This degree is only available to Australian students
You're an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Please remember your residency (the country you are currently in) has no impact on whether you are an Australian or International student.
Diploma in Aged Care
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2023
Start Date
January, April, June, September
Duration
1 year(s) full-time
Mode
Online
Time Commitment
10 - 15 hours per week per course
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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria:
Work and life experience (for domestic students only)- Passed a UniSA Online literacy and numeracy test and have work experience, or
- Completed a UniSA Foundations Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past, or
- Qualify for Special Entry
OR
Recent secondary education- Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 or international qualification
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate III or above
OR
Higher education study
- Successfully completed equivalent to a minimum of half a year of full-time study of a higher education program at a recognised higher education provider
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
- Use your qualification as a pathway into UniSA bachelor degrees in health, nursing, social sciences or a range of allied health fields.
- Study a degree that has been developed in collaboration with leading aged care providers.
- Learn course content that has been mapped to relevant standards which include the Aged Care Quality Standards and the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.
- Take a holistic approach to aged care and build a combination of high-level care and lifestyle support skills that employers are seeking.
- Retrain for jobs in a national priority area and leave with the knowledge to transition into the aged care workforce.
Snapshot
Study On Demand – this is a 100% online aged care qualification designed specifically for online learning. With UniSA Online, you can take full control over your study, access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.
The Diploma in Aged Care qualification takes just twelve months to complete and is an opportunity to start your career or upskill in one of Australia's fastest-growing sectors.
The program offers a pathway into UniSA if you don’t meet the direct entry requirements for the degree you wish to study. Depending on your area of interest, you could go on to study a range of bachelor degrees in health, nursing, or any other allied health areas.
Both the Undergraduate Certificate in Aged Care and the Diploma in Aged Care have been developed in collaboration with leading aged care providers. Study course content that has been mapped to relevant standards which include the Aged Care Quality Standards and the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.
What you'll learn
In your diploma, you’ll complete eight courses covering a diverse range of topics.
Study a range of topics including first aid, CPR, manual handling and infection control. Learn to communicate effectively in order to care for people with dementia. Understand diversity and cultural safety as well as the importance of reporting and escalating issues that may arise when working with clients. Learn to develop a meaningful program of activity for older people that supports participation and engagement and improves their health and wellbeing.
Explore how mental health issues impact a person’s behaviour and learn strategies to facilitate engagement in activities. Build your knowledge of goal setting and action plans to reinforce the practice of healthy activities. Learn the roles and responsibilities that different team members play and in turn, enhance your teamwork and collaboration skills.
Your qualification will prepare you to transition into the aged care workforce. Learn about workplace practices, standards and expectations, and supervisory practices. Come out with the skills to develop your professional network and strategies for seeking employment in aged care.
Note: students who study the first four courses can exit with an Undergraduate Certificate in Aged Care.
Study hours
Studying 100% online means you can engage with course materials at your own pace, whenever it suits you – there is no need to be online at a particular time. It’s flexible around your life so you can control your study schedule week by week. As a general rule, we recommend 10 to 15 hours of study a week for each course.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are 100% online, meaning you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or find an exam venue.
Some of your assessments may include:
- an industry-relevant project
- an online presentation
- essays and reports
Please note, courses may not be displayed in order of study.
Study Aged Care on Demand
Watch Dr. Ysabella Van Sebille give an insight into what the Aged Care program is about, and how the program has been designed to suit busy adults on the go.
Why Diploma in Aged Care
When you complete your studies, you'll have the knowledge employers demand and will be ready to start seeking employment in an aged care support role. When you enter the industry, you’ll be able to continue your learning and build on your capabilities that help support residents or clients reach and maintain their best possible function given any cognitive, social, emotional and physical decline. You'll also build on your knowledge to help people adapt to a range of environmental or behavioural issues.
Your Diploma in Aged Care is recognised as an AQF-level qualification and has been built from a review of current aged care training offered in the vocational education sector. This program aims to better reflect skills and capabilities required of contemporary aged care support workers.
Your career
Australia’s ageing population is growing, and with it, there is increased demand for professional support workers. The number of people requiring aged care is set to double by the year 2050, with 179,000 job openings predicted over the next five years1.
Careers to consider:
- Aged care worker
Actively support elderly people to remain living independently through the provision of social support, personal care and domestic assistance; provide transportation to medical appointments, shops and social activities; help with personal care duties such as showering, grooming and dressing; and assist with domestic and housekeeping activities such as cooking, cleaning and laundry washing. - Residential support worker
Support clients to live independent lives in their own homes; deliver a range of services according to the care requirements and care plans of each client; enable each client to have the opportunity to succeed at the activities of daily living which promote dignity, respect and maintain their quality of life and abilities; work with a range of clients such as people with a disability, children and youth who live in residential care. - Community support worker
Promote the dignity and positive image of clients within the community; facilitate client communication and enhance their choice and decision-making processes; assist clients in all aspects of personal care; and promote and encourage community inclusion, networking opportunities and social activities; and encourage and arrange various activities to help stimulate them physically, mentally and emotionally. - Recreational and lifestyle support coordinators
Assist and support an individual in developing skills and abilities as well as managing self-care tasks that will maximise their independence and confidence in their everyday lives. Assist clients with tasks and activities to build life skills and connect with their community.
1joboutlook.gov.au
Scholarships and grants
We'll support you throughout your online studies. Apply for a range of scholarships and grants when you enrol into a UniSA Online degree. Conditions apply.
Your study experience and support
Study On Demand
Our online career-focused degrees give you full control and ultimate flexibility over your study. It’s Study On Demand, on your schedule, on your terms.
- Study 100% online - no need to come onto campus
- Choose from four start dates in January, April, June and September
- Learn in 10-week blocks
- Get support seven days a week - including on weeknights
- Access learning resources 24/7
- View course content before your term starts
- Work while you study
- Plan your study schedule ahead of time
- Fast-track your studies and receive credit for past study and/or work experience.
Why UniSA Online?
Our graduates get jobs
UniSA is ranked in the top two in Australia for graduate employability.1 Join a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA Online degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career or take it to the next level.
Specifically designed for online learning
Our team of academic and online experts have created interactive and media-rich course material using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources. Every degree has been specifically designed for online learning to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge for your future career.
Backed by industry
Every UniSA Online degree is overseen by an experienced industry advisory board. We've also consulted with industry experts with a wealth of experience to design course content that reflects the most cutting-edge developments in your field. Our industry connections will enrich your online study experience - you'll be presented with industry problems that real organisations face. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge that industry are telling us they need in graduates.
Expand your professional network from wherever you are
Online study doesn’t mean studying on your own. You’ll connect with a community of other like-minded students – you’ll be able to share, debate and collaborate ideas through virtual classrooms, online chat, video conferencing, and online communication tools.
1 Ranked #2, 2021 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey – Graduate Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities.
Student support
Studying can be challenging, especially when you’re also juggling work and other life commitments. You’re not studying 9-5, Monday to Friday, which is why we provide personalised, extended hour support services – including on weekends – so you can get help when you need it.
Dedicated Student Adviser support
Our Student Advisers will be an important part of your student journey – they’ll help you enrol, discuss your study goals, communication preferences, and will be your first point of call for all your general study questions. They’ll link you to an extensive range of support services and resources across the University and will help schedule appointments with specialised services if required.
Online academic support seven days a week
You’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.
They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing as well as answer any other course-specific queries. You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment.You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.
24/7 tech support
Our IT Help Desk is available 24/7 to provide assistance with your computer set up, student email, software requirements and other UniSA apps and student applications. You’ll be able to get support no matter what time it is.
24/7 digital environment
Our interactive online environment is a one-stop-shop for all your study needs. You’ll be able to track your progress through the student dashboard, plan your study schedule, receive reminders on due dates for tasks and assessments, as well as collaborate and network with a community of other like-minded students.
Using innovative technology in online education, your study experience will be highly personalised based on your learning activities throughout your degree. Just like your own personal study coach, you’ll get tailored feedback to enhance your learning outcomes and ensure you’re successful in your studies.
IT Requirements
As a general rule of thumb, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past three years should be capable of meeting your online learning needs. While mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones will be able to access most of your online course content, there are likely to be elements of most courses where we recommend you use a desktop or laptop computer. Your computer should be able to:
- run a modern browser (Microsoft Edge, Firefox 24, Safari 5, or Chrome 32 or later versions)
- run Java
- run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations
- use a web camera and headset (or ear pods with microphone)
- Some UniSA Online degrees require an online exam. The online exam software – Remote Proctor Now – has specific capability requirements. Please refer to the system requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer is compatible.
Access free IT software and resources
As a UniSA Online student, you'll:
- Get free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Lync software. Install the full suite on up to five different devices (PC and Mac compatible).
- Get 1Tb of personal storage that syncs with your PC or mobile device through OneDrive - it's like an extra hard drive that allows you to open any of your files from any of your devices, whenever you need them.
- Get free access to LinkedIn Learning - Access more than 5000 video courses on a broad range of topics such as: the Microsoft Office suite, time management and study skills, health and wellbeing, communication and presentation skills, photography, film making and designing your own games or mobile apps.
- Be able to connect with others using Microsoft Teams, Yammer and the Outlook Web App.
There are some degrees that have specialised software requirements. We've made this software available to students to access for free - you'll be able to download and install any of the required programs on your own device anywhere and anytime. See if your degree requires specialised software.
Check your device
Our computer system test will determine if your device has the base system resources and software required to study online. It'll also check the speed of your internet connection.
See if your computer, laptop or device is all set up and ready to go – it takes just a few seconds.
The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:
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Check your eligibility
Take our eligibility checker and answer a few short questions to see if you’re eligible. You’ll be given an option to continue your application, save it for later or request a call back from a Degree Adviser if you have any questions. -
Gather your relevant documents
If you're eligible, you'll receive an email outlining the entry requirements and the relevant documentation you need in order to be considered.
In order to verify your academic qualifications, you'll need to upload relevant documents like your official parchment, certificates or transcripts. If you have work experience, you will need to upload your CV as well as any other documents like work references, professional recognition or accreditation or your training certification.
Your email will contain information on the specific documents you need to provide as well as a link to log in to your application. You'll be asked to create an account and set your own password. -
Complete your application and send through your documents
In order to proceed with your conditional offer, you’ll need to complete your application and provide required evidence of your previous study or work experience.
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When should I apply?
UniSA Online degrees start four times a year in January, April, June and September. There are key application dates for each term. If you're looking to apply for credit, there are different closing dates you need to be aware of, so it's always best to double check. Key dates can be found at unisaonline.edu.au/key-dates.
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Do I have to be online at set times?
All of our courses are asynchronous, meaning you choose when to study, whenever it suits you. However, if your degree has online exams, you will need to sit these at a designated date and time. Some courses may also require you to speak to your academics via phone or online communication channels at a mutually agreed time as part of your assessment.
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What academic support is available?
Our academics are available seven days a week, including weeknights. Throughout your degree, you’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.
They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing, and can answer any other course-specific queries.
You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment. You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.
If you need after-hours learning support, Studiosity is a great resource that can help you with your writing, academic language, grammar and referencing. You’ll also be able to chat online with a Studiosity online adviser.
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How is my degree structured?
Full-time students study two courses each term. It makes earning a degree completely achievable, especially if you’re working. Your degree is delivered over four terms each year. Each term runs for ten weeks with two-week breaks in between each term.
You’ll also have the option to go part-time, or switch between the two. If you need to take a break in your study, that’s an option too. We recommend speaking to your Student Adviser who can help you update your study plan and check when your courses are offered.
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What career prospects do I have with my university qualification?
Our degrees are designed in conjunction with industry experts, employers and professional associations, and informed by the latest developments in your field. You will graduate with in demand skills and up-to-date knowledge required by industry.
You will be studying with a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career, or take it to the next level. UniSA's online students have graduate employment rates well above the national average.*
UniSA Online qualifications follow the same Government Higher Education Standards Framework as our on-campus degrees. The parchment you receive at the end of your degree will be the same as any other University of South Australia student.
*UniSA External UG full-time employment rate 83% Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018
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What are the main differences between online, on-campus and distance education?
The knowledge you gain from each mode of study is the same – it's how you get there that's different. When you study online, everything from your course material to weekly activities and assessments are fully online. You'll communicate with academic staff and students via live messages, online discussion forums and email.
Studying on campus requires students to physically come on to campus at specific times to attend lectures, tutorials and practicals. On-campus students have face-to-face contact with academics and fellow students and also communicate via email and online discussion boards.
Distance Education involves physical course material packages being sent to students, usually print based but occasionally audio or video. Communication is usually via telephone, mail and email. In today’s digital era, distance education has been superseded by online education.