries. The ICM works with midwives and midwifery associations globally to secure women's right and access to midwifery care before, during and after childbirth: International Confederation of Midwives.
  • Te Tatau o te Whare Kahu | Midwifery Council is the regulatory body for New Zealand midwives. It is responsible for the health and safety of women and babies during the childbirth process by providing mechanisms to ensure that midwives are competent and fit to practise midwifery: Midwifery Council NZ. 

Workload

Your workload

Each course requires working through online resources and participating in online discussions. There will be additional reading and preparation of assessments. Individual pathways and hours will vary but across each semester it is reasonable to plan approximately ten hours per week, per course.

You'll also need to attend two Thesis Schools each year; these are online so you can attend from wherever you are studying.

The Thesis Schools are an opportunity for you to present your progress to lecturers and your peers in the programme, to seek feedback and contribute to the discussions about the work of others, a fertile ground for great ideas!

Entry

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

  • You must be a registered midwife and hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery with a B grade average, OR equivalent.
  • Consideration for direct entry into the 180-credit Master's programme will require presentation of a portfolio which demonstrates appropriate academic and personal skills. These include:
    • Completion of 60 credits of postgraduate study (or equivalent)
    • Eligibility for cross-crediting of postgraduate level courses completed elsewhere
    • Portfolio of publications
    • Presentation of a comprehensive and well-structured research proposal
    • Completed research projects or ongoing involvement in collaborative research projects which demonstrate understanding and facility with research processes
    • Midwifery experience which could include an extensive practice history including project work undertaken during self- or institutional employment.
International requirements and equivalence

To enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).

This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.

For New Zealand registered midwives

For International midwifery students who are not registered in New Zealand

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Fees

Domestic fees

First year
Standard
$8,248
Second year
Standard
$4,140

International fees

First year
Standard
$25,924
Second year
Standard
$12,962

Multi-year fees

The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied.

Application

Chat with us before applying

You are encouraged to consult at an early stage with the Postgraduate Coordinator Suzanne Miller (suzanne.miller@op.ac.nz) and can enrol in your programme at any time following this consultation.

Get in touch

0800 762 786
International +64 3 477 3014
Email: info@op.ac.nz
https://www.op.ac.nz/programmes/nzqa/master-of-midwifery