Master of Applied Gerontology

Career opportunities in gerontology are expanding rapidly with global ageing. Gerontologists work in a range of employment settings including aged care homes, community care and acute hospitals as well as local, state and federal government departments, policy and advocacy organisations, universities and the private sector. Nurses, physicians, allied health and non-clinicians from a range of professions will be able to use gerontological knowledge to inform policy, planning and practice.

Insights from gerontologists can provide companies in various fields a competitive edge and their specialised knowledge can help to better identify and respond to the needs of older adults, and address ageing stereotypes and misrepresentations. Especially exciting is the growth in entrepreneurial gerontology by which gerontologists are able to assess, identify, develop and offer programs, products and services to meet the unique and varied needs of older adults.

Career objectives

Potential employers include:

• aged care homes
• community care and acute hospitals
• government departments
• universities
• private businesses.

Higher education

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification; or hold the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Applied Gerontology, or the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Palliative Care in Aged Care from Flinders University or equivalent qualification. 

English Proficiency Requirements

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. 

On campus requirements

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

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

This articulated, multidisciplinary program in applied gerontology was developed to address the professional needs of graduates involved with policy, planning, and research or service delivery for older people, as well as those who are interested in understanding the issues surrounding the ageing process.

These courses feature seven key perspectives throughout each topic:

• healthy, positive ageing
• life-course framework for understanding ageing
• multidisciplinary approach
• multicultural awareness and a global viewpoint
• lifelong learning and e-learning for improving professional practice
• research, evaluation and evidence-based planning and service delivery
• ethical decision making.

The courses provide:

•  leading edge content for students across the world
• an interdisciplinary team approach, appreciating diverse professional perspectives
• relevance to your immediate and potential future professional needs
• enjoyable, successful learning through well-structured topics
• a flexible delivery mode enabling students to undertake study by distance and part time, to match your hectic work and life schedules.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students complete five core (compulsory) topics including a research project, and four option topics chosen from a range of option topics available. These topics aim to provide students with advanced understanding of applied gerontology concepts e.g. healthy ageing, life-course, multidisciplinary practice, ageist stereotyping and their implications for professional practice as well as provide the opportunity to gain a well developed capacity to undertake, reflect upon and evaluate core professional tasks, that encompass social, psychological and/or clinical aspects of ageing in practice and research contexts. It also offers to further knowledge in areas of interest.

Award Requirements

To complete the requirements of the Master of Applied Gerontology, students must successfully complete five core (compulsory) subjects including a research project, and four elective subjects chosen from a range of electives.