Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
Develop into a confident leader in gerontology
Australia’s ageing population is creating a growing need for practitioners who can champion person-centred care across a range of settings. Taught by nationally and internationally recognised leaders in gerontology, this fully online graduate certificate equips you with advanced knowledge of ageing, gerontological theory and the policy frameworks shaping support for older adults. Through core courses and a wide choice of electives, you’ll deepen your understanding of health, social and cultural needs, evaluate care models and systems, and build the communication and collaborative skills needed to work effectively with older people, families and communities. You will also integrate cultural capability and ethical reasoning into practice, strengthen your leadership skills for service enhancement and workforce development, and connect with leaders and peers to build your professional network.
In this program you will:
- Expand your knowledge of gerontology and policy frameworks that guide evidence-based care.
- Apply evidence and critical analysis to improve person-centred practice and respond to the diverse needs of older people.
- Evaluate existing models of care and identify opportunities for quality and safety improvement.
- Build communication, collaboration and cultural capability to work effectively across disciplines and communities.
- Develop leadership skills and professional connections to contribute to workforce development, service enhancement and practice change in gerontology settings.
Location
CRICOS code
Duration
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 2026 fees (A$)
CSP / Fee-paying Annual feeStart
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Start
-
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Online
- Total courses
- 4
- Total units
- 48
- Duration
- 6 months 6 months
- CRICOS code
- N/A
- UniSC program code
- GC011
Advanced courses (1) 12 units
HLT500 Ageing in Australia
Required courses from a specified list
36 units
Select a total of 36 units from:
HLT600 Indigenous Wellbeing Foundations
MGT701 Leading and Managing Organisations
MGT702 Understanding and Managing Organisational Behaviour
MHN704 Understanding and Preventing Suicide
MHN705 Healthy Brain Ageing
NUR551 Community and Primary Healthcare
NUR708 Learning and Teaching in the Practice Environment
NUR713 Independent Study
NUR722 Assessment in Mental Health
PUB707 Public Health Foundations
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
- Successfully complete 48 units as outlined in the Program Structure.
- This program is available to Offshore international students.
- Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Program notes
Students may apply for up to 24 units of credit if they have completed the Aged Dementia, Education and Health Research (ADHERe) Gerontological Nursing Competencies Aged Care Transition to Practice (ACTTP) program (or equivalent) or on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
An RPL assessment is made on the basis that learning can be documented and the applicant can demonstrate the standard they achieved from participating in these activities is comparable to the standards in the program in which they are seeking credit. Learning may include relevant professional and paraprofessional experience, continuing professional development activities and other work/life experiences. The onus shall be on the applicant to provide evidence that demonstrates relevant skills, knowledge and understanding.
Once students have received and accepted their UniSC offer, it is recommended that they apply for credit as early as possible, so that there is sufficient time to assess applications and finalise enrolment.
Applicants are required to have successfully completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF level 7) in a health-related field from a recognised tertiary education provider.
English language requirements
Special selection criteria
Applicants who are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) who do not have a Bachelor qualification may be considered for admission based on extensive industry experience and will require approval by the Program Coordinator.
Additional entry information
Applicants from a non-English speaking background should refer to the English language requirements for further information.
Credit precedents
- Students who have completed Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs) may apply for credit. Credit may be awarded for up to 24 units within this program.
- CSP estimate
- A$6,132
- Fee-paying estimate
- A$14,253 - 2026 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2026)
- TBA
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.
Fee-paying places
A fee-paying place is not covered by any government subsidy, and you are required to pay the full cost of the courses you are studying.
If you accept a fee-paying place, you can defer the cost of your studies via a FEE-HELP loan. Eligibility for a FEE-HELP loan is the same as for a Commonwealth-supported place. You must:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic applicants apply for admission direct to UniSC.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
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.