Qualification Overview

Qualification Title Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery
Qualification Type Postgraduate Diploma
Level 8
Credits 120
Subject Area
  • Health » Nursing » Midwifery
Strategic Purpose Statement
To produce graduates who can extend and deepen their knowledge of the theories and procedures used in the midwifery practice environment, in a wider and more encompassing scope than in the postgraduate certificate. This includes an enhanced understanding of the roles of those with whom they work. Graduates will have completed a further four practice courses or, theory and research methods courses to prepare them for masters study
Graduate profile
On completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery ākonga will be able to:
1) Apply enhanced knowledge and understanding on which to:
* assess and manage clinical situations,
* develop creative and innovative approaches to midwifery practice, and
* manage change and uncertainty in midwifery and perinatal care.
2) Apply advanced skills of critique and analysis enabling:
* effective problem solving,
* development of evidence-based practice guidelines,
* safe and effective care which improves outcomes for women/people and their pēpi/babies,
* critique of major theoretical positions pertaining to midwifery and perinatal care, and
* an appreciation of the impact of broad health policy on midwifery and perinatal care.
3) Apply advanced communication skills and the ability to work in partnership with women/people/whānau.
4) Use critical reflection and self-knowledge as tools for continuing critique and enhancement of own clinical practice.
5) Apply personal insight and independent thinking to professional and personal development.
6) Apply knowledge and skill to:
* guide and support midwifery colleagues,
* participate actively in the midwifery profession,
* maintain a midwifery focus within a collaborative and interdisciplinary context, and
* identify clinical or professional issues requiring investigation and research.
Education pathways
The programme provides a pathway into master's studies in midwifery.
Employment pathways
Midwives may practice as employed or self-employed practitioners and graduates from these postgraduate programmes may take a leadership role in their current practice context. Graduates would also be suitable for employment in leadership roles at local or national levels. This could include roles in midwifery management, policy and guideline development, professional advisory services, education and research contexts.
District Health Boards, as employer organisations, support the midwifery profession's Quality and Leadership Programme that encourages midwives to undertake postgraduate education as they seek promotion . The Midwifery Council of New Zealand requires midwifery educators to hold the minimum of a Masters' degree.
Entry Requirements
Selection will be made on the basis of the following criteria:
registered midwife, and
Bachelor's degree or equivalent, or
Postgraduate Certificate in Midwifery Practice or equivalent.

Admission Procedure
Applicants will make an application using the Otago Polytechnic online application process. Those seeking admission via a portfolio application will need to provide their CV and portfolio with the application form.

The Postgraduate Programme Leader or Head of School will assess the portfolio against the portfolio criteria of the courses or programmes for which the ākonga has applied. Assessment of some aspects of portfolio applications may be through interview.

All documents in support of an application for recognition of prior learning cross credit or portfolio must be verified by a JP or an institutional e-Qual verification service.

International student language requirements

The same entry criteria apply to international ākonga. New Zealand registered kahu pōkai | midwives for whom English is a second language are admitted using the Midwifery Council of New Zealand requirements i.e. to have an IELTS score of 7.0 or Occupational English Test (OET) minimum pass mark of A or B in each section. International midwifery ākonga who are not registered in New Zealand will require an IELTS score of 7.5, with no less than 7.0 in any band, or an OET score of A or B in each section
Education Organisation Te Pukenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Developed By Te Pukenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Quality Assured By New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Number OT4864
Status Current
Created 2003-08-14 12:13:25.0
Next Review 2029-12-31 00:00:00.0
Content
Option one:
Students participating in this option must successfully complete eight, 15 credit courses (or equivalent).
This option provides a route to the Masters programme through the completion of a 60 credit research dissertation. The courses MM501000 Pathway to Thesis: Midwifery Knowledge (30 credits) and MM502.300 Pathway to Thesis: Midwifery Research Methodologies (30 Credits) must also be completed in the Masters programme.
Option two:
Students participating in this option must successfully complete four, 15 credit courses (or equivalent) and the courses; MM501000 Pathway to Thesis: Midwifery Knowledge (30 credits) and M502.300 Pathway to Thesis: Midwifery Research Methodologies (30 Credits). Note that in option two the compulsory courses MM501000 and MM502.3000 must be completed before entry to the Masters programme.
This option provides a route to the Masters programme through the completion of a 120 credit research thesis.
For both options:
Course choices will depend on student interest and course availability. Some courses offered will require the completion of pre-requisite courses.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery must be completed within four years of commencement. Exceptional circumstances will be taken into account for extended time.
On successful completion of this programme students may:
exit with the award "Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery" or
apply for entry to Master of Midwifery programme, with the crediting of 120 credits.

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