Bachelor of Dementia Care (M3S)

Overview  2024

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Online
Semester 1, Semester 2

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Entry requirements

Location

Online
Semester 1, Semester 2

The Bachelor of Dementia Care, delivered by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, will help you develop specialised knowledge so that you can make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.

The Dementia Care Program offers Australia's first degree in dementia care and sets a high standard for the value and knowledge graduates will bring to the aged care and health sectors. It is available to domestic and international students, from carers to health professionals and anyone with an interest in studying dementia.

With the rise in prevalence in dementia and the need to provide quality care in the community, health care centres and hospitals, and in residential care, it is becoming essential that health care workers in aged care develop specialised knowledge in this field so that you can make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.

This course has been developed by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, global leaders in dementia education with a mission to transform the understanding of dementia worldwide.

This is a fully online course with no exams, face to face study, or workplace assessment component. Dedicated Student Advisers are on-hand throughout the course, providing support and guidance throughout your studies. Our program can be studied full-time or part-time, offering you a choice to graduate with a:

  • Diploma (8 units, completed over a maximum of 3 years)
  • Associate Degree (16 units, completed over a maximum of 5 years)
  • Bachelor Degree (24 units, completed over a maximum of 7 years)

Students may study part-time (1-2 units) or full-time (3-4 units) per semester. Students are advised to approximately 10 hours of study per week per unit of study. There are no formal examinations, all assessments occur throughout the semester.

Assessments may include assessed discussion boards, quizzes, essays or reports, presentations.

Dementia is a neurological condition that affects tens of millions of people across the globe, posing significant challenges to people living with dementia, their families, communities and the health care sector. The Dementia Care Program provides students with a deep knowledge of dementia, the changes that occur in the brain, the behaviours and needs associated with changes, and practical strategies necessary to help care for people living with dementia.

Second and third years of study offer the opportunity for a more in-depth exploration of research, policy, neurobiology, and specialised approaches to care and therapy, as well as to develop skills in evaluation and critical thinking.

Students will gain advanced problem-solving skills, along with an understanding of the importance of evidence-based practice. Graduates will be prepared for a range of career paths in the aged care and health sector.

  • 1 Apply knowledge of the biology of the nervous system to explain dementia pathology and symptoms across its trajectory
  • 2 Evaluate the multidisciplinary evidence for dementia risk reduction and approaches to optimise the health and social care of people living with dementia
  • 3 Evaluate and design collaborative, person centred approaches to inclusion, support and care of diverse people living with dementia and their families
  • 4 Propose evidence-based strategies to share knowledge and influence improvements to dementia care
  • 5 Evaluate how evidence is generated and translated into health and social care for older people including those living with dementia
  • Career outcomes

    “My goal is just to provide a tangible difference in quality care for dementia. I’ve loved the course because it’s so specific, just focusing on the one field. I feel like having a specific topic actually broadens what you can learn about the topic, because you can start to look at it from all these different angles, and actually get something that’s beginning to build a bigger picture of dementia, both from a personal perspective and care, but also looking at it in terms of social impact. The best bit about the course has been I think it’s changed my perspective; that I really do believe that people can live well with dementia, and that’s been inspiring and also it’s exciting to keep learning about how we can actually achieve that.”

    Emma Elaine, Bachelor of Dementia Care student

    Over 400,000 Australians are currently living with dementia; this number increases every year. The impact on communities, families, governments and health professionals will be significant as these numbers increase.

    Our workforce is currently ill equipped to help care for such large numbers of people living with dementia – by 2050, it is estimated that there will be over 900,000 people in Australia living with dementia. Graduates from this course may find work in a range of career paths such as in the aged care industry in both the public and private sectors, or as a pathway to undertaking further study in graduate health programs.

    In March 2021, Australia’s Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety released its final report (Pagone & Briggs, 2021). “We are deeply concerned that so many aged care providers do not seem to have the skills and capacity required to care adequately for people living with dementia” (Pagone & Briggs, 2021, p. 69). Care, dignity, and respect: Executive Summary and Final report (Volumes 1-5). Australian Government Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

    Individuals with backgrounds in healthcare, community service and allied health professionals, may find study in this course advantageous – and opportunities for Recognition of Prior Learning (or credit) are available.

    There are a growing number of leadership and case management positions in dementia care, which require qualifications higher than aged care certificates. Leadership roles, and specialist positions in the aged care sector are increasingly calling for tertiary level qualifications such as the Dementia Care Program.

    The Diploma and Associate Degrees are particularly relevant to aged care workers and health professionals wishing to develop their skills and knowledge in dementia. The Bachelor Degree offers additional learning about research and the understanding of how evidence may be translated into clinical care practice.

    To support the development of a career structure for aged care workers in the future we will continually evaluate the course and make representations to government and industry. We know that workers with greater knowledge and skills in dementia care will be critical in delivering enhanced capacity to a sector which is facing an enormous challenge both now and into the future.

    Course structure

    If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here – this helps you plan what units to enrol in and when.

    There are three graduation points available in the Dementia Care Program, each available as part-time or full-time:

    • Diploma (8 units, completed over a maximum of 3 years)
    • Associate Degree (16 units, completed over a maximum of 5 years)
    • Bachelor Degree (24 units, completed over a maximum of 7 years)

    To enrol in the Dementia Care Program

    • You must be willing to devote approximately 10 hours per week for each unit of study
    • You must be able to access a computer, current software and a reliable connection to the internet

    The Bachelor of Dementia Care requires the completion of 300 credit points comprising:

    • 200 credit points of core units
    • 100 credit points of electives units, or an optional major 

    Note that the 100 credit points of elective units can be used in two quite different ways, the choice is yours: 

    • Study 100 credit points of elective units - you can choose to enrol in any unit available as an elective (some units do have prerequisites which must be met, but many do not)

    or 

    • Study a 100 credit point major. A major is an area of focus in your degree. You can choose the Ageing Studies and Services major (see below), a major from another area, or you can choose to study our Sustainability major. The University is deeply committed to building sustainable futures and that is why we've made the Sustainability major readily available in most courses. For details see the Bachelor of Science. Or find out more at What is a Major?
    Student must complete the following 6 core units plus 2 elective units in Year 1

    Neuroscience is the study of how the nervous system works, how the cells of the system are organised and how they develop and change in the presence of common pathological conditions, including dementia. Through learning the fundamental principles of neuroscience,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This introductory unit will explore the physical and cognitive changes that occur during the ageing process, and age-related pathological changes that can lead to diseases that cause dementia. This unit will introduce fundamental neuroscience concepts in the healthy adult, ageing…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSpring school (extended)

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides an overview of the journey through dementia from the perspective of people with dementia and those who provide care and support to them. Students will learn about ways to identify and respond to needs that arise on…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will examine demographic trends in the ageing population along with social and cultural determinants of health and how these factors continue to shape the needs of older people in society. You will investigate how these needs…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will gain knowledge of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for dementia, and of contemporary strategies to dementia therapies. You will be introduced to varied approaches to supporting quality of life for people with dementia, including community-based…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit addresses the importance of communicating effectively and positively with people who have cognitive impairment and/or a diagnosis of dementia, and with those who provide support and care. You will learn about how the changes associated with dementia affect…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Student must complete the following 6 core units plus 2 elective units in Year 2

    This unit uses research into the biological basis of dementia to explore the specific pathology of the more common diseases causing, or associated with, dementia. Students will learn the relationship between the development of pathology in the nervous system and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This intermediate unit will examine pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to symptom minimisation and care for people living with dementia. Students will be required to complete tasks translating knowledge into practice and demonstrate understanding of the underlying evidence for the treatment…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides an overview of contemporary palliative care principles. You will learn about the underpinnings of palliative care practices, with a particular focus on such practices for people with dementia and the people close to them. A core consideration…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This intermediate unit highlights the importance of adequate nutrition and hydration for people with dementia and the swallowing problems (dysphagia) that can be a factor in malnutrition and dehydration resulting in declining health, repeated hospitalisations, and decreased quality of life.…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit, you will learn about the factors that influence dementia risk and explore current evidence around dementia prevention. The principles and strategies surrounding health promotion will also be explored, and you will apply your dementia prevention knowledge to…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit builds on first year knowledge on the national and international frameworks underpinning the delivery of aged and dementia care services, policies and models. By critically engaging with the evidence bases supporting policy, you will learn to critique contemporary…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Student must complete the following 4 core units plus 4 elective units in Year 3

    This unit will identify and examine some of the principal qualitative methods used in dementia care and aged care research. Students will gain a critical awareness of the nature of qualitative evidence and its role in informing quality care for…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will present a range of advanced topics related to international best practice in dementia care. This year, Advanced Topics in Dementia Care focuses on understanding and addressing the issues faced by people with dementia in seldom-heard groups. We…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The provision of dementia care is shaped by overarching policy at the local, national and international level. This advanced level unit will explore the concept of policy, and the issues that influence the translation of evidence into policy and offer…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Dementia friendly societies are designed to support people to live well with dementia through a range of integrated social, environmental and physical strategies. This advanced level unit explores the challenges of building dementia friendly societies with, and for people living…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Students may select electives from any College or discipline area OR choose to undertake a major (8 units) with their electives.
    Students may select 8 electives from any College or discipline area OR choose to undertake a major (8 units) with their electives.
    Students may select 8 electives from any College or discipline area OR choose to undertake a major (8 units) with their electives - listed below is one major option students may consider

    Students are required to successfully complete 8 units which comprises of the following:

    25 credit points in Year 1;
    25 credit points in Year 2 and
    50 credit points in Year 3.

    This unit examines how ageing is a social construct. You will examine how ageing and older age are influenced by factors other than biological ageing alone, from global and local perspectives. You will examine and critique social attitudes towards ageing,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will explore how biological processes lead to diseases and ill-health, as well as dying and death. Chronic illness will be a particular focus of this unit, with students exploring some of the chronic illnesses and associated risk factors…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will provide a critical examination of the state and complexity of the Australian health and social care system as it relates to older adults. You will become adept at accessing online and other resources provided to support aged…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will examine key concepts around mental health and wellbeing of older adults. You will examine how different mental health conditions and adjustment concerns impact older adults. The unit will explore attitudes and stereotypes around mental health and wellbeing…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will critically examine the processes and activities to identify, monitor and improve key elements of aged care organisational functioning, within complex health networks. A review and critique of governance arrangements, including accountability and transparency requirements for staff, managers…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Economics of Health and Wellbeing applies economic concepts to the study of healthcare and wellbeing from a variety of different perspectives. Students will apply economic principles to study health issues from the perspective of individuals, businesses, healthcare organisations and the…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will involve students selecting a research topic related to ageing or dementia for a major assignment and related presentation. The subject area will be negotiated with the academic staff contributing to the unit, and will involve a literature…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSpring school (extended)

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit aims to broaden students understanding of the Australia Health Care System and its operation. It provides the opportunity for students to critically analyse and review the current and emerging challenges in health care delivery. Weekly topics will explore…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineHealth Study Period 3

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Entry requirements

    We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

    Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.

    Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education

    Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. We anticipate that the lowest ATAR that will receive an offer for this course in 2024 will be ATAR 50.
      
    Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

    Domestic applicants with higher education study

    To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

    • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
    • Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

    Domestic applicants with work and life experience

    Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement. Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

    Domestic applicants with VET/TAFE study

    To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate III (or equivalent) or higher in any discipline.

    SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

    If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.

    We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

    COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

    This course is delivered fully online, therefore you must be able to access a computer, have current software and a reliable connection to the internet.

    All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.

    English Language Requirements

    This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.5, or a PTE Academic score of 58, with no score lower than 58 or equivalent.

    For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

    General Entry Requirements

    Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.

    Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

    You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

    • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate III or above
    • Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher
    Course Specific Requirements

    Students must have access to a computer, reliable internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone.

    Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Enquire online about your credit transfer.

    Articulation with other courses A. Articulation to BDemCare

    1. Students having initiated study at UTAS or another Australian University, towards a complete or incomplete degree, may apply for credit (Advanced Standing) where successful completion of equivalent units can be demonstrated.

    2. Students having initiated study at UTAS towards a complete or incomplete Diploma of Dementia Care (M1D) or Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services (M1A), may apply for credit (Advanced Standing) where successful completion of equivalent units can be demonstrated, or with discretion of the Course Coordinator.

    B. Articulation from BDemCare Interim Completion/Exit Points:

    1. There will be an exit point after completion of 8 Units (Diploma of Dementia Care), such that the award is consistent with the Diploma of Dementia Care (M1D).

    2. There will be an exit point after completion of 16 Units (Associate Degree in Dementia Care). Upon completion: Successful completion of the BDemCare with a GPA of no less than credit average, may be considered for entry to an honours or other coursework programs, including the Masters of Dementia, which may then lead to Research Higher Degree options.

    N/A

    Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

    You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

    Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    International students

    2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $41,779 AUD*.

    Course cost based on a rate of $13,450 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

    * Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

    International students

    International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

    Scholarships

    For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

    Additional costs

    In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:

    • Text books and stationery
    • Accommodation
    • Student Services and Amenities Fee

    How can we help?

    Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

    Next steps