COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Midwifery Science at University of Galway is a comprehensive four-year honours program designed to develop highly skilled, competent, and compassionate midwives. The course integrates academic learning with hands-on clinical experience across hospital and community settings, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, health sciences, and midwifery practice while developing essential skills in communication, research, and clinical observation. Early exposure to clinical placements allows students to begin applying theoretical principles in real-world settings under supervision. In the second year, the curriculum expands to cover supporting women experiencing normal childbirth, care of the well newborn, applied psychology, and promoting health and wellbeing. Students continue to develop clinical competence through placement hours and practice assessments while strengthening research skills and understanding the sociological aspects of childbirth. Year three focuses on complex clinical care, including management of women and newborns with complex needs, advanced midwifery governance, clinical reasoning, and professional accountability. Students undertake electives and specialized modules in law, ethics, and medicines to deepen their knowledge of clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice. The fourth year emphasizes professional development and independence through extended internships, clinical midwifery practice, and a literature review, which enables students to conduct in-depth research and critically evaluate contemporary midwifery issues. This year also consolidates the integration of theory and practice, preparing graduates for the transition to autonomous professional practice. Throughout the program, students are guided by expert lecturers and midwifery professionals, learning to provide person-centered, high-quality care that respects autonomy, dignity, and ethical principles. By the end of the program, graduates possess the skills, knowledge, and clinical experience necessary to deliver safe and effective midwifery care across a variety of healthcare settings, meeting both national and international standards for professional practice.