Overview 2021
Location
Commonwealth Supported places available
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the International Online Course Guide (PDF 809KB) for courses that are offered to international students
The Undergraduate Certificate in Dementia Care, delivered by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, will specifically focused on understanding dementia and how to care for people with dementia.
This Undergraduate Certificate in Dementia Care is a fully online, four-unit course, specifically focused on understanding dementia and how to care for people with dementia. This short course represents the first half of the Diploma of Dementia Care. This course is developed and delivered by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, at the University of Tasmania.
Following successful completion of the four Certificate units, students can transition to the Diploma of Dementia Care with full credit for completed units and 100% HECS waiver for the remaining four units.
Course objectives
The Undergraduate Certificate in Dementia Care focuses on understanding dementia at the individual, family and health services level with the goal to improve the quality of life for people with dementia. You will learn about the different diseases that cause dementia and the associated behaviours, and techniques and strategies for providing care and responding to challenging situations.
Together this will build your confidence and knowledge in dementia care. You will develop your communication skills and appreciation of the importance of evidence-based care in the health system.
The course schedule has been built to allow students to transition into higher education study, commencing with a foundation level unit in online learning in the context of dementia. It is well suited to students from a wide range of educational backgrounds and minimal or no experience in dementia. Individuals either working in, or planning to work in, aged care or related sectors, such as community-based roles and support services in the context of ageing with dementia will find this course particularly useful. It is fully online and can be studied part-time. Students must commence their study in Semester 2 2021.
There will be no direct placements in industry as part of this course.
Learning outcomes
- Communicate using a variety of digital skills and academic conventions in the context of dementia.
- Describe contemporary approaches to optimise the health and social care of people living with dementia.
- Apply person-centred approaches to support people living with dementia, their families, carers, health and social care teams and the broader community.
Career outcomes
Over 400,000 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.
This part-time, fully online certificate is suitable for you if you are either working in, or planning to work in, aged care or related sectors, such as community-based roles and support services in the context of ageing with dementia. Once you complete this certificate, articulation into further study in the Diploma of Dementia Care or Bachelor of Dementia Care is possible.
This is a terrific opportunity to get your foot in the door in the aged care sector, as employment projections are upward trending and set to grow by 25% by 2024 (Labour Force Survey June 2019). This course is suitable for students from a wide range of educational backgrounds and minimal or no experience in aged care.
Course structure
Core units
Neuroscience is the study of how the nervous system works, how the cells of the system are organised and how they develop and change in the presence of common pathological conditions, including dementia. Through learning the fundamental principles of neuroscience,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
In this unit you will gain knowledge of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for dementia, and of contemporary strategies to dementia therapies. You will be introduced to varied approaches to supporting quality of life for people with dementia, including community-based…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Spring school (extended) | ||||
View all details for CAD116 Introduction to Therapeutic Approaches for Dementia
This unit addresses the importance of communicating effectively and positively with people who have cognitive impairment and/or a diagnosis of dementia, and with those who provide support and care. You will learn about how the changes associated with dementia affect…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Spring school (extended) | ||||
View all details for CAD117 Effective Communication for Dementia Care
Elective units, choose one of:
In this unit, you will learn to write for success in tertiary study and develop academic study skills. This unit will develop your self-motivation, time management, planning and organisational skills. In this unit you will also begin to develop learning…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for CAD003 Foundations of University Study in Dementia Care
The swiftly rising prevalence of dementia is one of the most significant health, social and economic issues facing the world. The global challenge of dementia will require innovative solutions to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD121 The Global Challenge of Understanding Dementia
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This Undergraduate Certificate is open to applicants from a broad range of backgrounds.
DOMESTIC APPLICANTS
Domestic Applicants who have recently completed secondary education
Completed Tasmanian Certificate of Education (year 12) or equivalent.
Domestic Applicants with higher education study
This course does not use previous higher education study as a basis for admission.
Domestic Applicants with VET / TAFE study
A completed Certificate III or higher,
Domestic Applicants with work and life experience
If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, or VET/TAFE study, but have relevant work and life experience you can complete a personal competency statement. You may be eligible for an offer if you have work and life experiences that demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
Prerequisites
Nil
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.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
This course is not available to international students.
Credit transfer
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.
Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.
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
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries