Course Summary
This is an 18-month programme for Registered General Nurses that leads to a Higher Diploma in Midwifery and registration as a Registered Midwife (RM) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Requirements
• Applicants must be registered as a general nurse (RGN) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
• The HSE requires that applicants are required to have 6 months post registration experience as an RGN within the past 3 years, working a minimum of 78 hours per month. Verification will be required on application.
• The application form and interview is competency-based.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.
Application Details
Recruitment is through the HSE National Recruitment Service. For details please see:
https://healthservice.hse.ie/about-us/onmsd/education-and-continuous-professional-development/cpd-for-nurses-and-midwives/onmsd-sponsorship-schemes/student-midwife-recruitment-scheme.html
Potential applicants are advised to check this website for application details and closing dates.
Start Date: September 2026
Fees
EU Fees
To be confirmed for 2024
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Midwives are expected to be responsive to the changing needs of women and their families and therefore need an educational input that positively influences their practice and develops their sense of autonomy. This course sets out to achieve this while meeting and maintaining the professional and practice requirements for post-registration midwifery education. You will be prepared to be proactive as a midwife in effecting change that will benefit mothers and babies.
