Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery

• A passion for women's health.
• The ability to work independently and with others.
• The ability to respond to changing circumstances.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• The ability to work well under pressure.
• The ability to be accountable.

• You must be a registered midwife and hold a bachelor's degree, Postgraduate Certificate in Midwifery Practice, OR equivalent.
• You must have access to the internet.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet the entry requirements.

For New Zealand registered midwives: 

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • Overall Academic IELTS 7.5  (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

For International midwifery students who are not registered in New Zealand:

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years)
    • Speaking band >/=7.0
    • Listening band >/=7.0
    • No individual band less than 6.0, OR   
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

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

If you want to apply for this programme, we’ll need to see evidence of your Covid-19 vaccinations (including types and dates). You need to have had three doses. We’re legally obliged to collect this additional information from you as this programme is covered by the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Vaccination) Order 2021. 

Please just complete our online application process as normal. As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to provide your vaccination record. 

The Government have advised that the only proof of vaccination that we can accept is a vaccination record PDF from your My Covid Record. 

Find out how to get your vaccination record here >

You are encouraged to enrol early to enable us to plan courses and to allocate staff resources.

14 February - 10 June 

• Pathway to thesis: Midwifery knowledge

11 July - 4 November   

• Pathway to thesis: Research methodologies

Complex Care pathway 

Choose these two courses PLUS one course from the Postgraduate Certificate course list. 

14 February - 10 June 

• Midwifery assessment and decision making for complexity

11 July - 4 November   

• Midwifery practicum for complexity

You can find a Postgraduate Diploma course summary here.

If you are a returning student, please contact ebsMID@op.ac.nz for a 2022 course selection form. New students wishing to study please apply online.

Learning packages will be displayed on the online Moodle learning management system supported by Adobe Connect online tutorials and activities will include quizzes, completion of worksheets, and the use of the Moodle forum for discussion and presentations.

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 each ‘credit’ in a course size equates to approximately 10 learning hours.

Hone your expertise and increase your career prospects by applying for the Master of Midwifery.

If you have completed your Postgraduate Certificate, Complex Care or the pre-thesis Diploma courses (Knowledge and Theory in Midwifery, and Research Methods in Midwifery Practice), please contact Suzanne Miller (suzanne.miller@op.ac.nz) for advice on enrolling in the Master of Midwifery. 

Happy studying! 

When studying courses offered online or using other electronic media, you may be at risk of Occupational Overuse Syndrome or other injuries brought about by long periods of computer use.

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

The New Zealand College of Midwives (NZCOM) is the professional organisation, and recognised 'voice', for midwives and student midwives in New Zealand, and represents over 2800 members: NZ College of Midwives

Nga Maia o Aotearoa me to Wai Pounamu (Nga Maia) is the national organisation representing Maori birthing. The kaupapa of Nga Maia focuses on Mama, Pepi and Whanau and promoting Matauranga Maori in pregnancy and childbirth: Nga Maia

International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) supports, represents and works to strengthen professional associations of midwives on a global basis. At present ICM have over 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

The Midwifery Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) is the regulatory body for New Zealand midwives. It is responsible for the protection of 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

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