The Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

The course articulates with The Graduate Diploma in Applied Gerontology and Master of Applied Gerontology. The sequentially developed topics allow progression through the awards.

Students who complete The Graduate certificate normally receive credit for up to 18 units of topics should they wish to proceed with The Graduate diploma or Master of Applied Gerontology.

The program is multi-disciplinary in nature and is taught entirely by web-based delivery. Students must have proficiency in basic computer and internet skills as this course is taught externally. Students must also have access to modern IT equipment.

Admission requirements

Applicants 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.

Course aims

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology aims to introduce the principles and skills involved in social and Clinical Gerontology. It further aims to meet the professional development needs of graduates with an interest in ageing studies and aged care, within a global context. 

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the course students are expected to have:

  • demonstrated an understanding of core course concepts (eg. healthy ageing, life-course, multidisciplinary practice, ageist stereotyping) and their implications for professional practice
  • undertaken a literature review and critical appraisal of ageing research
  • work related learning, incorporating critical reflection and self-evaluation of their own practice
  • completed professional-standard aged care planning and problem solving tasks
  • shown an understanding of ageing in a global context, including cultural and Indigenous perspectives
  • indicated a capacity to undertake, reflect upon and evaluate core professional tasks such as basic gerontological clinical and needs assessment and ethical decision-making
  • recognised own learning style and identified goals and strategies in order to foster life long learning skills.

Program of study

To qualify for The Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology, a student must complete 18 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 available in a given year.

Except with permission of the Faculty Board:

  • the course must be completed within six 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.

Core -Year 1 topics


 AGES8020  Introduction to Social Gerontology  (4.5 units)
 AGES8021  Introduction to Clinical Gerontology  (4.5 units)
 AGES8022  Psychological Dimensions of Ageing  (4.5 units)
 PALL8432  Understanding Literature for Evidence-Based Practice  (4.5 units)