Graduate Certificate in Aged Care | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Graduate Certificate in Aged Care

Become a skilled, responsive leader in aged care. Australia’s aged care sector is growing rapidly, which means increasing demand for capable and responsive leadership across a range of healthcare settings. This specialised graduate certificate equips you with advanced knowledge and skills in the core areas of leadership, management and quality care of the older person. With a wide choice of elective subjects, you can also develop specialised knowledge in areas like mental health, public health or organisational behaviour.

In this program you will:

  • Advance your knowledge and understanding in an area of aged care
  • Prepare yourself for health care management and leadership
  • Develop opportunities for advanced practice roles within aged care

Location

Duration

Semester 1 intake 1 year part-time; Semester 2 intake 6 months full-time or equivalent part-time Semester 1 intake 1 year part-time; Semester 2 intake 6 months full-time or equivalent part-time Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$5,404 / A$12,924 - 2025 Fees CSP / Fee-paying
CSP / Fee-paying

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Semester 1 intake only part-time study available.

Career opportunities

  • Aged care sector leadership
  • Clinical education
  • Clinical practice roles

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Online
Total courses
4
Total units
48
Duration
Semester 1 intake 1 year part-time; Semester 2 intake 6 months full-time or equivalent part-time Semester 1 intake 1 year part-time; Semester 2 intake 6 months full-time or equivalent part-time
UniSC program code
SC514
Program coordinator
Program structure
Required courses (2) 24 units

HLT500 Ageing in Australia
NUR704 Leadership in Clinical Practice

Elective courses (2) 24 units

Select 2 courses (24 units) from:

NUR551 Community and Primary Healthcare
NUR708 Learning and Teaching in the Practice Environment
NUR713 Independent Study
NUR721 Research in Health Care
NUR722 Assessment in Mental Health
NUR751 Advanced Health Assessment
HLT600 Indigenous Wellbeing Foundations
HSM701 Issues in Health Sector Management
PUB707 Public Health Foundations
MGT701 Leading and Managing Organisations
MGT702 Understanding and Managing Organisational Behaviour
MHN704 Understanding and Preventing Suicide

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
  • Successfully complete 48 units as outlined in the program structure
Program notes
  • Full time study available Semester 2 only
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.

Applicants are required to have successfully completed a bachelor's qualification (AQF level 7) in a health-related field from a recognised tertiary education provider. Applicants who are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) who do not have a bachelor's qualification may be considered for admission based on extensive industry experience and will require approval by the Program Coordinator.

Additional entry information

Standard English language requirements apply.

CSP estimate
A$5,404
Fee-paying estimate
A$12,924 - 2025 Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

Domestic applicants apply for admission direct to UniSC.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

Option to finish in one semester
Elect to progress to a master’s-level qualification
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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