Diploma of Dementia Care

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

1. Describe structure, function and dysfunction of the nervous system in the major diseases causing dementias
2. Discuss the multidisciplinary evidence for approaches to optimise the health and social care of older people including those living with dementia
3. Explain collaborative, person-centred approaches to inclusion, support and care of diverse people living with dementia and their families

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 program 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.

Offered fully online with no face to face or workplace assessment components, this program is designed to be undertaken by a wide range of personal and professional carers and others who work and interact with people living with dementia around the globe.

Program Objectives

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 Diploma of Dementia Care 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.

A condition as serious as dementia requires a special type of care – and a special type of person to provide it. Our program will develop your specialised understanding of dementia so that you can make a positive difference to the lives of people living with dementia. Learn from our global experts, with all our education programs informed by the latest research evidence.

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

• There are no exams, assessments may include quizzes, discussion boards, essays and presentations.
• Flexible full-time and part-time study options are available
• Each subject will require 8-10 hours each week of study
• A full-time study load is 3-4 subjects; part-time study is 1-2 subjects per semester
• Students who are new to online learning, are returning to study or are currently in the workforce are advised to consider part-time enrolment in their first semester
• We have dedicated Student Advisors to guide your learning

Recommended study pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

Completion of 8 core subjects from the schedule below: 

• TAS-CAD005 Neurospeak Online
• TAS-CAD101 Introduction to Ageing, the Brain and Dementia
• TAS-CAD104 Principles of Supportive Care for People With Dementia
• TAS-CAD115 Health Services for an Ageing Population
• TAS-CAD116 Introduction to Therapeutic Approaches for Dementia
• TAS-CAD117 Effective Communication for Dementia Care
• TAS-CAD122 Culturally Respectful and Safe Care for Aboriginal People with Dementia
• Choose one of the following subjects:
  • TAS-CAD003 Foundations of University Study in Dementia Care***
  • TAS-CAD121 The Global Challenge of Understanding Dementia***

***TAS-CAD003 is recommended for students who have not studied at a tertiary level in the past 10 years

***TAS-CAD121 is recommended for students who have studied at a tertiary level in the past 10 years

Award requirements

Satisfactory completion of 8 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 1-4 years from commencement.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Core Subjects

All students currently admitted into this program, who have yet to complete CAD113, are required to study CAD122 in place of CAD113 in their study plan.

Student who have completed CAD113, are not required to study CAD122.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $10,270

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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Partially completed an undergraduate course (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any subjects the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made. 

Successful completion of any two OUA open access subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified.

Completed Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or equivalent

Completed Certificate III or higher, in any discipline.

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. Your personal competency statement should reference:

• Extensive or sustained work experience ; or
• Completion of the Understanding Dementia MOOC and/or the Preventing Dementia MOOC ; or
• Personal connection to someone living with dementia, in a paid or non-paid capacity.

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. We consider applicants from a broad range of life experiences and backgrounds, those with professional learning or formal study qualifications and skills and those entering University study as a mature age students with little previous formal qualifications and/ or experience in this field, and year 12 leavers. 

There are no formal pre-requisites, however, a good level of computer competency and willingness to engage in online learning is highly recommended.

The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.