Overview 2023
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Delivered by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, global leaders in dementia education.
Providing specialised knowledge to make a real difference to the lives of people living with dementia.
With the rise in prevalence in dementia and the need to provide quality care in the community, health care centres and hospitals, and in residential care, it is becoming essential that health care workers in aged care develop specialised knowledge in this field so that you can make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.
This course has been developed by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, global leaders in dementia education with a mission to transform the understanding of dementia worldwide.
You will learn from multidisciplinary lecturers who are active in dementia research.
The course is offered fully online with authentic, varied assessments that do not include exams, face to face or workplace assessment components. Learning and assessment are supported with the use of real-life case study examples. This course is designed to be undertaken by the wide range of personal and professional carers and others who work and interact with people living with dementia around the globe.
Dedicated Student Advisers are on-hand throughout the course, providing support and guidance throughout your studies and the Diploma can be studied full-time or part-time.
Course objectives
Dementia is a neurological condition that affects tens of millions of people across the globe, posing significant challenges to people living with dementia, their families, communities and the health care sector. The Diploma of Dementia Care provides students with a deep knowledge of dementia, the changes that occur in the brain, the behaviours and needs associated with changes, and practical strategies necessary to help care for people living with dementia.
A condition as serious as dementia requires a special type of care – and a special type of person to provide it. Our course will develop your specialised understanding of dementia so that you can make a positive difference to the lives of people living with dementia. Learn from our global experts, with all our education programs informed by the latest research evidence.
Students will gain advanced problem-solving skills, along with an understanding of the importance of evidence-based practice. Upon completion of the Diploma you will be prepared for a range of career paths in the aged care and health sectors.
Key information:
- You will learn how to effectively study online as well as academic skills such as referencing and basic biological terminology
- There are no exams, assessments may include discussion boards, quizzes, essays and presentations
- Flexible full-time and part-time study options are available
- Each unit will require 8-10 hours each week of study
- A full-time study load is 3-4 units; part-time study is 1-2 units per semester
- Students who are new to online learning, are returning to study or are currently in the workforce are advised to consider part-time enrolment in their first semester
- We have dedicated Student Advisors to guide your learning
Learning Outcomes
Career outcomes
A vital aspect of dementia care is providing an enabling environment, especially in long-term care facilities. Korongee Village is the first of its kind in Australia, designed specifically around the residents’ needs to provide dignified therapeutic value, contributing to their quality of life.
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.
Individuals with backgrounds in healthcare, community service, and allied health, may find study in this course advantageous. The Diploma of Dementia Care is particularly relevant to aged care workers and health professionals wishing to develop their knowledge of dementia, to increase their confidence when working with people living with dementia and to enhance their practice. Hear from our current students and graduates.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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
This unit provides an overview of the journey through dementia from the perspective of people with dementia and those who provide care and support to them. Students will learn about ways to identify and respond to needs that arise on…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD104 Principles of Supportive Care for People With Dementia
This unit introduces students to the concepts of inter-professional education, learning and practice to facilitate optimum care for persons with dementia and their families. The theoretical and practical importance of interprofessional practice will be explored, in part through a consideration…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD113 Inter-professional Education and Practice in Dementia Care
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
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD117 Effective Communication for Dementia Care
Core Choice Unit
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD003 Foundations of University Study in Dementia Care
The 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. The…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD121 The Global Challenge of Understanding Dementia
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 UTAS 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 at UTAS.
Domestic applicants from all educational backgrounds
This course is open access.
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.
Your personal competency statement should reference: Extensive or sustained work experience or, Completion of the Understanding Dementia MOOC and/or the Preventing Dementia MOOC or, Personal connection to someone living with dementia, in a paid or non-paid capacity.
Applications are considered on a case by case basis. We consider applicants from a broad range of life experiences and backgrounds, those with professional learning or formal study qualifications and skills and those entering University study as a mature age student with little previous formal qualifications and/ or experience in this field, and year 12 leavers.
There are no formal pre-requisites, however a good level of computer competency and willingness to engage in online learning is highly recommended.
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.
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
This is an open access course.
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
Graduates of the Diploma of Dementia Care are eligible to continue their studies into the Bachelor of Dementia Care with all eight units, or 100 credit points, of advanced standing.
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
Domestic students
The Diploma of Dementia Care is available with 100% HECS fee waiver for eligible domestic students commencing study in 2023. This means you have NO tuition fees to pay.
Fee waiver details
For domestic students commencing study in 2023, we are pleased to offer the Diploma of Dementia Care with 100% HECS waiver. If you are eligible, the HECS waiver will be automatically applied upon enrolment. The waiver is not available for OUA students.
The 100% HECS waiver will be honoured through to graduation of the Diploma of Dementia Care provided that the following eligibility criteria are met:
- You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident (i.e. eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place [CSP]).
- You are enrolled in the Diploma of Dementia Care and commence study 2023.
- You must be enrolled in a minimum of one unit and must remain enrolled until after the University Census Date relevant to the semester of study. If you are on an approved Leave of Absence (LOA), you are exempt from this requirement for the duration of your approved LOA.
- To retain this fee waiver, you must engage with your enrolled units. If you have not engaged and receive a result of AN (Absent deemed failed) for all enrolled units in a given study period, will not retain the waiver/discount from the following study period onward. You cannot then apply to have the waiver/discount reinstated.
- Not be excluded from the course based on academic progress or misconduct.
While your tuition fees are completely covered by the HECS fee waiver, please note you will still be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
If you have questions about your enrolment or waiver, please contact dementia.care@utas.edu.au.
International students
There are a huge range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania.
We are pleased to offer New Zealand students discounted tuition fees for the Diploma of Dementia Care. The cost of each unit will be AUD625 - this means you can complete the full Diploma for AUD5000.
For more information visit International Scholarships.
Additional costs
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