Bachelor of Dementia Care

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.

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.

Open enrolment subjects

Successful completion of 4 subjects through OUA including at least 3 of the following:

• CAD003, XBR121, CAD005 and/or CAD115

Higher education

Students may apply based on previous higher education study:

• Tertiary applicants with completed prior university study undertaken at the Associate Degree level or above at any Australian University, or the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) equivalent.
• Applicants with partial University study at the Associate Degree level or higher with a passing GPA (ie 4.0/7.0) based on a minimum of 2 x 12.5 credit points of undergraduate–degree level units.
• Completed UTAS University Preparation Program or an Australian University equivalent. A completed UTAS UPP consists of 8 x 12.5 credit point units or the equivalent of 100 credit points including the core units.

Secondary education

Minimum ATAR of 60

VET studies

AQF Cert IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma

Work and Life

Supporting Statement/Personal Competency Statement with reference to;

1. Extensive or sustained work experience or,
2. Completion of the Understanding Dementia MOOC and/or the Preventing Dementia MOOC or,
3. Being a family, friend or carer of someone living with dementia; in a paid or non-paid capacity

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.

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

The Bachelor of Dementia Care has 24 units. Students may study part-time (1-2 units) or full-time (3-4 units) per semester. Students are advised to allocate 8 hours of study per week per unit of study. There are no formal examinations, all assessments occur throughout the semester.

Early completion points are available after completing the first 8 subjects (Diploma of Dementia Care) or 16 subjects (Associate Degree in Dementia Care).

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 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 second year including:
  • 6 core subjects:
    • TAS-CAD201 The Neurobiology of Dementia
    • TAS-CAD202 Preventative and Therapeutic Approaches in Dementia Care
    • 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 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-CAD311  Leadership in Aged Care
  • TAS-CAD312  Social Innovation in Ageing and Aged Care
  • TAS-CAD313  Community Engagement for Ageing Well

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 24 subjects according to the recommended study plan, finishing within 7 years