Master of Primary Maternity Care

In the context of primary maternity care, graduates of the Master of Primary Maternity Care will have specialist knowledge of:

1. The historical and current socio-political, cultural and economic context of maternity service provision.
2. The scientific and theoretical evidence for the development of women centred models of care.
3. The role of the midwife including knowledge of the legal, social, ethical, organisational and scope of practice implications and considerations for effective and informed specialist practice and professional role development.
4. The contemporary concepts of health leadership and management and project and financial management relevant to health services including standards, policies and legislation associated with primary care.
5. Cultural diversity and its impact on practice.
6. Research outcomes and the evidence-base that informs quality and safe practice in maternity and primary care.
7. Research processes and methods including study design, data collection and analysis as well as scholarly writing and publishing.

Advance your career in maternity services with a degree that empowers you to shape the future of women’s health. The Master of Primary Maternity Care develops your expertise in research, leadership and evidence-based practice, equipping you to design, evaluate and deliver maternity care within a wellness model. You’ll graduate prepared to make a meaningful difference to mothers, babies, families and communities.

Please note: Successful completion of this program does not lead to eligibility to apply for registration as a midwife. Prospective students seeking eligibility for registration should refer to the Bachelor of Midwifery.

Highlights of studying the Master of Primary Maternity Care 

• Develop advanced skills in analysing evidence, asking critical questions and conducting impactful research to drive innovation in primary maternity care. 
• Apply professional knowledge to contemporary maternity challenges, integrating cultural awareness, legal and ethical frameworks and partnership approaches. 
• Future-proof your expertise with a strong focus on evidence-based, research-led practice. 
• Engage in interactive, applied learning that connects theory to practice across healthcare, policy and community contexts. 
• Build upon your leadership skills to advocate for and deliver safe, effective and culturally responsive maternity care. 

Develop advanced skills to lead and transform maternity care 

Engage in interactive workshops, online learning and applied practice covering global maternal health, perinatal mental health, advanced breastfeeding and lactation and service design. Strengthen your leadership capabilities through courses like Transforming and Leading Healthcare and gain further practical experience through an independent practice project. 

Excellence in maternity care education 

As one of Australia’s most innovative universities in health education, Griffith is committed to advancing best practice in maternity care. Our strong culture of teaching and research excellence ensures you are supported to achieve your professional goals while contributing to meaningful change in the sector. 

Recommended study pattern

This program is offered full-time and part-time via online delivery. The Trimester 3 intake is available part-time only.

You can complete this program in 1 year or 1.5 years. The requirements for both durations are the same. If you wish to undertake a dissertation you should choose the 1.5 year duration

Award requirements

For the award of Master of Primary Maternity Care (MPrimaryMaternityCare), you must successfully Complete 120 credit points for either of the following:

• 120 credit points for all Pathway 1 - duration 1 year (80CP of study and 40CP for prior learning), or
• 120 credit points for all Pathway 2 - duration 1.5 years (120CP of study)

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words "This award was achieved with Distinction" will be recorded on the testamur.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $10,800

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia.

Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

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You can complete this program in 1 year or 1.5 years. The requirements for both durations are the same. If you wish to undertake a dissertation you should choose the 1.5 year duration

To be eligible for this program, you must meet all of the following criteria:   

1 year duration (80CP) and 1.5 year duration (120CP)

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline
• two years full-time (or equivalent) relevant work experience

Related discipline includes professional health practice, midwifery, medicine, nursing, social work

Relevant work experience includes roles in professional health practice, midwifery, medicine, nursing, social work

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

1. A minimum overall band score of 7.0 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 7.0
2. OR a minimum score of 580 on TOEFL
3. OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 92 (no score less than 22)
4. OR no score less than 4 in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
5. OR a minimum overall score of 185 (no score less than 176) on C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
6. OR an overall score of 65 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 65.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) pathway is not accepted for this program.

The above requirements are HIGHER than those stipulated in University policy. Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following procedure for further information:

• Admission Procedure

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.