Overview
This unit introduces you to the midwife’s role and scope of practice, with a particular focus on the legal, professional, and ethical frameworks that support safe and effective care. You will critically examine the philosophical and historical foundations of midwifery and explore the social and cultural influences that shape women’s choices and decision-making in maternity care. You will critically analyse key regulatory and ethical standards, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Midwife Standards for Practice and Code of Conduct, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Code of Ethics, and relevant Australian legislation. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of the structure of Australian maternity services, available models of midwifery care, and the principles of inclusive and culturally safe practice. You will also extend your existing research skills by learning to identify, interpret, and critically appraise evidence relevant to maternity care. These skills will support your capacity to engage in reflective, evidence-informed practice and contribute to the advancement of woman-centred midwifery care.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Co-requisite: Midwifery Professional Experience 1.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2027
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Academic Progression Policy and Procedure
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.