Graduate Diploma in Chronic Condition Management

At the completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

• understand the context for the development, management, and impact of chronic conditions as these relate to health promotion, prevention, early intervention and the social determinants of health, particularly for vulnerable or at risk populations
• demonstrate a significant understanding of core concepts of chronic conditions management (CCM) and chronic conditions self-management (CCSM) and the implications of these concepts for health service consumers, service providers, professional practice, and health systems within Australia and internationally
• demonstrate a significant understanding of the concepts of CCM and CCSM and their relationship with and implications for population health, public health and primary health care approaches
• understand the rationale for the 'chronic care' and 'patient-centred care' perspectives and other views of CCM and the importance of promoting self-management for the person and the health care wider community
• effectively assess and critique a range of CCM and CCSM research, including a critical awareness of international models of CCM and CCSM and their relationship to the Australian experience
• understand the dynamic processes associated with service delivery for CCM and CCSM, in particular, the systemic, cultural and organisational barriers and enablers to implementing these approaches within the health sector
• have knowledge and skill to evaluate services pertaining to CCM and CCSM and to prepare proposals to undertake such evaluation activities
• understand specific multicultural and indigenous issues in relation to CCM and CCSM in particular
• possess leadership-level capacity in undertaking, reflecting upon and evaluating core professional CCM and CCSM tasks such as CCSM assessment, educating others about CCM and CCSM, planning for and managing the implementation of CCM and CCSM in health organisations and in community settings.

The postgraduate programs in chronic condition management aim to meet the extended professional development needs of graduates involved in policy, planning and/or delivery of services to people with or at risk of chronic physical and/or mental health conditions.

Core principles and skills involved in developing and implementing self-management enhancing programs in diverse settings for health professionals and service users are central to the programs. They address the broader issues around chronic condition management and self-management implementation within services and individual practice.

Previous participants include health professionals from diverse disciplines located in primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare settings and related community organisations across Australia and internationally.

The topics accommodate participants’ individual areas of interest and varied roles, and provide for learning across management of a diverse range of chronic conditions.

It is 1 year in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

Students complete six core (compulsory) and two option topics chosen from a range of option topics available. These topics aim to provide students with an advanced understanding of the principles and skills required in the development and implementation of self-management-enhancing programs in diverse practice settings for health professionals and service users.

Award requirements

Students must successfully complete six core (compulsory) subjects and two elective subjects chosen from a range of electives.

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

Indicative total fee $25,043

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.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

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Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in a health-related discipline such as Nursing, Allied Health or Medicine; or hold the Graduate Certificate in Chronic Condition Management from Flinders University or equivalent qualification.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 
This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test  (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment. More information is available at www.flinders.edu.au/credit

Some option topics may require students to attend intensive workshops on-campus.