Master of Dementia (M7X)

Overview  2024

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1.5 Years, up to a maximum of 4 Years

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

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1.5 Years, up to a maximum of 4 Years

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.

Entry requirements

Location

Online
Semester 1, Semester 2

Be at the forefront of innovation to address dementia, the major health and social issue of the 21st century.

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.

The rising prevalence of dementia is creating new challenges and a pressing need for change in the way our systems and practices support people who live with dementia. This program will equip you with the expertise to lead transformation, based on the latest evidence.

Course information:

  • Fully online and flexible with modular content suitable for a wide variety of study approaches
  • Easy to navigate and accessible across a range of devices
  • Personal perspectives highlighted in assessments linking acquired knowledge to individual contexts.
  • Relevant and up-to-date course information
  • 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 outcomes

    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.

    Course structure

    This unit examines social, therapeutic and environmental factors influencing the health and wellbeing of people with dementia, and their carers. The impact of dementia on individuals, and provision for the rights and needs of people with dementia, are the focus…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will enable students to understand and evaluate research and literature in the neurobiology of dementia, and to use and communicate that knowledge in their own personal context. It covers the major elements of the brain and the functions…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit examines the effect of policies and systems on the societal impact of dementia, and the effective provision of support, services and resources to people with dementia and the people who care for them, including approaches enabling independent living…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit examines the evidence base for, and the potential impact of, community-level initiatives aimed at (1) reducing the incidence of dementia in the general population, and (2) improving quality of life for those living with dementia. These are classed…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides students with a working knowledge of the major research methods and design approaches used to build the evidence base in health and social care, neurobiology, policies and systems, and public health. We examine major research methods and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides a framework for students to design a research project, potentially of direct relevance to their professional and/or personal context, under the guidance of a research-experienced mentor. The form and scope of the project will be negotiated between…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Choose three units from the following:

    This unit engages students with the primary research literature dealing with factors influencing the health and wellbeing of people with dementia, and their carers. Community strategies and social programmes focused on supporting healthy autonomous life for people with dementia, are…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit engages students with the primary research literature in the neurobiology of dementia, including pathological and functional research, and a range of models and outcomes used to assess potential therapeutics. Genetics, lifestyle risk factors, biomarkers, imaging techniques and assays…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit engages students with the primary research literature in policies and systems focused on meeting the needs of people with dementia. Factors such as budget, access, equity and culture are considered in appraising the approaches taken by governments and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides students with the opportunity to extend and apply the knowledge of community and public health approaches to dementia built in CAD504. You will engage with the primary research literature and apply public health knowledge to specific community…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Choose two units from the following:

    This unit develops critical thinking and deeper evaluation of research for advanced students studying individual and social health for people with dementia. Students form a peer critique group to examine articles in domains of particular interest. Papers are selected to…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit develops critical thinking and deeper evaluation of research for advanced students studying the neurobiology of dementia. Students form a peer critique group to examine articles in domains of particular interest. Five papers are selected from student proposals to…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit develops critical thinking and deeper evaluation of research for advanced students studying policy and the design of systems relevant for people living with dementia. Students form a peer critique group to examine articles in domains of particular interest.…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    As an advanced student studying community and public health approaches to dementia, this unit develops your critical thinking and deeper evaluation of research. You will join a peer critique group to examine articles in domains of particular interest. Papers are…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    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.

    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.

     

    The Master of Dementia can articulate to a research-based PhD project, which would take an additional 3-4 years. The unit CAD700, Major Project in Dementia Studies, can be used to gain key research readiness skills and establish a potential project with a research advisor, allowing successful students to apply to enter the PhD program.

    Please contact the Course Coordinator for more information.

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic postgraduate student, you might be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place in this course. 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.

    You may also 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 is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    An important note on Youth Allowance and Austudy

    The Department of Social Services has approved some accredited and professionally-oriented Master courses for student payments through Youth Allowance or Austudy. This means if you enrol in one of these courses, you may be eligible for student payments. However, please be aware that this is not the case for all Master courses. Please visit our Scholarships, Fees and Costs website for further information.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    Domestic students enrolled in certain postgraduate coursework programs may not be eligible for student payments through Youth Allowance and Austudy. Visit the Department of Social Services website to find out more about eligibility for Centrelink support and the list of eligible courses

    International students

    2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $ 20,410 AUD *.

    Course cost based on a rate of $13,450 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

    * Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

    International students

    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.

    Scholarships

    For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

    How can we help?

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

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

    Next steps