Doctor of Midwifery

Summary

Develop your leadership in midwifery with a doctorate that combines coursework, original applied research, and a strong professional focus.

Warning

This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student, due to one or more of the following reasons:

• The qualification is only available as part-time study.
• The qualification is delivered by distance or online modes.
• The content is mostly specific to the New Zealand context.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.

Address challenging contemporary issues and influence local, national and potentially international midwifery practice with a higher degree that is both research-based and professionally focused.

A combination of taught courses and research thesis will develop your understanding and expertise in research, evaluation, professional and reflective practice. The Doctor of Midwifery will allow you to strengthen seamless collaborative care with other health professionals and explore ways to enhance quality maternity care for pregnant people, pēpi (baby) and whānau (extended family).

Learn alongside midwives and fellow doctoral students to gain the skills and knowledge for your development as an advanced practitioner in the community and hospital setting.

Pathway to the Doctor of Midwifery

To gain entry to the Doctor of Midwifery programme, you must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with honours, or a Master’s degree, or postgraduate diploma in midwifery or equivalent and have a minimum of five years’ experience in midwifery.

You’ll also need to be approved for entry by the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences.

This doctorate is only available to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

What to expect

In your first two years, or Part 1, you’ll complete coursework that lays the foundation for your thesis. You will learn how to research in a professional context and prepare a research proposal.

Your learning will take place in block days of seminars, workshops and guest lectures so you can fit study in with work commitments, and you’ll stay connected through online forums.

You’ll need to complete Part 1 and gain approval from the Associate Dean before you can enrol in Part 2.

In Part 2 you’ll complete your thesis, writing a document of up to 70,000 words that demonstrates your substantial research. You’ll already know your supervisor, having worked closely with them throughout Part 1.

Workload and duration

Candidates are expected to complete the Doctor of Midwifery part-time, allowing two years for the coursework and up to four years for the thesis—a maximum of six years in total. As the on-campus teaching is limited to block lectures, you can continue to work while you study.

You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of points you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10-12 hours work.

Scholarships

You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by Victoria University of Wellington to help fund your studies.