Graduate Diploma of Dementia

The Graduate Diploma in Dementia offers a research-literate, cross-disciplinary understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals, societies and governments. Graduates will have a range of knowledge and perspectives, and the ability to engage with primary research literature across disciplines, to inform their professional and personal support for the needs of people with dementia. As expectations increase around person-centred care, and decision making informed by knowledge of dementia and the ability to evaluate published evidence, a variety of professional and leadership opportunities may become available for those with postgraduate qualifications in dementia.Course objectivesThe rising prevalence of dementia is creating new challenges and a pressing need for change in the way our systems and practices support people who live with dementia. This program will equip you with the expertise to lead transformation, based on the latest evidence.Course information:Fully online and flexible with modular content suitable for a wide variety of study approachesEasy to navigate and accessible across a range of devicesPersonal perspectives highlighted in assessments linking acquired knowledge to individual contexts.Relevant and up-to-date course information.Career outcomesDepending on your background and experience, career opportunities may include:Leadership roles in the health, community or aged care sectorDesigning and implementing dementia related policy in the public or private sectorSenior clinical roles and clinical leadership (for students with a health-professional background), driving evidence-based practice and clinical redesignAdvocacy or advisory roles in the health, community or aged care sector.Learning Outcomes1 Draw on their body of knowledge and the perspectives and personal experiences of people with dementia and their carers, neuroscience, public health, clinical processes, health care systems, and social care systems to design solutions to problems that are context appropriate.2 Evaluate the quality of evidence informing strategies, systems and practices aimed at improving the lives of people with dementia and their carers in communities, health systems and social care systems3 Use and adapt information and evidence from a wide range of local and global perspectives on dementia, as they apply to individuals, organisations, governments and communities4 Engage with a global community of learners in dementia to share knowledge and perspectives5 Effectively communicate knowledge and advice on strategies for dementia care and prevention, in a variety of contexts, using primary evidence and knowledge of research techniques where appropriate.6 Demonstrate consideration of the lived experience of people with dementia and their carers when designing and implementing practices and policies7 Approach the issues of dementia care, research and prevention in a legally, ethically, socially and culturally responsible manner.

Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Course Specific RequirementsA minimum of an undergraduate degree from an Australian university at AQF7 level or the equivalent standard in a recognized tertiary institution, in the domains of Health, Social Work or Psychology.OR an undergraduate degree from an Australian university at AQF7 level or the equivalent standard in a recognized tertiary institution, WITH at least one year full time (or equivalent) experience in dementia care, aged care, neurobiology, health systems and services or public healthOR an undergraduate degree from an Australian university at AQF7 level or the equivalent standard in a recognized tertiary institution, WITH successful completion of FOUR units from the Diploma of Dementia Care (DipDemCare, M1D).