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Postgraduate Course

Graduate Certificate in Gerontological Healthcare

Expand your nursing expertise in the in-demand field of gerontological care. Become a sought-after expert in promoting healthy ageing.

What type of student are you?

Domestic International

Murdoch code: C1154
Study mode: Part Time or Full Time
Duration: 0.5
Selection rank
CRICOS code: 103900G
First year fee (domestic): $2,312
First year fee (international): $18,540
Full course fee (domestic): $2,312
Full course fee (international): $18,540

Apply

The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.

Overview

Are you a health professional seeking career development in the growing speciality of older-person-centred healthcare? Do you want to be seen as a leader in the field of ageing, with skills and knowledge applicable across a range of health care settings?

By studying gerontology at Murdoch, you’ll learn both the technical and analytic skills needed to implement multidisciplinary practice and policy to meet the demand for gerontological healthcare.

Build upon your health-related bachelor's degree, as you study safety in health care, contemporary issues in ageing, and evidence-based approaches to caring for older people with neurocognitive conditions, chronic progressive disease and end of life issues. You’ll graduate knowing how to identify and respond to deterioration and decline in older people, the components of a comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary care planning.

3 reasons to study Gerontological Healthcare at Murdoch

Fit study into your working life and study anywhere through our online-only course where you'll learn in our interactive, virtual classroom.
Our course curriculum has been developed in consultation with industry and is taught by topic experts to ensure you graduate with relevant knowledge.
Take advantage of networking opportunities through interactive workshops and online discussions.

What you’ll learn

Legal and ethical aspects of older person’s health care
Principles of person-centred care across care settings
Contemporary issues in ageing
Evidence-based strategies to improve quality of care
Application of palliative care principles at end of life
Comprehensive assessment of an older person

Your future career

As a graduate of Gerontological Healthcare, you’ll fulfil the need for skilled healthcare professionals with an understanding of gerontological issues and complex needs of older people. You may provide comprehensive health care in acute, community or residential settings and assist older people to navigate life transitions in either the private or aged care sectors. Career options may include:

Clinical Nurse
Nurse Unit Manager
Clinical Care Manager
Physiotherapist – aged care or community
Social Worker – aged care or community
Occupational Therapist – aged care or community
Facility manager

Professional accreditation

C1154 Graduate Certificate in Gerontological Healthcare is accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM). The School of Nursing promotes excellence and continual improvement of university training by providing a national university accreditation program. The national university accreditation standards have been developed through broad consultation with employers, industry groups, health managers and universities, to ensure that graduates who complete these programs are competent to perform the core tasks they face in employment.

Progress to structure

Study areas

Nursing

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Progress to structure

Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 12

Unit code	Unit name	Credit points
Course Core		12 credit points
SHP501	Safety and Quality in Health Care	3
SHP502	Contemporary Issues in Ageing	3
SHP503	Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Neurocognitive Disorders	3
SHP504	Chronic Disease Management and End of Life Care	3

Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.	Successful completion of the course AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.
University study	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA) AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.
Enabling courses	Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in Year 12. TLC – Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12. an enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.	Successful completion of the course AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of the course AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

University study
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA) AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

Enabling courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in Year 12. TLC – Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12. an enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of the course AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
VET course studied at school	Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) or Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	Total score of 24 or higher.	Does not meet English for direct entry. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)	CPS 54 or higher.	Does not meet English for direct entry STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. (145 if prior to May 2010) AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.
Overseas Year 12	Please refer to the information under the country of study.	Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)	Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.	Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Extenuating circumstances	We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.	Case-by-case assessment.
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)	70	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.
GCE A Levels	Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.	Does not meet English for direct entry STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. (145 if prior to May 2010) AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) or Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Does not meet English for direct entry. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Does not meet English for direct entry STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. (145 if prior to May 2010) AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement 70
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
Minimum English requirement Does not meet English for direct entry STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. (145 if prior to May 2010) AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.
Certificate IV AQF level 4	Successful completion of a Certificate IV.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). AND Satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

Certificate IV AQF level 4
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). AND Satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)	Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).	Written English score of 140 (145 if prior to May 2010) AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)	No direct entry.	No direct entry.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Minimum academic requirement Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Minimum English requirement Written English score of 140 (145 if prior to May 2010) AND satisfactory completion of at least 6 years of primary and secondary education, including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12, taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA.

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
Minimum academic requirement No direct entry.
Minimum English requirement No direct entry.

A recognised Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent in a health-related discipline.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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Progress to how to apply

How to apply

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Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:

Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements

Recommended documents (if applicable)

Change of name documentation
Marriage certificate
Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
GTE documents (if applicable) - Check the GTE requirements page for further information
- GTE Form 2
- Personal Statement (SOP)
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae
A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

A copy of your visa documents (if available)
A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.

The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.

For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.

Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.

The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.

The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.

All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.

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Graduate Certificate in Gerontological Healthcare

What type of student are you?

Overview

Study areas

Apply to start

Sign up to hear from us

Structure

Total credit points: 12

Where could a health degree take you?

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

Recent Secondary Education

Vocational Education & Training

Work & Life Experience

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

English Requirements

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing

Fees and scholarships

Scholarships

How much will it cost?

How much will it cost?

Scholarships

How to apply

How to apply