Global Utilities

La Trobe University
University Handbook 2010

Graduate certificates and postgraduate diploma courses

Graduate Certificate in Gerontology – Melbourne (Bundoora) (HCG), Distance Education (HCGDE)
Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontology – Melbourne (Bundoora) (HPG), Distance Education (HGGDE)

Coordinator: Dr Angela Herd

Tel: (03) 9479 5813

Email: a.herd@latrobe.edu.au

Web: www.latrobe.edu.au/publichealth/gerontology

Duration: Graduate Certificate: 0.5 (full-time), 1-2 years (part-time)

Postgraduate Diploma: 1 year (full-time), 2-3 years (part-time)

These courses aim to meet the needs of a wide range of graduates who wish to develop knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue career interests in areas associated with older people. The program is relevant to health and human services professionals including health and welfare administrators, medical practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals such as dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists, pharmacists and podiatrists.

The program is multidisciplinary in its approach and integrates biological, psychological and social perspectives on ageing. Content addresses the promotion of healthy ageing and independence, as well as services and policies related to the support and care needs of frail older people.

Admission requirements

Prospective students for the graduate certificate and postgraduate diploma are usually required to hold a bachelor degree or equivalent. Applicants with relevant experience may be permitted entry into the graduate certificate or single subjects.

Course structure – postgraduate diploma

The course consists of eight subjects and students are required to complete:

  • the core subjects – Foundation Studies in Gerontology (GER4FSG), Care and Support Services for Older People (GER4CSS) and Health and Wellbeing of Older People (GER4HWB)
  • plus any other five subjects from the list below:
Teaching period Subject code Subject title Credit Points
core subjects
TE-SEM-1/2 GER4FSG Foundation Studies in Gerontology 15
TE-SEM-1/2 GER4CSS Care and Support Services for Older People 15
TE-SEM-2 GER4HWB Health and Wellbeing of Older People 15
five of the following subjects
TE-SEM-1 PHE4HDD Health Data for Decision Making 15
or
TE-SEM-2 PHE4HDE Health Data for Decision Making – Skills Enhancement 15
TE-SEM-1 PHE4AHS The Australian Health Care System 15
TE-SEM-1/2 PHE4IHP Introduction to Health Promotion 15
TE-SEM-1/2 GER4DCM Dementia Care – A Multidimensional Approach 15
TE-SEM-2 GER4MPC Multi-Professional Care of Older People 15
TE-SEM-2 PHE4PDE Program Development and Evaluation 15
TE-SEM-2 GER4CPE Field Work Investigation 15
and
TE-SEM-1/2 GER4*___ Elective1 15
or
TE-SEM-1/2 PHE4*___ Elective1 15

Key: 1. This subject must be: taken at postgraduate level, equivalent to 15 credit points and relevant to gerontology. It can be taken from any faculty within the University, or from another institution. Enrolment in this elective is subject to the approval of the course coordinator.

Course structure – graduate certificate

This course is offered on a part-time basis over one to two years and consists of:

  • the core subjects – Foundation Studies in Gerontology (GER4FSG) and Care and Support Services for Older People (GER4CSS)
  • plus any other two subjects from the list above (not including the elective)