Master in Midwifery

Three reasons for a MSc in Midwifery

• Midwives with a Master of Science degree serve as midwifery experts, researchers, educators and 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 prepares midwives for the role of advanced practice midwife (APM) in specialised practice, leadership positions, research and teaching.
• The MSc in Midwifery addresses the growing demand for highly qualified midwives with advanced skills and in-depth expertise. Moreover, the degree is internationally recognised and paves the way to a PhD at universities in Switzerland and abroad.

Programme structure

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

• Practice fields and competencies
• Research
• Advanced practice
• Master’s thesis

The full-time programme lasts four semesters. Upon request, you can also complete it 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.

The programme includes a 13-day internship. You can complete the internship at a research institute, in higher education or in a clinical setting. This gives you a realistic insight into the work of researchers, teachers or midwifery experts with specialist responsibilities.

Optionally, you can complete an internship abroad and earn 10 ECTS additionally. 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.

Practice fields and competencies

At the Institute of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, research and the Master’s programme are closely integrated. Consequently, our Master's programme embeds current research priorities. This results in the following practice fields and competencies:

• 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

Research

In the research modules, you acquire skills in scientific theory and research methodology. You are introduced to a broad spectrum of quantitative and qualitative methods. Additionally, you learn the fundamentals of project management and research ethics required to complete your Master’s thesis.

Advanced practice

This module group forms the foundation for tasks and activities that go beyond the traditional professional field.

You explore the concepts of Advanced Practice (AP) and the roles and responsibilities of an Advanced Practice Midwife (AMP). The modules cover the potential and challenges associated with implementing AP concepts in practice.

Moreover, you examine current national and international health policy issues and their impact on role development as an AMP. In addition, you deepen your knowledge of communication and coordination techniques across various settings, with a particular focus on strengthening interprofessional communication skills.

Master's thesis

The Master's thesis is an independent academic research project that you complete under the supervision of two advisors from research and teaching.

Advanced Practice Midwife

The Master of Science in Midwifery 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 analyse and manage complex obstetric situations, develop family-oriented care concepts, and actively participate in processes of change in the health care system. You also work on clinically relevant research questions and coach or supervise staff in various processes.

• As a midwifery expert, you ensure women and their families receive the care based on their needs and current scientific evidence.
• In research, development and 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 shape care quality for women and their families while improving staff working conditions.

Doctorate (PhD)

An MSc degree in Midwifery qualifies you for a doctorate, opening further opportunities in research and teaching.

The PhD programme «Care & Rehabilitation Sciences» offers you a postgraduate course in which you acquire advanced knowledge and research methods at university level. Additionally, you gain the opportunity to design and conduct a research project.

Double degree

In a double degree programme, you can earn a second independent Master's degree from a partner university in a German-speaking country alongside your MSc in Midwifery from ZHAW. The home university recognises up to two-thirds of your completed studies.