The Degree Course in Midwifery belongs to the class of degrees in the nursing and midwifery health professions (class L/SNT1) and qualifies graduates to exercise the midwifery profession, subject to registration in the Professional Register.

The midwife is the health care professional who assists and advises a woman during pregnancy, childbirth and in the postnatal period; the midwife assists women in normal births, is responsible for the birthing activity and provides care for the newborn.

The aim of the course is to train health workers to carry out activities independently so as to ensure disease prevention, care and protection of the health of women and newborn babies in the obstetric, gynaecological and neonatal fields. The functions of the midwife are identified by the regulation establishing the relative professional profile (Ministerial Decree No. 740/1994) and by the specific Code of Ethics drawn up by the National Federation of Colleges of Midwives (FNCO).

A five-year secondary school diploma or equivalent is required for admission to the course of study. The number of places on the degree course is limited on a national basis and admission is subject to passing an admission test.

The Degree Course in Midwifery has a duration of three years for a total of 180 Credits. Professional skills are acquired through a combination of theory (theoretical lessons, guided study, etc.) and practice (learning in clinical and practical training), which also includes the acquisition of relational skills. Students are also required to engage actively in the internship activities, which constitute one third of the training course (60 credits). Attendance of the Course activities is compulsory.

The theoretical and practical on-the-job training ensures that, by the end of the course, students will have mastered the skills necessary to exercise the profession as a Midwife and will be immediately ready to seek employment.