Specialist Certificate in Ageing

Critically review current and key challenges in ageing from a global perspective
3 months full time, 6 months part time | Online | Domestic and international students | No visa required

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Respond to the complex and evolving needs of ageing populations worldwide.
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Course overview

Full-time duration	Part-time duration	Elective Subjects	Next term starts	Applications close	Total course fee*
3 months	6 months	2	23 April 2018	2 April 2018	A$6,288

_{*The University reviews fees annually. The indicative total course fee is based on typical subject enrolments, and includes an indexation of 5 per cent per annum.}

Upcoming terms

Ageing is our greatest common denominator, yet our knowledge of it is still very limited. As populations around the world grow older, we need to understand the economic, social and political implications of ageing.

The Specialist Certificate in Ageing at the University of Melbourne is an exciting interdisciplinary course that is designed to provide students with key competencies in the ageing field to meet the rapidly increasing market demand.

This is the first course of its kind that brings together academics from multiple disciplines, including public health, medicine, architecture and design, engineering, business and economics, government, and the arts. Academics collaborate with leading experts from Australia and around the world.

By successfully completing this course you may be eligible for credit toward the Graduate Certificate in Ageing, Graduate Diploma in Ageing or Master of Ageing.

Course aims

We’ve designed this course to produce leaders in the field of ageing who will be able to develop new approaches and policies that help shift the focus to a more positive and holistic view of ageing. This course will provide opportunities to gain practical skills and undertake high-order analysis, using interdisciplinary strategies and cross-cultural comparisons.

Students will learn how national and global politics, economics, ethics and social equity influence the way society plans for and meets infrastructure and service delivery requirements of ageing populations in Australia and around the world. Hear expert perspectives on the trends, issues and challenges faced by communities, organisations, businesses and governments. Investigate how an ageing population drives workforce and retirement trends, and how recent technological advances can revolutionise the ageing experience. Develop the capacity to identify market needs, negotiate with government and shape policy. Identify and analyse the multiple determinants of healthy ageing and develop integrative approaches to managing them.

Who the course is for

This program is for those looking to build a career specialising in this fast-growing sector and will be particularly relevant if you are a policy and planning professional, entrepreneur, manager, healthcare professional, or someone already working with ageing populations and workforces. At the completion of this course, students will be well placed for leadership advocacy and managerial roles.

Career outcomes

The greater integration of technology into everyday life continues to revolutionise areas such as healthcare provision, product design, productivity and transportation, and attention to the needs of older people in each of these areas is increasing. Product development associated with the field of gerontechnology is beginning to have an effect on many other industries. Urban design, immigration policy, consumer policy, consumer protection, insurance and financial education are all being affected by the global ageing phenomenon. Notions of retirement are evolving and plans for longer working lives are influencing the approaches that large organisations and financial advisors are taking with ageing populations.

The Specialist Certificate in Ageing is designed to increase your leadership and career potential to meet the accelerating market demand for a skilled workforce. The course provides both a contextual overview and specialist skills along with knowledge of the key issues around ageing. Local, state and federal governments along with NGOs and private sector organisations are keen to employ skilled graduates.

In the Australian aged-care sector alone, there are currently over 350,000 paid employees and the Productivity Commission on Caring for Older Australians expects this workforce to quadruple in size over the next forty years (Productivity Commission on Caring for Older Australians, 2011). Half of these employers report skill shortages due to a lack of specialist knowledge required to meet service delivery demands.

Access career opportunities through our extensive Industry Network. Network members range from prominent private consulting companies and the Victorian government, to large service delivery organisations, consultancies, financial institutions, technology firms, retirement villages and peak bodies.

What you will learn

Develop solutions to complex ageing issues

Develop solutions to
complex ageing issues

You’ll be able to apply comprehensive knowledge of the ageing experience from conceptual and practical dimensions of the course to develop solutions to complex ageing issues.
Appraise ageing-related systems

Appraise ageing-related
systems

You’ll learn to describe and appraise systems, structures and policies in Australia and other countries that address ageing.
Assess strategies aimed at promoting healthy living

Assess strategies aimed at promoting
healthy living

You’ll be able to critically assess strategies aimed at promoting healthy and productive ageing across the lifespan (ie legislation, policy and community development).

Who you will learn from

Your online learning experience is enriched by interaction with lecturers, tutors and your fellow classmates. You can expect input and feedback from your lecturers and tutors as well as regular real-time sessions where you speak with the instructor and fellow students.

Find out more about the University of Melbourne online learning experience.

Tim Adair, Principal Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Eleanor Curran, MHSC Aged Stream Coordinator, Psychiatry
Associate Professor Briony Dow, Clinical Associate Professor
Lena Gan, Program Director, Master of Ageing
Lyn Gillam, Professor in Health Ethics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Dr Ralph Hampson, Senior Lecturer Social Work
Professor Ian McDonald, Emeritus Professor in Economics
Ros McDougall, Senior Lecturer in Health Ethics
Clare Newton, Associate Professor in Learning Environments, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning
Alan Pert, Professor of Architecture. University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Louisa Remedios, Director of Teaching and Learning, School of Health Science
Jenny Waycott, Senior Lecturer, School of Computing and Information Systems
Ruth Williams, Academic Convenor (Ageing Research Initiative) & Research Fellow
Sue Malta, Research Fellow, School of Population and Global Health
Cathy Said, Assoc Professor Of Physiotherapy Western Health, Physiotherapy
Anton Allen, Bioethicist, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health

Next: see what subjects you'll be studying

Contact student support

You can talk with a dedicated online student support consultant via the chat function at the bottom right of this page or connect through by phone. Alternatively, click on the Enquire Now tab below and fill out the form to find out about key details relating to this program, including:

Entry requirements
Time commitment required for each subject
Fees and payment options.

Phone: + 61 3 8344 0149
Email: study-online@unimelb.edu.au
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm AEST/AEDT
Weekends and University of Melbourne observed Public Holidays 10am to 5pm AEST/AEDT.

Course structure

To gain the Specialist Certificate in Ageing you must complete 25 points comprising of:

Two elective subjects.

Elective Subjects	Points
Ageing Health and Human Services	12.5
Ageing Health and Human Services This course explores the interface of policy and practice in the delivery of aged care services. The responses to policy shifts in aged care over time will be explored. The course will then focus on the present day impact of health care, mental health, income security, housing, and employment, educational and recreational policies on the delivery of services to older citizens collectively and as individuals. Case studies will be used to illustrate both the theoretical and practical aspects of designing and delivering services. Detailed Information POPH90267 Type Elective
Ageing in Society	12.5
Ageing in Society This subject aims to offer students a critical examination of the ways in which ageing is socially constructed. Students will learn about ageing from a range of perspectives, including life course, bio-medical, gender, cross cultural, consumer, historical and self-reflection. The subject will focus on how the prevailing social context shapes ideas, relationships, and practices with specific implications for older people. This subject will critically analyse all forms of ageism and how older people are portrayed in literature, media and government policy using case studies from Australia and other countries around the world. Students will be encouraged to reflect on what ageing means to them, how they would like to age and what the impact of an ageing population might mean for future policy development. Detailed Information POPH90256 Type Elective
Body of Ageing	12.5
Body of Ageing This subject focuses on how the body and its systems are affected by ageing and explores the differences between the natural ageing process and physical changes that develop as a result of illness with older persons. Students will also examine the effects of the environment and lifestyle factors on musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological systems that contribute to the experience of ageing and to the individual’s capability to engage with their participation preferences. Understanding the common impairments and physiological changes behind them that occur as part of ageing process provides students with a fundamental base to critically analyse as well as develop strategies for healthy ageing and disease prevention. Detailed Information POPH90257 Type Elective
Design for Ageing	12.5
Design for Ageing Demographic ageing is creating a shift in how to think and define homes, cities and public spaces. This subject explores feasible and sustainable approaches to keep the older segment of the population physically and socially active. Innovative changes in design can lead to significant advancements in service delivery, transportation models and homes that allow people to age in place. In addition, design principles for dementia and palliative care are a few of the many concepts that help minimise stress on people as they age and their families. Students will explore these topics and develop their own ideas about the way design can optimise the ageing process for comfort, security and overall well-being. Detailed Information ABPL90377 Type Elective
Economics of Ageing	12.5
Economics of Ageing The subject examines the influence of private and public/government decision-making on the economic well-being of older people. These decisions include private decisions to prepare for old-age and to live through old-age by saving and managing assets such as housing, superannuation, annuities and other assets and government decisions to provide income support, health care and regulations that aim to protect old people. The influence of behavioural biases, as uncovered by behavioural economics, will be discussed. The subject also covers how an ageing population exerts upward pressure on the taxation required to finance government activities and services for the aged and how this may affect the ‘social contract’, in which the young assist the old in expectation of assistance when they are old from succeeding generations. Detailed Information POPH90258 Type Elective
End of Life Issues	12.5
End of Life Issues This subject explores the ethical issues that may arise at the end of life. Beginning with a multidisciplinary exploration of the concept of the end of life, students will investigate a number of longstanding as well as emerging issues that confront individuals, families, professionals and societies. Students will consider the implications of making decisions in various domains at different stages of the end of life, as well as the potential role of families, friends, carers, health professionals, lawyers, other professionals and policy makers in such decision making. Detailed Information POPH90259 Type Elective
Ethics of Ageing	12.5
Ethics of Ageing This subject provides an overview of some of the key ethical issues associated with ageing across the lifespan, with an emphasis on their societal dimensions and implications for policy and professional practice. The skills and knowledge gained by students completing this subject will enhance their ability to engage with the health, social and economic issues of ageing encountered throughout the Masters of Ageing curriculum. Detailed Information POPH90260 Type Elective
Global Population Ageing	12.5
Global Population Ageing Population ageing is causing fundamental societal and economic change in many countries and regions throughout the world. Although the opportunities and challenges presented by ageing differ between countries and regions, a global perspective can inform the development of sound policy responses to help individuals and societies to manage the transition to an older population structure. This course guides students through a range of key issues that are faced by societies with population ageing, and encourages them to critically appraise specific policy responses and to identify practical lessons to be learned from the experiences of countries experiencing rapid and advanced ageing. Topics covered include health, mature age employment, retirement and finances, age-friendly housing and environments, wellbeing & community participation, advanced ageing countries and rapidly ageing countries. Detailed Information POPH90264 Type Elective
Leadership for an Ageing Workforce	12.5
Leadership for an Ageing Workforce The world is in the middle of an historic demographic shift in which an ageing population and changing social attitudes interact with a range of other megatrends transforming work organisation and organisational leadership. This subject focuses on understanding how demographic and other changes challenge traditional models of leadership and managing people. It will explore, assess and develop a range of skills and capabilities associated with effective leadership, that enable organisational leaders to drive strategic, people and effective change in the context of an increasing age diverse workforce and dynamic external environment. Using case studies of leadership challenges associated with different aspects of age diversity and an ageing workforce, it explores how leadership can be used to improve organisational and individual outcomes. This subject will also examine dimensions of leadership identity and management of self as an important part of developing effective leadership. It will apply these skills and capabilities to the context of leading age diverse organisations using case studies that explore each of these dimensions of leadership capabilities. Detailed Information POPH90266 Type Elective
Mental Health and Ageing	12.5
Mental Health and Ageing In this subject the implications of mental health and ageing are explored from a range of bio-medical and social perspectives. Lecture topics include understanding the distinction between mental health and mental illness, placing mental health and ageing within a lifespan framework with an emphasis on cognitive changes in later life and managing common mental health disorders in older age. Screening, assessment and psychological interventions for these common conditions are covered, including late life delusional disorders, substance use and abuse, anxiety and personality disorders, delirium and dementia, depression and pain. This subject also discusses demographic projections for mental health disorders and considers strategies to support an ageing worldwide population, including mental health promotion. Detailed Information PSYT90092 Type Elective
Shifting Paradigms in Ageing	12.5
Shifting Paradigms in Ageing Populations are ageing globally and the Master of Ageing program is designed to produce leaders in the field of ageing who are able to develop new approaches and policies that help shape the societal shift that will inevitably occur. To this end, the Shifting Paradigms in Ageing subject aims to provide students with skills and techniques to think laterally and shift paradigms. As Einstein said “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Ageing is also about opportunity, and this subject will enhance the ability to recognise and leverage that potential. Detailed Information POPH90273 Type Elective
Technology and Ageing	12.5
Technology and Ageing This subject looks at the ways in which recent technological advancements can revolutionise the experience, management and future of ageing. Innovations in how we age are explored from multiple perspectives, including how technology can support autonomy and independent living as well as social connectedness to minimise the isolation common in later life. Detailed Information POPH90263 Type Elective

Workload

The estimated hours required for each subject is between 15 -19 hours per week, but this varies for each student and depends on your task management and planning, familiarity with the material, reading style and speed.

Entry requirements

Discuss your subjects

Talk with a dedicated online student support consultant to find out more about:

Content and learning outcomes
Assessment requirements
Time commitment required for each subject
Possible recognition of prior learning
Exit pathways.

Entry requirements

To apply for the Specialist Certificate in Ageing, you are required to have:

An undergraduate degree in any discipline, or equivalent
Documented evidence of at least two years' professional work experience.

Meeting these requirements makes you eligible for selection but does not guarantee selection.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

Prior academic performance; and
Professional work experience.

All applicants are required to provide a current curriculum vitae describing their work experience and tertiary and other qualifications, as a supplement to transcripts.

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Student Application and Selection Procedure.

Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Students taking the course from overseas are not required to have an international student visa.

Most courses have multiple intakes per year. Check the dates of upcoming terms.

Next: Fees & scholarships

Discuss your eligibility

Speak with a dedicated online student support consultant to clarify any questions about entry requirements, including prior academic performance and professional experience.

Fees and scholarships

Course	Points	Cost
Specialist Certificate in Ageing	25 point program	A$6,288

Course fees are the same for both domestic and international students.

Your course is equivalent in quality and accreditation to an on-campus qualification. Each subject is designed by academics, subject coordinators and learning designers to deliver an interactive and enriching experience, with regular contact from lecturers, tutors and a dedicated online Student Support team.

The indicative course fee for the course is based on one year of full-time study. In cases of part-time study, the fee is based on the study load that the student is taking. Fees are paid on a per subject basis each term, and total course fees are not required to be paid up-front.

The fees listed are the indicative costs for 2018. The University reviews fees annually. The indicative total course fee is based on typical subject enrolments, and includes an indexation of 5 per cent per annum.

Learn more about tuition fees.

Financial assistance and scholarships

If you are an Australian Citizen or Permanent Humanitarian Visa holder, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Australian Government.

There are many bursaries and scholarships awarded by the University and specific faculties, based on a variety of criteria. Online students are encouraged to apply.

FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP is a loan available to eligible students in domestic fee-paying places to help pay for all or part of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government sets limits on how much you can borrow. FEE-HELP loans are repaid through the taxation system. No loan fee applies to loans for postgraduate studies. Detailed information about eligibility for FEE-HELP is available from the Study Assist website.
Domestic scholarships
The Melbourne Scholarships Program is one of the most generous and comprehensive in Australia – supporting approximately 3000 students at the University. The scholarships program serves to both reward outstanding academic achievement and provide access for students who might otherwise be prevented from undertaking further study. For full details of all domestic graduate scholarships, visit the Future Students website.
Further information regarding financial aid options for current students is available on the Student Services website.
International scholarships
There are no scholarships available for overseas online students from the University of Melbourne. Companies, home universities, professional organisations and charities may provide scholarships.

Next: Apply now

Discuss your payment options

Talk with a dedicated online student support consultant to assess the best way to fund your study.

Next intakes

View Key Dates for further important dates and deadlines.

Term	Applications close	Term dates
Term 2, 2018	2 April, 2018	23 Apr - 24 Jun
Term 3, 2018	25 June 2018	16 Jul - 16 Sep

Apply online

It takes about 20 minutes to complete the form using the online application system.

You can save your work in progress and complete the application at a later date.

To complete your application you will require:

Course code SC-AGEING
Evidence of meeting the English Language Requirements as determined by the University
A detailed CV, including work history if applicable and specifying if the positions were part time or full time and the number of years/months employed
Transcripts for ALL courses completed including an explanation of the grading system used. Students who have studied at the University of Melbourne do not need to provide this information
Digital files of these documents. Limit of 6MB per document. Supported file types: TXT, DOC, DOCX, PDF, JPG, JPEG, XLS, XLSX, TIFF).

Apply now

Help with application preparation and submission

A dedicated online student support consultant can help you prepare and submit your application.

Contact one of our friendly consultants to talk through:

The selection process
Preparing your documentation
Using the online application system.

Enquire now

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enter your details

Course overview

Course aims

Who the course is for

Career outcomes

What you will learn

Develop solutions to complex ageing issues

Develop solutions to complex ageing issues

Appraise ageing-related systems

Appraise ageing-related systems

Assess strategies aimed at promoting healthy living

Assess strategies aimed at promoting healthy living

Who you will learn from

Contact student support

Course structure

Ageing Health and Human Services

Ageing in Society

Body of Ageing

Design for Ageing

Economics of Ageing

End of Life Issues

Ethics of Ageing

Global Population Ageing

Leadership for an Ageing Workforce

Mental Health and Ageing

Shifting Paradigms in Ageing

Technology and Ageing

Workload

Discuss your subjects

Entry requirements

Discuss your eligibility

Fees and scholarships

Financial assistance and scholarships

Discuss your payment options

Next intakes

Apply online

To complete your application you will require:

Help with application preparation and submission

Develop solutions to
complex ageing issues

Appraise ageing-related
systems

Assess strategies aimed at promoting
healthy living