Go to Courses and units

Bachelor of Dementia Care (M3S)

Overview (2027)

Duration

Minimum 3 years, up to a maximum of 7 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Online
Semester 1, Semester 2

The Bachelor of Dementia Care, delivered by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, will help you develop specialised knowledge so that you can make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.

Lead the change in dementia care – study online, your way

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people living with dementia? Whether you're just starting out, already working in health or aged care, or simply curious about this growing field, Australia's first degree in dementia care is designed with you in mind.

Offered fully online and open to both domestic and international students, this course gives you the flexibility to study from anywhere, at your own pace. There are no exams, no face-to-face classes, and no workplace placements required.

With dementia becoming increasingly common, there’s never been a more important time to build specialised knowledge in this area. You’ll gain practical, up-to-date insights that can be applied in community settings, hospitals, aged care facilities and beyond.

Developed by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, this course is backed by global leaders in dementia education with a mission to transform the understanding of dementia worldwide.

Choose your path

  • Diploma of Dementia Care – 8 units (up to 3 years)
  • Bachelor of Dementia Care – 24 units (up to 7 years)

You can study part-time (1–2 units) or full-time (3–4 units) each semester, with around 10 hours of study per unit per week. Assessments are spread throughout the semester and may include quizzes, discussion boards, essays, reports or presentations.

Dedicated student advisers are available throughout your studies to provide support and guidance whenever you need it.

  • 1 Apply knowledge of the biology of the nervous system to explain dementia pathology and symptoms across its trajectory
  • 2 Evaluate the multidisciplinary evidence for dementia risk reduction and approaches to optimise the health and social care of people living with dementia
  • 3 Evaluate and design collaborative, person centred approaches to inclusion, support and care of diverse people living with dementia and their families
  • 4 Propose evidence-based strategies to share knowledge and influence improvements to dementia care
  • 5 Evaluate how evidence is generated and translated into health and social care for older people including those living with dementia

Career outcomes

“My goal is just to provide a tangible difference in quality care for dementia. I’ve loved the course because it’s so specific, just focusing on the one field. I feel like having a specific topic actually broadens what you can learn about the topic, because you can start to look at it from all these different angles, and actually get something that’s beginning to build a bigger picture of dementia, both from a personal perspective and care, but also looking at it in terms of social impact. The best bit about the course has been I think it’s changed my perspective; that I really do believe that people can live well with dementia, and that’s been inspiring and also it’s exciting to keep learning about how we can actually achieve that.”

Emma Elaine, Bachelor of Dementia Care student

Over 430,000 Australians are currently living with dementia; this number increases every year. The impact on communities, families, governments and health professionals will be significant as these numbers increase.

Our workforce is currently ill equipped to help care for such large numbers of people living with dementia – by 2050, it is estimated that there will be over 900,000 people in Australia living with dementia. Graduates from this course may find work in a range of career paths such as in the aged care industry in both the public and private sectors, or as a pathway to undertaking further study in graduate health programs.

Some of the careers projected to grow in into the year 2034 include:*

31.9% Aged and Disabled Carers

19.6% Health and Welfare Support Workers

20.6% Special Care Workers

Individuals with backgrounds in healthcare, community service and allied health professionals, may find study in this course advantageous – and opportunities for Recognition of Prior Learning (or credit) are available.

There are a growing number of leadership and case management positions in dementia care, which require qualifications higher than aged care certificates. Leadership roles, and specialist positions in the aged care sector are increasingly calling for tertiary level qualifications such as the Dementia Care Program.

The Diploma and Associate Degrees are particularly relevant to aged care workers and health professionals wishing to develop their skills and knowledge in dementia. The Bachelor Degree offers additional learning about research and the understanding of how evidence may be translated into clinical care practice.

* Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections, May 2024 - May 2034

Course structure

There are three graduation points available in the Dementia Care Program, each available as part-time or full-time:

  • Diploma (8 units, completed over a maximum of 3 years)
  • Associate Degree (16 units, completed over a maximum of 5 years)
  • Bachelor Degree (24 units, completed over a maximum of 7 years)

To enrol in the Dementia Care Program

  • You must be willing to devote approximately 10 hours per week for each unit of study
  • You must be able to access a computer, current software and a reliable connection to the internet

The Bachelor of Dementia Care requires the completion of 300 credit points comprising:

  • 200 credit points of core units
  • 100 credit points of electives units, or an optional major 

Note that the 100 credit points of elective units can be used in two quite different ways, the choice is yours: 

  • Study 100 credit points of elective units - you can choose to enrol in any unit available as an elective (some units do have prerequisites which must be met, but many do not)

or 

  • Study a 100 credit point major. A major is an area of focus in your degree. You can choose the Ageing Studies and Services major (see below), a major from another area, or you can choose to study our Sustainability major. The University is deeply committed to building sustainable futures and that is why we've made the Sustainability major readily available in most courses. For details see the Bachelor of Science. Or find out more at What is a Major?

Entry requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re 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

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. We anticipate that the lowest ATAR that will receive an offer for this course in 2027 will be ATAR 50.
  
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
  • Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

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.

Domestic applicants with VET/TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate III (or equivalent) or higher in any discipline.

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.

COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

This course is delivered fully online, therefore you must be able to access a computer, have current software and a reliable connection to the internet.

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.

Enquire online about your credit transfer.

Articulation with other courses A. Articulation to BDemCare

1. Students having initiated study at UTAS or another Australian University, towards a complete or incomplete degree, may apply for credit (Advanced Standing) where successful completion of equivalent units can be demonstrated.

2. Students having initiated study at UTAS towards a complete or incomplete Diploma of Dementia Care (M1D) or Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services (M1A), may apply for credit (Advanced Standing) where successful completion of equivalent units can be demonstrated, or with discretion of the Course Coordinator.

B. Articulation from BDemCare Interim Completion/Exit Points:

1. There will be an exit point after completion of 8 Units (Diploma of Dementia Care), such that the award is consistent with the Diploma of Dementia Care (M1D).

2. There will be an exit point after completion of 16 Units (Associate Degree in Dementia Care). Upon completion: Successful completion of the BDemCare with a GPA of no less than credit average, may be considered for entry to an honours or other coursework programs, including the Masters of Dementia, which may then lead to Research Higher Degree options.

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: $10,858.20

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-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: $ 50,479 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.

Additional costs

In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:

  • Text books and stationery
  • Accommodation
  • Student Services and Amenities Fee

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.