Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services (M1A)

Overview  2021

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Years, up to a maximum of 3 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

Distance Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2

Commonwealth Supported and Full Fee Paying places available (check your Letter of Offer for details)

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Years
Entry requirements

Location

Distance Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2

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.

The Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services 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 available through the College of Health and Medicine. Visit the Wicking Dementia Centre for more course information.

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.

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. Content also looks 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
  • Full-time and part-time study available in Semester 1 (part-time only in Semester 2)
  • 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).

  1. Examine social constructs, and indigenous and national perspectives and experiences of ageing.
  2. Explain the complexity of major diseases and conditions associated with ageing, including dementia.
  3. Apply knowledge of ageing and disease to communicate strategies to assist older adults in navigating and accessing health and social care services.
  4. Identify and communicate inclusive frameworks and strategies to support the needs, interests and welfare of older adults.

Career outcomes

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. 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

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

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    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

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

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

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

This unit is currently unavailable.

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

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    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

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

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

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

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

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

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

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

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

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

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

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

Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.

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
Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education

This course does not use ATAR as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for an offer students must have completed senior secondary education (Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or equivalent).

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

  • Completed 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
  • 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 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 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 UTAS 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

Admissions and application information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.

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).

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

2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $12,000 AUD*.

Course cost based on a rate of $12,000 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
Email
Course.Info@utas.edu.au
Online
Online enquiries

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