Three Reasons for a Master of Science in Midwifery

• Midwives with a Master of Science degree are capable of serving as midwifery experts, researchers and educators, as well as managers. They develop solutions to the many challenges in interdisciplinary obstetric health care and promote midwifery-led care for women and their families.
• The Master’s degree programme is designed to prepare midwives for the role of advanced practice midwife (APM) in specialised practice as well as positions of leadership, in research, and in teaching.
• The Master of Science in Midwifery is designed to meet the growing demand for highly qualified midwives with an expanded set of skills and in-depth expertise. The degree is internationally recognised and paves the way to a PhD at universities in Switzerland and abroad.

Programme Structure

The programme is weighted at 90 ECTS credits and has a modular structure. It is divided into four module groups:

• Practice Fields and Competencies
• Research Methods
• Advanced Practice (AP)
• Master’s Thesis

The full-time programme lasts four semesters. Upon request, it can also be completed in three semesters. Full-time students can integrate approximately 30% employment. Part-time students study for six semesters and can work approximately 50% of full-time hours.

A 13-day internship is integrated into the programme. This can be completed at a research institute, in higher education or in a clinical setting. This gives the student a realistic insight into the work of researchers, teachers or midwifery experts with specialist responsibilities.

Optionally, an internship abroad can be completed and an additional 10 ECTS can be earned. These credits are documented in the Master's certificate.

The programme combines classroom and online teaching. This is intended to support a better work-life balance and make it easier for students with long commutes to study.

Profession-Specific Focus Points

At the Institute of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, the Research and the Master’s degree programme work closely together. As a result, current research priorities are embedded in the academic programmes and reflected in the module content.

This results in the following profession-specific focus points in the Master's degree programme in Midwifery:

• Leadership in complex situations
• Conception and implementation of interventions
• Direct clinical practice
• Global Health
• Development of nursing practice and the nursing profession
• Family and Community Care
• Midwifery – science and practice

From MSc in Midwifery to Advanced Practice Midwife

The Master's degree programme provides you with specific specialist knowledge as well as in-depth scientific competencies and prepares you for the role of Advanced Practice Midwife (APM). In this role, you will analyse and deal with complex obstetric situations, develop family-oriented care concepts, and actively participate in processes of change in the health care system. You will also be able to work on clinically relevant research questions and coach as well as supervise staff in various processes.

As a midwifery expert, you ensure that women and their families receive the best possible care according to their needs and the current state of knowledge.

In research and development as well as teaching, you convey evidence-based content. You initiate and evaluate the further development of the profession both on a practical and scientific level.

In a leadership position, you help to shape the quality of care for women and their families as well as the working conditions of the staff you work with.

Doctorate (PhD)

A MSc degree in Midwifery entitles you to earn a doctorate opening up further perspectives in research and teaching. The PhD programme «Care and Rehabilitation Sciences» offers you a postgraduate course of study in which you will acquire advanced knowledge of the principles and methods of research at a university level and get the opportunity to conduct a research project.

Double Degree Programme

A double degree consists of two degrees awarded by two different universities. This type of study enables students to specialise in a specific field or gain a deeper insight into a second or neighbouring field.

Midwives who are interested in earning a Master’s degree and could imagine studying in Germany or in Switzerland can enroll in the double degree programme with Witten/Herdecke University (ZW/H) in Germany.