Master of Dementia

Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Dementia offers a research-enabled, cross-disciplinary understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals, societies and governments.

Key details

Degree Type

Masters (Coursework)

Duration

1.5 - 4 years full-time

Course Code

M7X

Intake Months

Feb, Jul

International Fees

$13,450 per year

About this course

The Master of Dementia offers a research-enabled, cross-disciplinary understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals, societies and governments. Graduates will possess a range of knowledge and perspectives, and deep insights to the nature and quality of evidence which underpins them, to inform their professional and personal support for the needs of people with dementia. Experience in critical appraisal and design of research allows graduates to choose the best information and evidence, or to design research where the evidence is lacking. As expectations increase around person-centred care, and decision making informed by a deep knowledge of dementia, a variety of leadership and design 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.

English Language Requirements

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 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.

What you will learn

1 Synthesize situationally appropriate knowledge and understanding of dementia, drawing from the perspectives of the personal experience of people with dementia and their carers, neuroscience, public heath, clinical processes, health care systems and social care systems.

2 Strategically gather evidence from a range of local and global perspectives, and evaluate its quality, to design and implement strategies, systems and practices aimed at improving the lives of people with dementia in communities, organisations, health systems and social care systems.

3 Effectively engage with a global community of learners in dementia to foster collective leadership

4 Identify gaps in current dementia knowledge and be able to design research to address those needs

5 Effectively explain evidence, arguments and advice on strategies for dementia care, research and prevention, in a variety of contexts

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.
A pathway to research higher degrees or other research-focused roles, drawing on research design and critical evaluation skills.

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