The Diploma in Healthy Ageing is the equivalent of one year of full-time study or two years part-time. The course is offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. The Diploma in Healthy Ageing is offerd only as an exit award for students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Healthy Ageing who choose not to complete that program.

Course aims

The Diploma in Healthy Ageing provides students with disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies from across the University, with a focus on aspects of human ageing. It ensures that students admitted to the Bachelor of Health Ageing but who elect not to complete the Bachelor degree are not disadvantaged and can graduate with a Diploma which will provide a foundation of knowledge and skills suitable for contributing to enabling societies in which older people flourish.

Learning outcomes 

At the completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

  • Recognise the interdisciplinary nature of ageing studies;
  • Apply the principles of evidence-based, culturally responsive practice to engage with and support older people;
  • Employ approaches to enable older people to pursue opportunities to maximise well-being across a range of settings;
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively in different settings, especially those designed to support and meet the needs of older people;
  • Engage in reflective practice to support ongoing self-development and contribute to learning environments in the workplace

Program of study

To qualify for the Diploma in Healthy Ageing a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

Core topics

22.5 units comprising the following list of core topics:

AGES1001 Foundation Skills in Ageing Studies (4.5 units)
AGES1002 Attitudes, Language and Communication Influencing the Experience of Ageing (4.5 units)
AGES1xxx Gender, Ethnicity and Ageing (4.5 units)
AGES1xxx Mental Health and Psychological Well-being in Later Life (4.5 units)
INNO1001 Innovative and Creative Thinking: Recognising Opportunities (4.5 units)

Plus 13.5 units from the following list of option topics:

Option topics

AGES1010 The Experience of Dementia: People Perspectives (4.5 units)
AGES1011 Enhancing Life with Meaningful Activities (4.5 units)
HLTH1304 Communication and Interprofessional Practice (4.5 units)
AGES1012 Quality Care and Support for People with Dementia (4.5 units)
AGES1xxx Popular Culture and Ageing (4.5 units)
AGES1xxx Contemporary Approaches to Aged Care (4.5 units)
AGES2xxx Roles, Relationships and Social Networks (4.5 units)
AGES2xxx Leadership in Care Cultures (4.5 units)
REMH2xxx Indigenous Ageing (4.5 units)
AGES2010 Age as an Asset: Productive Ageing (4.5 units)
AGES2xxx Perspectives on Elder Abuse and Neglect (4.5 units)
AGES2xxx End of Life Care with Older People (4.5 units)
NUTD2xxx Critical Nutrition and Aged Care (4.5 units)
INNO2002 Social Entrepreneurship: Doing good while doing well (4.5 units)

or other topic approved by the Course Coordinator.

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.