Overview 2023
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The Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services addresses the need for holistic knowledge of the ageing process. Globally we face an ageing population and it is vital that our social services and infrastructures are re-imagined and redesigned to support this change.
This course, developed and delivered by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, is available through the College of Health and Medicine.
The Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services is a fully online, eight-unit course which examines the social and biological aspects of ageing; chronicity and multimorbidity; age-related discrimination and prejudice; public health understandings; and administrative processes related to policy and aged care. This Diploma is suitable for those wanting to or who are working with older adults in aged care, health care or related sectors, such as community-based roles and services. The course will bring together the social and health-based perspectives of ageing.
Areas of focus include the idea of 'care navigation', policy, safety and health promotion. Content also looks at the rising impact of dementia.
Course objectives
The Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services 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. Areas of focus include the idea of ‘care navigation’, policy, safety and health promotion. You will also look at the rising impact of dementia.
As a graduate of the Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services you will be equipped with contemporary knowledge to assist older adults and their families in navigating the complexity of the aged care system and the trajectory of the needs of older adults across complex health and social systems.
You could work in a variety of areas including aged care navigation; community support; policy development or in an advisory capacity.
- Flexible study options are available
- Student intakes in Semester 1 (full-time or part-time) and Semester 2 (part-time only)
- Units offered across two semesters
- Each unit will require 8-10 hours each week for study
- Dedicated Student Advisors are available to guide your learning
Articulation: Completion of the Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services would enable articulation into year two of the Bachelor of Dementia Care (with an optional major in Ageing Studies and Services).
Note: As a Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services student, you will receive an automatic pre-requisite waiver for CAD101. Sometimes there are delays in this process. If you are not able to enrol in CAD101 please contact the Student Support Team DementiaCare.Support@utas.edu.au and we will help you through this process.
Learning Outcomes
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)
Core units
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Spring school (extended) | ||||
View all details for CAD101 Introduction to Ageing, the Brain and Dementia
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 | ||||
View all details for CAD115 Health Services for an Ageing Population
This unit examines how ageing is a social construct. The unit will begin by examining the global phenomena of population ageing, and how language is used to discuss the social change from a young to older population. The unit also…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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 | ||||
The unit has a focus on mental health and wellbeing in older adults. You will explore attitudes and misconceptions about the mental health and wellbeing of older adults. You will develop knowledge about how mental health status is assessed by…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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 | ||||
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
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:
- Completed Diploma in any field; OR
- Completed or partially completed a course at Associate Degree 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 (any pathway), or the UTAS Bachelor of General Studies (any pathway), or the UTAS Diploma of University Studies (any pathway) or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University.
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate III or IV (or equivalent) 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.
For International students
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.
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.
Articulation
Completion of the Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services would enable 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.
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
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic student, you may 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 contributionStudent 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.
Further informationDetailed 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).
International students
2023 Total Course Fee (international students): $13,000 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $13,000 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
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries