Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

Population ageing is a global megatrend that is having a diverse and far-reaching impact on all of society. Policy, economic growth, inflation rates, public health, urban design and household spending are being significantly impacted, as are our conceptions of retirement and productivity. In addition, the decline in the labour force due to ageing populations will require dramatic social change and technological innovation.

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is an exciting, interdisciplinary course providing specialised knowledge and skills in the physical and psychosocial aspects of ageing that will set you up for the many opportunities in this fast-growing sector. There is also a nursing specialisation as part of this Graduate Certificate.

It is the first program of its kind and draws from disciplines spanning public health, social work, architectural and urban design, economics and technology. Content has been developed in collaboration with leading industry experts from Australia and around the world, and will provide you with a broad understanding of ageing as a social, physical and psychological experience, along with the practical skills to succeed in a career in this rapidly developing field.

This is a highly flexible online program, with the option of part-time study. It includes a broad range of subjects to select from. Developed by subject matter experts assisted by learning designers, you will enjoy an engaging, interactive learning experience that will equip you with practical and highly relevant skills. The course also provides great opportunities to network with like-minded professionals.

Who is this course for?

Looking to specialise in gerontology and build a career in this fast-growing sector, or to formalise knowledge gained in the field? Then these courses are for you.

If you are a policy professional, registered nurse, or working in aged care, the courses are particularly relevant. They are also well suited to those in social work, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, human services, financial services and mental health. As well as entrepreneurs and managers.

International students are welcome to study this course. However, please note that this course is not available to international students who require a student visa to study in Australia as it does not meet the onshore study requirements and it is not registered with CRICOS.

Course aims

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is designed to consolidate specialist knowledge and experience in the physical and psychosocial aspects of ageing, and to provide the background interdisciplinary skills and understanding necessary to respond to the complexities of a global ageing population. Ultimately, the course aims to produce leaders in the field.

Pathways

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is part of a highly flexible suite of courses, designed for you to study to the level that suits your learning and career goals.

• Specialist Certificate in Gerontology

Nursing specialisation

Nurses have a leading role in care and advocacy to provide evidence-based care to ageing populations. The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology (Nursing) specialisation is for the nursing workforce in inpatient settings such as aged care and hospitals where aged-related issues are contributing factors to presentations and specialist nursing knowledge is required for both assessment and management. Specialised nursing care is also required in community settings including primary care and home-based services.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

• English language test score requirements

• If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

  IELTS

  6.5

  ---

  with no band less than 6.0

  TOEFL

  94+

  ---

  with writing 27; speaking 24; reading 24; listening 24

  PEARSON

  78+

  ---

  with written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 72

  CAMBRIDGE

  185+

  ---

  with no skill less than 185

  *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection