Entry Requirements
In order to apply for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme in UCD you must:
• Hold a primary degree in Nursing or equivalent
• Be currently registered as a Registered General Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• Have at least six month’s post-registration acute clinical nursing experience.
• Be successful in the National Maternity Hospital screening and interview process
• Have the necessary language requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English and whose primary degree was obtained in a country where English is not the official language of instruction must provide proof of proficiency in English. For more information about UCD School of Nursing and Midwifery language requirements please click here. Please note that the National Maternity Hospital may also ask for specific formal certification of English language competence as part of the application process.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL may be granted in respect of individual modules if applicants can demonstrate that the modules' learning outcomes have been achieved through prior credentialled or experiential learning. In some cases, where an applicant does not meet the prerequisites for entry to a programme, an RPL application may be considered.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme.

Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Note: Applications for this course are made through the National Maternity Hospital and not through the UCD application system.

Applications for September 2026 intake will open 1st February 2025

Applications will close on April 18th 2025 with interview at the beginning of May 2025

X837: Midwifery
Higher Diploma

Full-Time: Commencing January 2025
Graduate Taught

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.