Impact of Dementia Diploma on practice

About the research project

This PhD project will investigate the real-world impact of the Diploma of Dementia Care, developed by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, a global leader in dementia education. Delivered fully online by a multidisciplinary team of dementia educators and researchers, the Diploma equips carers, health professionals, and community members with a deep and holistic understanding of dementia—its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and person-centred approaches to inclusion, support, therapy, and care.

Unlike task-focused training, which often targets immediate skill acquisition, education fosters critical thinking, reflective practice, and sustained behavioural change. This project will explore how graduates of the Diploma integrate their learning into diverse settings, translating knowledge into improved communication, enhanced care practices, and more inclusive support for people living with dementia and their families. It will examine how education shifts attitudes, builds confidence, and empowers individuals to challenge stigma and advocate for systemic improvements.

This mixed methods project will investigate the ripple effects of education on practice, policy, and workforce development. Findings will inform curriculum design, contribute to policy discussions, and strengthen the evidence base for large-scale dementia education initiatives.

This project offers opportunities to engage with stakeholders across health, aged care, and community sectors, and to contribute to a growing field of research focused on education as a lever for change.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Claire Eccleston

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Proficiency with a variety of research methods (mixed-methods and qualitative preferred) and demonstrated capacity to conduct independently-driven research

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Relevant professional or clinical experience e.g., allied health, aged care, community health.  
• Experience working with older people and/or people living with dementia in a research and/or professional capacity.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Claire Eccleston to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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