Postgraduate: Course rule and topic information

Graduate Diploma in
Applied Gerontology

(GradDipAppGeront)

Program of Study

INTRODUCTION

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Gerontology is a 36-unit program offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences on a Commonwealth Supported basis.

The course articulates with the Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology and the Master of Applied Gerontology. Students who complete the graduate certificate or graduate diploma receive credit for topics should they proceed to the graduate diploma or Master of Applied Gerontology. Alternatively, students who enrol directly in the graduate diploma may choose subsequently only to meet the requirements for the graduate certificate and exit with that qualification. The program is multi-disciplinary in nature and is taught entirely by web-based delivery.

COURSE AIMS

The course seeks to introduce students to the basic principles and skills involved in social and clinical gerontology with a program equivalent to one year of full-time study. It further aims to meet the professional development needs of graduates with an interest in ageing studies and aged care. In particular, the course aims to build upon the introductory level of the graduate certificate and to produce students who:

• have enhanced appreciation of the concept of 'healthy ageing' and the implications of this concept for professional practice;
• understand the 'life-course perspective' and alternative views of ageing;
• are able to critique gerontological research and prepare proposals to undertake such research;
• have an expanded appreciation of multidisciplinary approaches to problem-solving and professional practice and are capable of using these approaches;
• have built the skills of ethical decision-making in relation to gerontological practice;
• have achieved an international and multicultural awareness of ageing issues;
• have an enhanced and strengthened knowledge and skills relevant to social and/or clinical gerontological practice and an ability to apply these to improve that professional practice.

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Gerontology provides a program of study which expands on the introductory level of the graduate certificate and gives the opportunity for students to progress to more complex tasks and research options.

COURSE RULE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants who do not hold the Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification in a cognate field from an approved tertiary institution and at least one year's ageing-relevant work experience. However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2007]

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Gerontology, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.

Not all topics may be offered in a given year.

Except with permission of the Faculty Board:

• the course must be completed within twelve consecutive semesters;
• no topic may be attempted more than twice.

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in three or more topics, or the award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion, may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.

With the permission of the Faculty Board, students may substitute up to 6 units from topics offered by the University or another approved institution.

CORE TOPICS

AGES8001	Introduction to Social Gerontology	3
AGES8002	Principles of Clinical Gerontology	3
AGES8003	Psychological Dimensions of Ageing	3
AGES8004	Multidisciplinary Gerontological Assessment	3
AGES8005	Research and Evaluation in Ageing Studies	3
AGES8006	Demography and Epidemiology of Ageing	3

ELECTIVES

AGES8010	Mental Health and the Older Person	3
AGES8012	Exercise for an Ageing Population	3
AGES8013	Medication and Ageing	3
AGES8014	Managing Dementia-Related Behaviours	3
AGES8015	Leisure and Diversional Therapy for Older Adults	3