The Graduate Diploma in Applied Gerontology is a 36-unit program offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

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 can be undertaken entirely off-campus via Online delivery or on campus. Students who undertake this course entirely Online, must have proficiency in basic computer and internet skills and access to modern IT equipment.

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 years 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 course aims to provide students with advance study of 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 an effective literature review and critical appraisal of gerontological 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 a sound understanding of ageing in a global context, including cultural and Indigenous perspectives
  • practised, reflected upon and evaluated core professional tasks such as basic gerontological clinical and needs assessment and ethical decision-making
  • further developed skills for life long learning.

Program of study

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 4.5 units from topics offered by the University or another approved institution.

Core - Year 1 topics

22.5 units comprising

 AGES8020  Introduction to Social Gerontology  (4.5 units)
 AGES8021  Introduction to Clinical Gerontology  (4.5 units)
 AGES8022  Psychological Dimensions of Ageing  (4.5 units)
 AGES9026  Design and Ethics in Research with Vulnerable Populations  (4.5 units)
 PALL8432  Understanding Literature for Evidence-Based Practice  (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 topics

Select 13.5 units from the following topics

 AGES8023  Healthy Ageing (Mental Health)  (4.5 units)
 AGES8024  Medication and Ageing  (4.5 units)
 AGES8025  Best Practice in Dementia Care  (4.5 units)
 AGES8028  Leadership to Support Person-centred Dementia Care (4.5 units)
 HACM9100 Leadership in Health and Aged Care  (4.5 units)
 HACM9101 Leading Organisations in Health and Aged Care (4.5 units)
 HACM9103 Financial Management in Aged Care (4.5 units)
 HACM9200  Health and Aged Care Systems  (4.5 units)
 NURS9710  The 3Ds Dementia, Delirium, and Depression  (4.5 units)
 PALL8436  Palliative Care in Aged Care Settings  (4.5 units)
 REMH8025 Recognising and Responding to Dementia in Indigenous Communities (4.5 units)