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

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people living with dementia? Whether you're just starting out, already working in health or aged care, or simply curious about this growing field, Australia's first degree in dementia care is designed with you in mind.

Offered fully online, this program gives you the flexibility to study from anywhere, at your own pace. There are no exams, no face-to-face classes, and no workplace placements required.

With dementia becoming increasingly common, there’s never been a more important time to build specialised knowledge in this area. You’ll gain practical, up-to-date insights that can be applied in community settings, hospitals, aged care facilities and beyond.

Developed by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, this program is backed by global leaders in dementia education with a mission to transform the understanding of dementia worldwide.

You can study part-time (1-2 subjects) or full-time (3-4 subjects) each semester, with around 10 hours of study per subject per week. Assessments are spread throughout the semester and may include quizzes, discussion boards, essays, reports or presentations.

Dedicated UTAS student advisers are available throughout your studies to provide support and guidance whenever you need it.

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.

Students studying first-year subjects are advised to complete TAS-CAD005 prior to attempting TAS-CAD101.

Year 1. 8 subjects including:

• 6 Core subjects:
  • TAS-CAD005 Neurospeak Online (NB: Students are advised to complete TAS-CAD005 prior to attempting TAS-CAD101)
  • 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 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 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 select 8 UTAS Electives from any College or discipline area OR choose to undertake a Major (8 units).

Listed below is the optional Ageing Studies and Services Major students may consider:

Ageing Studies and Services

• 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-CXA309 Health Services and Health Informatics

Select 2 subjects from the following:

• TAS-BMA328 Leadership In Organisations
• TAS-FXA301 Arts in the Community
• TAS-FXA302 Perspectives of the Arts on Health and Wellbeing
• TAS-HPP302 Public Policy (coming soon)

Award requirements

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

Choose your subjects

Majors

The optional Major in Ageing Studies and Services extends the current Dementia Care degree subject core to provide knowledge about ageing, ageing services and aged care in a variety of capacities and sectors. Complementing knowledge on the provision of dementia care and the biology of dementia, the intention of this Major is to support learning from an understanding of the many social and health challenges that are associated with ageing and the provision of services, through to capacity to translate this knowledge in areas of care navigation, policy, safety, quality and leadership, as well as innovation. The subjects comprising the major are designed to keep pace with a fast growing and evolving sector of social and health care, producing graduates who will be equipped to tackle the myriad of issues confronting this field.

The Major will recognise the interdisciplinary nature and complexity of ageing and aged care services. Students will develop skills to work collaboratively with colleagues, and have the capacity to promulgate understanding of the many dimensions of ageing and aged care, into their respective teams and work environments. They will also be able to assist older adults and their family members to effectively navigate the complexity of the community and aged care system.

This Major is available through the world-leading research and educational expertise of the Wicking Dementia Centre. Highly qualified Centre staff will ensure that the Major has a comprehensive and contemporary evidence base, and will assist students in developing their analytical and translational skills.

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.

• Year 1 Core

• Year 2 Core

• Year 3 Core

• Ageing Studies and Services Major

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

Indicative total fee $33,850

The amounts shown here are 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 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).

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

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 2026 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.

Certificate III (or equivalent) 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.

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.