Graduate Diploma of Dementia

Graduate Diploma

The Graduate Diploma in Dementia offers a research-literate, cross-disciplinary understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals, societies and governments.

Key details

Degree Type

Graduate Diploma

Duration

1 - 3 years full-time

Course Code

M6X

Intake Months

Feb, Jul

International Fees

$13,450 per year / $13,450 total

About this course

The Graduate Diploma in Dementia offers a research-literate, cross-disciplinary understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals, societies and governments. Graduates will have a range of knowledge and perspectives, and the ability to engage with primary research literature across disciplines, to inform their professional and personal support for the needs of people with dementia. As expectations increase around person-centred care, and decision making informed by knowledge of dementia and the ability to evaluate published evidence, a variety of professional and leadership opportunities may become available for those with postgraduate qualifications in dementia.

The Wicking Dementia Centre

The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre is at the forefront of translational research of relevance to people with dementia and their carers, and provides a range of innovative educational programs on dementia. The Wicking Dementia Centre undertakes multidisciplinary research around three main themes - the Care, Cause and Prevention of Dementia. Educational programs are closely interlinked with the Centre's research programs.

The Wicking Dementia Centre, a flagship of the University's College of Health and Medicine, was established in 2008 and is core-funded by the J.O. & J.R. Wicking Trust (managed by Equity Trustees) with significant contributions from the University of Tasmania.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree in a health discipline, social work or psychology (AQF7/equivalent from a recognised institution)
A bachelor degree (AQF7 equivalent) in another field, PLUS EITHER a year of full time (equivalent) work experience in dementia/aged care, neurobiology, heath systems/services or public health, OR successful prior completion of four units from the Diploma of Dementia Care (M1D)
We recommend that candidates complete the Understanding Dementia MOOC prior to enrolment, if their previous degree is not related to dementia.

Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

Course Specific Requirements

A minimum of an undergraduate degree from an Australian university at AQF7 level or the equivalent standard in a recognized tertiary institution, in the domains of Health, Social Work or Psychology.
OR an undergraduate degree from an Australian university at AQF7 level or the equivalent standard in a recognized tertiary institution, WITH at least one year full time (or equivalent) experience in dementia care, aged care, neurobiology, health systems and services or public health
OR an undergraduate degree from an Australian university at AQF7 level or the equivalent standard in a recognized tertiary institution, WITH successful completion of FOUR units from the Diploma of Dementia Care (DipDemCare, M1D).

What you will learn

1 Draw on their body of knowledge and the perspectives and personal experiences of people with dementia and their carers, neuroscience, public health, clinical processes, health care systems, and social care systems to design solutions to problems that are context appropriate.

2 Evaluate the quality of evidence informing strategies, systems and practices aimed at improving the lives of people with dementia and their carers in communities, health systems and social care systems

3 Use and adapt information and evidence from a wide range of local and global perspectives on dementia, as they apply to individuals, organisations, governments and communities

4 Engage with a global community of learners in dementia to share knowledge and perspectives

5 Effectively communicate knowledge and advice on strategies for dementia care and prevention, in a variety of contexts, using primary evidence and knowledge of research techniques where appropriate.

6 Demonstrate consideration of the lived experience of people with dementia and their carers when designing and implementing practices and policies

7 Approach the issues of dementia care, research and prevention in a legally, ethically, socially and culturally responsible manner.

Career pathways

Depending on your background and experience, career opportunities may include:

Leadership roles in the health, community or aged care sector
Designing and implementing dementia related policy in the public or private sector
Senior clinical roles and clinical leadership (for students with a health-professional background), driving evidence-based practice and clinical redesign
Advocacy or advisory roles in the health, community or aged care sector

Credit for prior study or work

Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Health Services & Support courses at University of Tasmania.

84.1%

Overall satisfaction

73.3%

Skill scale

69.4%

Teaching scale

95%

Employed full-time

$107.7k

Average salary

Data source