Overview (2027)
Key Information
Duration
Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 years.
Location
Duration
Minimum 1 year, up to a maximum of 3 years.
Location
The Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services is the only undergraduate diploma within Australia focusing on ageing studies and services and addresses the need for holistic knowledge of the ageing process. The Diploma will cover contemporary issues relating to care and services for older people. You will learn about the many social and health challenges that are associated with ageing.
This course, developed and delivered by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, is ideal for those working with older adults in health, community, aged care, or other sectors, as well as those eager to be part of this expanding workforce.
You'll gain knowledge on the social and biological aspects of ageing; chronicity and palliative care; age-related discrimination and prejudice; public health; and administrative processes related to policy and aged care.
As society moves towards having more older adults than children and young people, it is vital that our social services and infrastructures are reimagined and redesigned to support this growing demographic.
- 1 Examine social constructs, and experiences of ageing from global, national, and indigenous perspectives.
- 2 Explain the impact of major diseases and conditions associated with ageing and dementia on lived experience and complexity of care needs.
- 3 Propose strategies to assist older people to navigate and access services to meet health and social care needs.
- 4 Analyse inclusive frameworks and approaches that support the needs, interests and wellbeing of older people.
Become a Student Ambassador
Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities.
Though the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.
Sustainability Placement Experience
Gain experience in real-world sustainability through the Sustainability Placement Experience. In this unique program, you’ll apply your skills and university learning to dynamic, industry and community led projects that tackle real sustainability challenges. Open to students from any discipline with available electives, this placement offers the chance to connect your studies with meaningful, practical outcomes that make a difference.
Work Integrated Learning
Tasmania is a place filled with creativity, industry, nature, and adventure. Because we’re the only university in the state, you get close access to the industry leaders, artists, and deep thinkers who are shaping our island. That means learning alongside the very best so you can hone your job skills for a successful career.
Whatever you’re passionate about, we’ll give you a hands-on education and an unforgettable adventure with our work integrated learning opportunities. https://www.utas.edu.au/study/work-integrated-learning
Career outcomes
Graduates may find work in a range of career paths within the community and care fields, in both the public and private sectors. This course provides graduates with the knowledge to make a difference in health and community environments. This includes a range of roles which will be critical in delivering enhanced capacity to a sector which is facing an enormous challenge.
Graduates can also transition into further study in graduate health programs. If you have a background in healthcare, community service or allied health, these courses will broaden your knowledge and scope of practice.
Numerous current and emerging careers are important in supporting an ageing population and you could work in a variety of roles including:
- Advocacy or advisor in ageing or aged care
- Aged care assessor
- Aged care navigator
- Aged care educator or trainer
- Care finder
- Care services
- Community care
- Community development and support
- Community educator or trainer
- Healthy ageing advisor
- Policy development
- Positive ageing support officer
- Residential aged care
- Services manager and support
- Support planner
- Support worker
Course structure
Students complete 8 core units (100cp)
This introductory unit will explore the physical and cognitive changes that occur during the ageing process, and age-related pathological changes that can lead to diseases that cause dementia. This unit will introduce fundamental neuroscience concepts in the healthy adult, ageing…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
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Domestic students
In this unit you will examine demographic trends in the ageing population along with social and cultural determinants of health and how these factors continue to shape the needs of older people in society. You will investigate how these needs…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
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On-campus
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Domestic students
View all details for CAD115 Health Services for an Ageing Population
This unit examines how ageing is a social construct. You will examine how ageing and older age are influenced by factors other than biological ageing alone, from global and local perspectives. You will examine and critique social attitudes towards ageing,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
- Key:
On-campus
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This unit will explore how biological processes lead to diseases and ill-health, as well as dying and death. Chronic illness will be a particular focus of this unit, with students exploring some of the chronic illnesses and associated risk factors…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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On-campus
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Domestic students
This unit builds on first year knowledge on the national and international frameworks underpinning the delivery of aged and dementia care services, policies and models. By critically engaging with the evidence bases supporting policy, you will learn to critique contemporary…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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On-campus
Off-Campus
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View all details for CAD208 Dementia Policy and Care Coordination
This unit will provide a critical examination of the state and complexity of the Australian health and social care system as it relates to older adults. You will become adept at accessing online and other resources provided to support aged…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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On-campus
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This unit will examine key concepts around mental health and wellbeing of older adults. You will examine how different mental health conditions and adjustment concerns impact older adults. The unit will explore attitudes and stereotypes around mental health and wellbeing…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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On-campus
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View all details for CAD210 Mental Health and Wellbeing in Older Adults
This unit introduces students to the foundation knowledge, skills and conceptual frameworks that underpin contemporary public health practice. It explores the biological, social, economic and environmental determinants of health and wellbeing as a basis for developing strategies and systems that…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
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On-campus
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Entry requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.
Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education
To be eligible for an offer students must have completed senior secondary education (Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or equivalent).
This course does not use ATAR as part of the selection process.
Domestic applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
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Completed UTAS University Preparation Program or an equivalent enabling program offered by another Australian university; OR
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Completed two units at a Diploma level (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) or higher at any Australian higher education provider (or have partially completed an equivalent overseas qualification).
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If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made.
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate III or higher in any discipline.
Domestic applicants with work and life experience
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement. Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
Special Consideration
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.
English Language Requirements
This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.5, or a PTE Academic score of 58, with no score lower than 58 or equivalent.
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.
General Entry Requirements
Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.
Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.
You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:
- Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate III or above
- Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher
Course Specific Requirements
Students must have access to a computer, reliable internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone.
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.
Completion of the Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services enables articulation into year 2 of the Bachelor of Dementia Care (with an optional major in Ageing Studies and Services), or articulation into a range of degree programs with some recognition of prior learning.
N/A
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $10,840.04
How is this calculated?
This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average part-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.
These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.
HECS-HELP loans
You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.
International students
2027 annual international student tuition fee: $16,013 AUD
The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.
Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 16,013 AUD.
This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Domestic scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
Course year 2027
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