New master's degree program for midwives: Apply now in Cologne!

New master's degree program for midwives: Apply now in Cologne!

The master's degree program M.Sc. Advanced Midwifery Practice (AMP) at the Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne begins in the winter semester 2025/2026. This new course is the first midwifery-specific master's degree in North Rhine-Westphalia and is one of the few that are offered nationwide. The application period is currently open for ten study places that are open to midwives with a relevant bachelor's degree. Here they can further develop their scientific and evidence-based practical skills, such as uni-koeln.de reported.

The master's program in midwifery offers participants in-depth knowledge that prepares them for the complex requirements of health care for women and families. A central goal is to integrate the scientific expertise of academically trained midwives into care practice and to use it in a targeted manner. The graduates should also be able to incorporate evidence-based findings directly into their professional practice. This could be particularly important in new care models, such as midwife delivery rooms. These complement the medically managed delivery rooms and enable healthy pregnant women to have a birth with minimal intervention fau.de.

Course content and structure

The four-semester course includes a total of 120 ECTS points and is modular in structure. The modules are based on four main topics: Advanced Practice, Management & Leadership, Research & Methods and Education & Communication. Additionally, further training on practical instructions is included, which ends with a certificate. This training enables graduates to work as practice leaders, which further consolidates their place in an interprofessional healthcare team hebammenforschung.uni-koeln.de elaborates in more detail.

The integration of practical and communicative skills is promoted in the Cologne Interprofessional Skills Lab and Simulation Center, while participants have the opportunity to learn under the supervision of specialists during internships. The study organization provides for face-to-face events every two weeks, supplemented by online teaching. The standard period of study is four semesters, with a maximum of 12 semester hours per week.

Future prospects for graduates

The course prepares participants for leading positions in research or teaching. The first positions for AMP master's graduates are also to be created nationwide and based on an international model, including at the University Hospital of Cologne. This development illustrates the commitment to ensuring high-quality care for pregnant women, young mothers and clients from marginalized groups. Graduates not only benefit from an in-depth professional knowledge base, but also from expanded decision-making and clinical skills, which are essential for autonomous practice, as required in the healthcare sector.

With the combination of scientific training, practical application and interdisciplinary exchange, the AMP master's degree program represents a valuable enrichment for the professional development of midwives. Those interested can now apply for the limited study places and become part of this innovative form of training.