Graduate Certificate of Ageing and Health

The Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health from Charles Sturt University gives you the skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional healthcare outcomes and foster the wellbeing of older people.

This degree builds on your existing knowledge so that you can apply the most up-to-date and innovative theory and practice to any workplace.

Study conveniently online

The Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health offers great flexibility combined with a comprehensive learning experience. You only need to complete four subjects and can study online while continuing to work, allowing you to apply your knowledge within your current role.

Hone your skills

The interdisciplinary nature of this gerontology graduate certificate ensures it is suitable for people from a wide range of health professions and disciplines, including aged care, allied health, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and social work. Why not try our free short course, Understanding Ageing, to get a feel for some of the topics, challenges and opportunities in this dynamic field?

Professionals teaching you

Our academics are dedicated professional educators who are highly experienced in their fields, and who provide personal engagement and support to guide you through your studies. People like Dr Belinda Cash and Robin Harvey, who have both received the Distinguished Member award from the Australian Association of Gerontology for their services to the field. Belinda has clinical practice experience in mental health and older adults, and rural carers and services, while Robin's professional background includes experience in the fields of health promotion with older adults, mental health, and age-friendly communities and environments.

Pursue further study

The Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health can provide a pathway into a higher research degree, such as Charles Sturt University's Master of Ageing and Health. On successful completion of the graduate certificate, you'll receive credit for four subjects into the master's degree.

Recommended study pattern

The below information is for new students. Current students should select their subjects by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment

Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health

Master of Ageing and Health - Credit Points: 96

Refer to 1715GT01 Master of Ageing and Health for details

Graduate Diploma of Ageing and Health - Credit Points: 64

Refer to 1616GT01 Graduate Diploma of Ageing and Health for details

Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health - Credit Points: 32

Core subjects - Credit Points: 32

GER401 Social Determinants of Ageing and Health (8)

GER402 Health, Wellbeing and Family Care in Later Life (8)

GER404 Ageing and Professional Practice (8)

GER406 Issues in Dementia Care and Communication (8)

Master of Ageing and Health

Master of Ageing and Health - Credit Points: 96

Essential set - Core subjects - Credit Points: 32

GER401 Social Determinants of Ageing and Health (8)

GER402 Health, Wellbeing and Family Care in Later Life (8)

GER404 Ageing and Professional Practice (8)

GER406 Issues in Dementia Care and Communication (8)

Essential set - Restricted electives - Credit Points: 64

Masters students select either the Professional Practice OR Research/Policy, completing one of the options detailed below.

Professional Practice - Compulsory subjects - Credit Points: 40

ETH402 Vulnerability and the Ethics of Intervention (8)

GER501 Contemporary Issues in Gerontology (8)

GER502 End of Life and Palliative Care Issues in Ageing (8)

GER503 Leadership in Complex Aged Care Practice (8)

SPE502 Social Work and Social Policy Practice (8)

Professional Practice - Restricted electives - Credit Points: 24

Students select SWK504 or HLT505 and two additional subjects from following. Students with a Registered Nurse qualification may also choose a subject from nursing as an elective with the Course Directors approval. Other electives will be considered with the Course Directors approval.

SWK504 Human Services Research Methods (8)

OR

HLT505 Research practice in healthcare (8)

HSM404 Management and Leadership of Health and Aged Care Services (8)

HCS523 Leadership in Human Services Practice (8)

SOC401 Advanced Social Inequality (8)

WEL424 Loss, Grief and Palliative Care for Older People (8)

WEL429 Indigenous Australian Practice for Human Service Workers (8)

WEL523 Contemporary Theories for Case Management (8)

Research/Policy - Compulsory subjects - Credit Points: 48

ETH402 Vulnerability and the Ethics of Intervention (8)

GER501 Contemporary Issues in Gerontology (8)

GER503 Leadership in Complex Aged Care Practice (8)

SWK500 Social Work and Human Services Dissertation (16)

SPE502 Social Work and Social Policy Practice (8)

Research/Policy - Restricted electives - Credit Points: 16

Students undertaking this research/policy strand can select an elective that supports their research focus.

SWK504 Human Services Research Methods (8)

OR

HLT505 Research practice in healthcare (8)

XUN008 Unrestricted elective (8)

OR

XRT008 Restricted elective (8)

Graduate Diploma of Ageing and Health [Exit point only] - Credit Points: 64

Refer to Graduate Diploma of Ageing and Health [Exit point only] for details

Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health - Credit Points: 32

Refer to 4301GE01 Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health for details

Graduate Diploma of Ageing and Health [Exit point only]

Master of Ageing and Health - Credit Points: 96

Refer to 1715GT01 Master of Ageing and Health for details

Graduate Diploma of Ageing and Health [Exit point only] - Credit Points: 64

Essential set - Core subjects - Credit Points: 32

GER401 Social Determinants of Ageing and Health (8)

GER402 Health, Wellbeing and Family Care in Later Life (8)

GER404 Ageing and Professional Practice (8)

GER406 Issues in Dementia Care and Communication (8)

Essential set - Restricted electives - Credit Points: 32

Students select 4 subject from either the Professional Practice or Research/Policy stream.

Professional Practice

SWK504 Human Services Research Methods (8)

HLT505 Research practice in healthcare (8)

HSM404 Management and Leadership of Health and Aged Care Services (8)

HCS523 Leadership in Human Services Practice (8)

SOC401 Advanced Social Inequality (8)

WEL424 Loss, Grief and Palliative Care for Older People (8)

WEL429 Indigenous Australian Practice for Human Service Workers (8)

WEL523 Contemporary Theories for Case Management (8)

Research/Policy

SWK504 Human Services Research Methods (8)

HLT505 Research practice in healthcare (8)

Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health - Credit Points: 32

Refer to 4301GE01 Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health for details

Award requirements

As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.                

Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health

To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 32 points.

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

Indicative total fee $4,140

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.

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.

Learn more about CSU.

Explore CSU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

34

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

37

Completed degree (or AQF equivalent) in human services, social work, social welfare, social sciences, nursing, health or related areas;

A recognised diploma (or AQF equivalent) from a Registered Training Organisation

AND

Five years full time (or equivalent) work experience in Human Services with a supporting reference from their employer.

If you’ve studied before, you may be able to fast-track your postgraduate degree with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, you could be awarded credit for your postgraduate degree. Get in touch to see if you’re eligible for credit based on your previous qualifications or industry experience.