Master of Dementia (M7X)

The Master of Dementia offers a research-enabled, cross-disciplinary understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals, societies and governments. Graduates will possess a range of knowledge and perspectives, and deep insights to the nature and quality of evidence which underpins them, to inform their professional and personal support for the needs of people with dementia. Experience in critical appraisal and design of research allows graduates to choose the best information and evidence, or to design research where the evidence is lacking. As expectations increase around person-centred care, and decision making informed by a deep knowledge of dementia, a variety of leadership and design opportunities may become available for those with postgraduate qualifications in dementia.

The Wicking Dementia Centre

The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre is at the forefront of translational research of relevance to people with dementia and their carers, and provides a range of innovative educational programs on dementia. The Wicking Dementia Centre undertakes multidisciplinary research around three main themes – the Care, Cause and Prevention of Dementia. Educational programs are closely interlinked with the Centre’s research programs.

The Wicking Dementia Centre, a flagship of the University's College of Health and Medicine, was established in 2008 and is core-funded by the J.O. & J.R. Wicking Trust (managed by Equity Trustees) with significant contributions from the University of Tasmania.

Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.

English Language Requirements

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

Course Specific Requirements

• A bachelor degree in a health discipline, social work or psychology (AQF7/equivalent from a recognised institution)
• A bachelor degree (AQF7 equivalent) in another field, PLUS EITHER a year of full time (equivalent) work experience in dementia/aged care, neurobiology, heath systems/services or public health, OR successful prior completion of four units from the Diploma of Dementia Care (M1D)
• We recommend that candidates complete the Understanding Dementia MOOC prior to enrolment, if their previous degree is not related to dementia.

• All methods of meeting University of Tasmania English language requirements have a validity period of 2 years unless involving a country specific qualification as listed below.
• Each course offered by the University of Tasmania has a minimum English language requirement for entry as listed below. Applicants must also meet the academic entry requirements for each course.
• Applicants who qualify from a University of Tasmania program, and intend to gain professional registration to become a practitioner in Australia, may need to meet the relevant Professional Accrediting Agency's English language registration standard.
• In exceptional circumstances or cases not covered by the categories outlined below, multiple forms of evidence may be considered on a case by case basis by the Executive Director, Student Operations in consultation with the Director, Academic Quality and Standards.
• The University reserves the right to require that any applicant be required to undergo a test of English language.

Depending on your background and experience, career opportunities may include:

• Leadership roles in the health, community or aged care sector.
• Designing and implementing dementia-related policy in the public or private sector.
• Senior clinical roles and clinical leadership (for students with a health-professional background), driving evidence-based practice and clinical redesign.
• Advocacy or advisory roles in the health, community or aged care sector.
• A pathway to research higher degrees or other research-focused roles, drawing on research design and critical evaluation skills.