Bachelor of Dementia Care

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

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

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 program 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 program 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 program 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.

Higher education via OUA

Successful completion of any 4 OUA open access subjects of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified.

Higher education

• Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (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; OR 
• Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

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 2023 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.

VET studies

Certificate III (or equivalent) or higher in any discipline.

Work and Life

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.

Special requirements

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

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.

What is the Dementia Care Program?

The Dementia Care Program offers Australia's first degree in dementia care. It is available to domestic and international students, from carers to health professionals and anyone with an interest in studying dementia. This program will develop your specialised knowledge in this field so that you can make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.

This is a fully online program with no exams, face to face study, or workplace assessment component. Dedicated Student Advisers are on-hand throughout the program, 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 subjects, completed over a maximum of 3 years)
• Associate Degree (16 subjects, completed over a maximum of 5 years)
• Bachelor Degree (24 subjects, completed over a maximum of 7 years)

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

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

Recommended Study Pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended. If students are undertaking part-time study, we recommend that students complete all first-year compulsory subjects prior to completing elective subjects to maximise success.

Year 1. 8 subjects in the first year including:

• 6 core subjects:
  • 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
  • 2 UTAS Electives

Year 2. 8 subjects in the second year including:

• 6 core subjects:
  • TAS-CAD201 The Neurobiology of Dementia
  • TAS-CAD202 Therapeutic Approaches for Dementia
  • TAS-CAD203 Principles of Palliative Care
  • TAS-CAD205 Nutrition, Dysphagia and Dementia
  • TAS-CAD207 Individual and Community Approaches to Dementia Prevention
  • TAS-CAD208 Dementia Policy and Care Coordination
  • 2 UTAS Electives

Year 3. 8 subjects in the third year including:

• 4 core subjects:
  • TAS-CAD305 Qualitative Research in Aged and Dementia Care
  • TAS-CAD306 Advanced Topics in Dementia Care
  • TAS-CAD307 Translating Evidence into Dementia Care
  • TAS-CAD308 Dementia Friendly Societies
  • 4 UTAS Electives
• Students may also choose to utilise their elective choices to complete the major of Ageing Studies and Services, to do so students should complete the following 8 subjects:
  • TAS-CAD118 Social Constructs of Ageing
  • TAS-CAD119 Chronicity and Multimorbidity
  • TAS-CAD209 Navigating the Aged Care System
  • TAS-CAD210 Mental Health and Wellbeing in Older Adults
  • TAS-CAD304 Negotiated Project in Ageing and Dementia
  • TAS-BAA342 Aged Care Leadership and Management: Effective Internal and External Integration
  • TAS-CAD312 Social Innovation in Ageing and Aged Care
  • TAS-CAD313 Community Engagement for Ageing Well

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 24 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 3-7 years from commencement.