HMW - Midwifery
HMW 1002 Health Education and Communication Skills (2-0-2)
This course introduces essential communication skills required in midwifery practice, emphasizing effective interaction with women, families, and interprofessional healthcare teams. Students learn key communication theories and their application in building therapeutic relationships, managing sensitive discussions, and practicing cultural competence. The course also examines the midwife’s role as an educator, focusing on health education models, teaching strategies, and approaches to support women, families, and communities.
HMW 1103 Fundamentals of Midwifery Profession-Theory (3-1-3)
This course equips students with foundation level of knowledge so they are able to provide safe, effective and holistic care to women/families. The course covers the definition, roles, and responsibilities, legislation and ethical midwifery practice and the role of the midwife in normal childbirth and models of midwifery care as well as a range of communication and interpersonal skills to establish effective working relationships with the wider maternity team. This will be situated in the context of professional regulation and the Nursing and Midwifery Council Scope of Practice (UAE NMC, 2012)
Corequisites: HMW 1113
HMW 1113 Midwifery Practice (I) Lab (0-6-3)
This course provides essential foundational skills for conducting woman-centred health assessments in midwifery practice. Students learn the core physical examination techniques required to perform systematic assessments in early pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum contexts. The information gathered during these assessments supports clinical decision making, care planning, and evaluation of maternal and newborn health. Understanding normal findings and common variations is emphasized as a key prerequisite for safe and effective midwifery practice.
Prerequisites: HMW 1003
Corequisites: HMW 1133
HMW 1123 History Taking and Physical Assessment (3-2-3)
This course will teach students knowledge and skills in parental history taking. They will learn how to assess body systems in the non-pregnant and pregnant woman. They will gain knowledge in the use of appropriate interpretation and their interpretation to inform differential diagnosis. They will be able to record their physical assessment in clinical records and understand how to make necessary referrals to the wider maternity care team.
Corequisites: HSC 1033
HMW 2003 Maternal Adaptation to Pregnancy and Fetal Development (3-1-3)
This course aims to enable midwifery students to understand the physiological, psychological & psychosocial changes that occur during normal pregnancy. It will explore the student’s understanding of the menstrual cycle, anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system, conception, maternal physiological & psychosocial adaptations to pregnancy, common symptoms and minor disorders of pregnancy. With focus on fetal development & growth, maternal screening during pregnancy and the role of the midwife in providing woman-centered care using evidence-based information to support informed choices.
Prerequisites: HMW 1103
Corequisites: HMW 2014
HMW 2014 Midwifery Practice (II) Caring for women experiencing physiological childbirth (0-16-4)
This course is the 2nd of 9 practice-based courses which allow students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills from the related midwifery theory courses. Clinical competency will be developed, practiced and assessed in a simulated and clinical environments. This course aims to introduce the student to the midwifery roles and practice related to normal childbirth including, pre-conception, antenatal, intrapartum, postpartum and care of the newborn. 16 contact hours per week; 2 clinical days & first 3 weeks, 48 hours in the simulation lab. student will spend 256 hours in clinical placements.
Prerequisites: HMW 1113
HMW 2023 Physiological Childbearing Across the Continuum (3-0-3)
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, psychological, and psychosocial changes that occur during childbirth. Emphasis is placed on the midwife’s role in assessing the progress of labour, monitoring maternal and fetal wellbeing, and managing the stages of labour, including pain relief and normal birth facilitation. The course also highlights midwifery models of intrapartum care, continuity of carer, and the application of woman-centered, evidence-based practice to support informed decision-making and positive birth experiences.
Corequisites: HMW 2014
HMW 2033 Care of Well Mother and Baby (3-1-3)
Aims to develop knowledge that to understand the physiological, psychological, and psychosocial changes that occur during the postnatal period and explain the midwife's role in providing evidenced-based postnatal woman-centered care. The course covers involution, the healing process, maternal physiological and psychosocial changes in the postnatal period, common symptoms and minor disorders of the puerperium, menstruation and contraception, newborn transition to extra uterine life, physiological adaptation to birth, physical assessment, care and management of newborn minor morbidities.
Corequisites: HMW 2014
HMW 2043 Microbiology (3-1-3)
This course will provide students with essential knowledge about the classification and identification of micro-organisms relevant to women and neonates during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. Students will be taught the prevention, control and treatment of infection, including an understanding of transmission, and immune system responses.
Prerequisites: HSC 1033
HMW 2103 Pharmacology for Midwifery (3-1-3)
This course aims to develop student’s knowledge and understanding of the principles of pharmacology, including drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, pharmacokinetics, drug dosages, reactions and interactions. The course will enable students to understand how drugs affect body systems, in particular the reproductive system during the childbirth continuum and lactation. Students will learn about the safety of the use of drugs and the legal and regulatory framework for midwives in prescribing, drug administration, evaluation of effectiveness and record-keeping.
Corequisites: HMW 2124
HMW 2113 Maternal and Infant Nutrition (3-1-3)
This course covers maternal and infant nutrition for midwifery practice in diverse healthcare settings. Topics include nutritional assessment, education, and care plans for women and infants (up to six weeks old). It addresses preconception, pregnancy, postnatal nutrition, UNICEF principles, breastfeeding benefits, lactation physiology, attachment theory, infant feeding challenges, and solid food introduction guidelines. The course emphasizes maternal and infant nutritional interventions to reduce risks, prevent complications, and manage diseases, including prematurity.
Corequisites: HMW 2124
HMW 2124 Midwifery Practice (III): Supporting the Women Birth and Beyond (0-16-4)
This course provides hands-on experience and practical training in essential midwifery procedures and techniques. This course is designed to complement theoretical learning by offering students the opportunity to practice and refine their clinical skills in a simulated, controlled environment. Through interactive demonstrations, supervised practice sessions, and competency assessments, students will develop the confidence and proficiency needed to deliver safe, effective nursing care. Emphasis is placed on adhering to best practices and maintaining patient safety.
Prerequisites: HMW 2014
Corequisites: HMW 2103
HMW 3003 Health Disorders in Pregnancy (3-1-3)
This course will develop student midwives knowledge and understanding of the effect of physiological and psychological (co)morbidities on fertility/pregnancy. This course will educate students about pathophysiology during pregnancy including, maternal/ fetal complications of pregnancy and pregnancy loss. Students will be taught the process of robust risk assessment, making timely/ appropriate referrals and initiating management of complications, including maternal emergencies, to optimize outcomes. Students will also be taught by obstetricians/gynaecologists, medical physicians and midwives.
Prerequisites: HMW 2003
Corequisites: HMW 3024
HMW 3013 Maternity Complications and Emergencies (3-0-3)
This course develops the midwife’s role in delivering women-centred, evidence-based maternity care within an inter-professional model. Students will acquire competencies in maternal and fetal risk-assessment during childbirth and the postnatal period, identify morbidities and complications, and apply appropriate management strategies, including laboratory, technological, and referral interventions. The course emphasises decision-making, collaborative care pathways, and the recognition of obstetric emergencies to ensure safe, effective outcomes for mother and baby.
Prerequisites: HMW 2023
Corequisites: HMW 3024
HMW 3024 Midwifery Practice (IV): Maternity Complications and Emergencies (0-16-4)
This course equips student midwives with the skills and professional judgment to provide safe, woman-centered care during labour, birth, and the postnatal period. Emphasis is placed on continuous risk assessment, recognition of complications, and timely interventions in line with UAE midwifery practice (2024). Students apply evidence-informed decision-making, collaborate within inter-professional teams, and manage obstetric emergencies to ensure high-quality outcomes for women, newborns, and families.
Prerequisites: HMW 2014
Corequisites: HMW 3013
HMW 3103 Anesthesiology and Operative Care (3-0-3)
This course provides foundational knowledge and skills required to care for women receiving or recovering from regional and general anesthesia within the maternity continuum. It emphasizes the midwife’s role in supporting informed decision-making, delivering safe pre- and post-operative care, and recognizing early signs of maternal deterioration using evidence-based assessment tools. The course also develops inter-professional collaboration skills and introduces principles of clinical governance and significant event analysis in perioperative care.
Corequisites: HMW 3114
HMW 3114 Midwifery Practice (V): Operative Care for Women (0-16-4)
This course provides hand-on experiences on woman-centered care for women undergoing operative procedures. Students will apply midwifery skills before, during, and after surgery in both simulated and clinical settings under supervision. Emphasis is placed on professional, legal, ethical, and culturally sensitive practice, effective communication with women and healthcare teams, and critical thinking in operative environments. Learning is guided by the UAE Midwifery Scope of Practice (2024).
Prerequisites: HMW 3024
Corequisites: HMW 3103
HMW 3123 Newborn Health (3-0-3)
Aim is students to develop knowledge of the physiology of congenital birth defects and how these affect the newborn infant. Further learning to assess risks associated with maternal morbidity and obstetric complications on the newborn. Focusing on identifying/responding to the compromised neonate, including immediate resuscitation. Students will learn the principles of midwifery management of common conditions that affect the health of the newborn within the inter-professional team. Students will learn how to support parents/families to contribute to the care of their premature or sick infant.
Corequisites: HMW 3133
HMW 3132 Midwifery Care of the Sick Infant (VI) (0-8-2)
This course is 6 out of 9 practice based courses which aims to immerse the student in the midwifery roles/ practice related to the care of the sick newborn infant, with a focus on neonatal resuscitation, prematurity, low birth weight, sepsis and other morbidities that require admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This practice-based course consists of 8 contact hours (one clinical day) per week. Students will spend the first 3 weeks in the simulation lab, introduced to the course's essential components. Each student will spend 128 hours in clinical placement settings.
HMW 4003 Women’s Health and Wellbeing (3-1-3)
This course will focus on the provision of women-centered care across the lifespan. Students will explore and gain an understanding of the issues of women’s health and wellbeing, including sexual health, teenage pregnancy, gynecology and breast disorders and the menopause. Students will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety and common mental health disorders that are pre- existing and those that may develop or be exacerbated during the childbirth continuum. Students will also be taught by gynecologists, mental health specialists and psychologists.
Corequisites: HMW 4034
HMW 4013 Community and Public Health in Midwifery (3-0-3)
This course introduce the principles and practices of public health and community in midwifery. Students will explore epidemiology, health promotion, disease prevention, and the social determinants of health. Emphasis is placed on developing strategies for community assessment, planning, and intervention to improve population health. The course fosters critical thinking and application of evidence-based practices to address public health issues. By the end, students will be equipped to advocate for and implement effective health policies and programs in diverse communities.
Corequisites: HMW 4043
HMW 4023 Midwifery Research and Evidence-Based Practice (2-0-3)
This course focuses on the implementation and completion of the research project initiated in HMW 4023, including ethical data collection, rigorous analysis, and interpretation of findings related to reproductive, maternal, newborn, and family health. Emphasis is placed on research integrity, evidence-based innovation, and effective dissemination of results. Students will reflect on the research process and its contribution to midwifery knowledge and practice, culminating in a comprehensive written report and formal presentation.
HMW 4034 Midwifery Practice (VII) Caring for Women across the Life-Span (0-16-4)
This course is the 7th of 9 practice-based courses. Practice-based courses allow students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills from the related midwifery theory courses. Clinical competency will be further developed, practiced and assessed in a simulated environment and clinical placements. This course aims to immerse the student in the midwifery roles and practice related to women’s health across the lifespan, including gynaecological and breast disorders and treatment. This practice- based course consists of 16 contact hours per week, divided into two clinical days.
Corequisites: HMW 4003
HMW 4042 Midwifery Practice (VIII) Public Health (0-8-2)
This course is the 8th practice-based course. Clinical competency will be developed, practiced and assessed in a simulated environment and clinical placements. This course aims to immerse the student in the midwifery roles and practice related to public health. This course consists of 8 contact hours (one clinical day) per week. Students will spend the first 3weeks in the simulation lab, introduced to the course's essential components. By completing this course, students will spend 128 hours in a variety of placement settings providing pre- conceptual, antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care
Corequisites: HMW 4013
HMW 4103 Capstone Research Project for Midwifery (1-0-3)
This course addresses the design and completion of an independent midwifery research project, building on research knowledge developed earlier in the program. Students conduct ethically approved inquiry relevant to midwifery practice, women’s health, and maternity care using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methods. Emphasis is placed on scholarly rigor, ethical research governance, and critical analysis, culminating in a written research report and formal oral presentation aligned with international academic and professional standards.
Prerequisites: HMW 4023
HMW 4106 Midwifery Practice (X): Internship (0-24-6)
This internship course provides an immersive clinical practice experience that supports students’ transition toward entry-level midwifery practice. Students assume increasing responsibility for coordinating and delivering comprehensive midwifery care across maternity settings under indirect supervision. The course emphasizes integration of evidence-based practice, advanced clinical judgement, professional accountability, teamwork, and contribution to quality and safety in maternity services, consistent with ICM entry-to-practice expectations.
Prerequisites: HMW 4034
HMW 4112 Legal and Ethical Issues in Midwifery (2-1-2)
This course will be on the legal, ethical and professional aspects of midwifery to prepare students for registration/ practice as a midwife. It will require students to be knowledgeable and familiar with evidence based practice, so they can discuss/debate these in the context of ethical theories, human rights and legislation. Areas such as autonomous practice, communication, confidentiality, record-keeping, advocacy, informed choice and consent will be explored. Skills such as reflection and critique will be developed, enhancing confidence and competence in decision making and problem solving.
HMW 4122 Health Informatics In Midwifery (2-1-2)
This course will teach midwifery students how to collect, manage and use data to inform midwifery practice. Midwifery students will become familiar with informatic tools and technology used in maternity services for surveillance, quality improvement and research. The use of electronic maternity records will be taught and the principles of data protection, privacy, data protection and security.
HMW 4133 Leadership and Management in Midwifery (3-0-3)
This course introduces contemporary principles, theories, and practices in leadership and management within maternal, newborn, and reproductive health settings. Topics include organizational behavior, strategic planning, clinical supervision, change management, and ethical resource utilization. Students develop skills in communication, teamwork, delegation, and critical decision-making to support safe, effective, and high-quality midwifery care and service improvement.
Corequisites: HMW 4033