Midwives offer women and their families continuous support and counselling during pregnancy; they manage childbirth and provide care for the new mother and her new-born during the postpartum period and breastfeeding. In doing so, they work closely with the women and their families in the spirit of partnership and empathy. The midwife is part of a network of other health care and social welfare professionals.

This is a full-time study programme; with all its additional modules it takes four years to complete. The BSc in Midwifery offers a double benefit:

• a licence to practice as a fully qualified midwife
• an academic degree: the Bachelor of Science ZHAW in Midwifery

Study achievements are evaluated using ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, which make your degree comparable across Europe. The study programme covers 180 ECTS credits, the equivalent of approximately 30 hours of study.

Our Bachelor’s degree programme in Midwifery fulfils the required national and international standards and educational requirements. 40 percent of the study programme consists of classroom teaching and 60 percent of self-directed study. In addition to lecture-style classes, methods are used to promote independent and action-based learning such as skills and simulation training, e-learning sequences, exercises, case-based learning, and self-study and project work.

• Midwifery studies: Foundation knowledge and advanced knowledge in the following areas: pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period, anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, hygiene, genetics, gynaecology, neonatology, paediatrics, and pharmacology
• Professional context: Communication and counselling, family systems, ethics, health care systems, occupational law, methods of learning and reflexion, health promotion and prevention, quality management, public relations, professional policy and professional development, internationalisation
• Skills and practical transfer: Training of practical skills and abilities, linking theory and practical experience
• Practical modules: Practical application of various areas of midwifery

Subjects include scientific work, communication, and interprofessional collaboration as well as various multi- and interprofessional topics involving society, culture and health care

Students complete three practice modules of 14 weeks each at different institutions and in various professional fields during their studies. At the end of their studies in midwifery, students must undertake another ten-month clinical placement (additional module C) in order to obtain the licence to practice.

The ZHAW organises clinical placements in clinics in Switzerland and abroad, birthing centres and with self-employed midwives. We reserve the right to assign students to internships in nearby foreign countries (usually German-speaking countries). The employment conditions of the respective internship institution apply.

Midwives work in hospitals, birthing centres, with women and their families at home, in midwifery offices, breastfeeding consultation centres and general counselling centres. Targeted continuing education programmes open midwives the opportunity to work in education, teaching or research.

Students acquire the necessary skills to perform the following seven roles:

• As an expert, the midwife carries out specific tasks and makes appropriate decisions. University degree and licence to practice
• As a communicator, the midwife facilitates the building of trusting relationships and a selective sharing of information.
• As a collaborator, the midwife proactively participates in interdisciplinary teamwork.
• As a manager, the midwife assumes professional leadership and contributes to the effectiveness of the organisation as well as developing her own career.
• As a health advocate, the midwife is committed to the health of the woman and her family.
• As a health advocate, the midwife is committed to the health of women and their families.
• As a scholar, the midwife is committed to lifelong learning and the transfer of knowledge.
• As a member of the midwifery profession, midwives promote health and quality of life. They are committed to the ethical standards and values of the profession and pays attention to their own health.