Overview 2021
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Commonwealth Supported and Full Fee Paying places available (check your Letter of Offer for details)
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The Bachelor of Dementia Care, delivered by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, will help you develop specialised knowledge so that you can make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.
What is the Dementia Care Program?
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.
This is a fully online course with no exams, face to face study, or workplace assessment component. Dedicated Student Advisers are on-hand throughout the course, providing support and guidance throughout your studies. Our program can be studied full-time or part-time, offering you a choice to graduate with a:
- Diploma (8 units, completed over a maximum of 3 years)
- Associate Degree (16 units, completed over a maximum of 5 years)
- Bachelor Degree (24 units, completed over a maximum of 7 years)
Students may study part-time (1-2 units) or full-time (3-4 units) per semester. Students are advised to approximately 10 hours of study per week per unit of study. There are no formal examinations, all assessments occur throughout the semester.
Assessments may include assessed discussion boards, quizzes, essays or reports and presentations.
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 Dementia Care Program 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.
Students will gain advanced problem-solving skills, along with an understanding of the importance of evidence-based practice. Graduates will be prepared for a range of career paths in the aged care and health sector.
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 JO & JR Wicking Trust (managed by Equity Trustees) with significant contributions from the University of Tasmania.
Please see the Entry Requirements section for further details.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the multidisciplinary evidence that underpins contemporary models of care across the trajectory of dementia
- Apply knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system to explain dementia pathology
- Evaluate the evidence for dementia risk reduction and for preventative and therapeutic approaches to optimise the health and social care of people living with dementia
- Evaluate and design collaborative person-centred approaches to issues involving diverse groups of people living with dementia, their families, carers, health and social care teams and the broader community
- Generate evidence-based strategies to share knowledge and influence change in contemporary dementia care
- Critically analyse evidence-based literature in the context of dementia
- Discuss how evidence is generated and translated into health and social care for older adults and people living with dementia
Career outcomes
“My goal is just to provide a tangible difference in quality care for dementia. I’ve loved the course because it’s so specific, just focusing on the one field. I feel like having a specific topic actually broadens what you can learn about the topic, because you can start to look at it from all these different angles, and actually get something that’s beginning to build a bigger picture of dementia, both from a personal perspective and care, but also looking at it in terms of social impact. The best bit about the course has been I think it’s changed my perspective; that I really do believe that people can live well with dementia, and that’s been inspiring and also it’s exciting to keep learning about how we can actually achieve that.”
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. Graduates from this course may find work in a range of career paths such as in the aged care industry in both the public and private sectors, or as a pathway to undertaking further study in graduate health programs.
Individuals with backgrounds in healthcare, community service and allied health professionals, may find study in this course advantageous – and opportunities for Recognition of Prior Learning (or credit) are available.
There are a growing number of leadership and case management positions in dementia care, which require qualifications higher than aged care certificates. Leadership roles, and specialist positions in the aged care sector are increasingly calling for tertiary level qualifications such as the Dementia Care Program.
The Diploma and Associate Degrees are particularly relevant to aged care workers and health professionals wishing to develop their skills and knowledge in dementia. The Bachelor Degree offers additional learning about research and the understanding of how evidence may be translated into clinical care practice.
To support the development of a career structure for aged care workers in the future we will continually evaluate the course and make representations to government and industry. We know that workers with greater knowledge and skills in dementia care will be critical in delivering enhanced capacity to a sector which is facing an enormous challenge both now and into the future.
Course structure
There are three graduation points available in the Dementia Care Program, each available as part-time or full-time:
- Diploma (8 units, completed over a maximum of 3 years)
- Associate Degree (16 units, completed over a maximum of 5 years)
- Bachelor Degree (24 units, completed over a maximum of 7 years)
(Note – every student initially enrols in the Bachelor of Dementia Care, and then may elect to graduate at one of the above points). To help you decide what units to study part time, we have created an Example Learning Pathway in Dementia Care (PDF 160KB), for further information and advice, please contact Dementia.Care@utas.edu.au.
To enrol in the Dementia Care Program
- You must be willing to devote approximately 10 hours per week for each unit of study
- You must be able to access a computer, current software and a reliable connection to the internet
A major is an area of focus in your degree. During your studies, you’ll choose an area that interests you, and then study a group of units related to that area. Find out more at What is a Major?
Year 1
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 | ||||
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD104 Principles of Supportive Care for People With 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Year 2
This unit explores the specific pathology of the more common diseases causing, or associated with, dementia and the current state of research into the biological basis of dementia. This is a core unit in the Bachelor of Dementia Care. This…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This intermediate unit will examine approaches to pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to symptom minimisation and care for people living with dementia. Students will be required to complete tasks translating knowledge into practice and demonstrate understanding of the underlying evidence for…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD202 Therapeutic Approaches for Dementia
This unit provides an overview of contemporary palliative care principles. You will learn about the underpinnings of palliative care practices, with a particular focus on such practices for people with dementia and the people close to them. A core consideration…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This intermediate unit highlights the importance of adequate nutrition and hydration for people with dementia and the swallowing problems (dysphagia) that can be a factor in malnutrition and dehydration resulting in declining health, repeated hospitalisations, and decreased quality of life.…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for CAD205 Nutrition, Dysphagia and Dementia
In this unit, you will learn about the factors that influence dementia risk and explore current evidence around dementia prevention. The principles and strategies surrounding health promotion will also be explored, and you will apply your dementia prevention knowledge to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD207 Individual and Community Approaches to Dementia Prevention
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD208 Dementia Policy and Care Coordination
Year 3
This unit will identify and examine some of the principal qualitative methods used in dementia care and aged care research. Students will gain a critical awareness of the nature of qualitative evidence and its role in informing quality care for…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD305 Qualitative Research in Aged and Dementia Care
This unit will present a range of advanced topics related to international best practice in dementia care. This year, Advanced Topics in Dementia Care focuses on understanding and addressing the issues faced by people with dementia in seldom-heard groups. We…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD306 Advanced Topics in Dementia Care
The provision of dementia care is shaped by overarching policy at the local, national and international level. This advanced level unit will explore the concept of policy, and the issues that influence the translation of evidence into policy and offer…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD307 Translating Evidence into Dementia Care
Dementia friendly societies are designed to support people to live well with dementia through a range of integrated social, environmental and physical strategies. This advanced level unit explores the challenges of building dementia friendly societies with, and for people living…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Optional Major - Ageing Studies and Services
Students may complete two elective units in both years one and two, and four in year three; OR choose to undertake an optional major (8 units) in place of electives.
Optional Major - Ageing Studies and Services
Year One
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Year Two
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD210 Mental Health and Wellbeing in Older Adults
Year Three
This unit will involve students selecting a research topic related to ageing or dementia for a major assignment and related presentation. The subject area will be negotiated with the academic staff contributing to the unit, and will involve a literature…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD304 Negotiated Project in Ageing and Dementia
This unit will encourage you to consider and develop your own approach to leadership so that you can more effectively engage with older adults and other professionals in supporting quality ageing and aged care. The unit will examine and critique…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
The successful delivery of aged care into the future will require high levels of innovation at an individual and organisational level. This unit will explore the evolution and current state of innovation in aged care as well as methodologies to…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for CAD312 Social Innovation in Ageing and Aged Care
Communities are complex and connected social arrangements of people. In this unit, you will explore the different meanings of community, the diverse mechanisms to work with and for communities, and the processes and principles of community development and engagement. This…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for CAD313 Community Engagement for Ageing Well
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re 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 at UTAS.
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:
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at 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
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
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.
Domestic applicants with VET/TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate III (or equivalent) or higher in any discipline.
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 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.
COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
This course is delivered fully online, therefore you must be able to access a computer, have current software and a reliable connection to the internet.
Credit transfer
If you have completed a Diploma, Advanced Diploma of another degree (or part of a degree), you may be eligible to apply for Advanced Standing (or recognition of prior learning). Details on how to apply may be found here, alternatively please contact us at Dementia.Care@utas.edu.au.
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.
Articulation from
All students initially enrol in the Bachelor of Dementia Care; you will then have the option of completing a Diploma, Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree in Dementia Care.
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
2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $37,275 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.
Additional costs
In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:
- Text books and stationery
- Accommodation
- Student Services and Amenities Fee
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