The Master of Applied Gerontology is a 54-unit program comprising of 2 streams of study. Stream A comprises of 54 units of coursework and Stream B comprises of 36 units of coursework and an 18-unit project. This course is offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

The course articulates with the Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology and the Graduate Diploma in Applied Gerontology. The sequentially developed topics allow progression through the awards. Students who hold a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma receive credit for topics already taken.

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or an equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution and have not less than two years work experience in Palliative Care or Aged Care or in a related field or hold a four-year degree or three-year degree plus honours, or one of the following:

  • Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology
  • Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care in Aged Care
  • Graduate Diploma in Applied Gerontology, or the
  • Graduate Diploma in Palliative Care in Aged Care.

However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Credit may be given, on application, for comparable prior studies.

Course aims

The course aims to provide a masters-level postgraduate degree that enhances knowledge and skills that are required for students to engage in evidence-based, ageing-related practice or research within a global context and at an international standard. 

Learning outcomes

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate understanding of the core course concepts of contemporary ageing studies; and their implications for professional practice
  • critically appraise theory, research evidence and professional gerontological literature and applied this to their own practice
  • critically reflect upon and self evaluate own professional practice
  • apply within coursework a well-developed understanding of ageing in a global context, including cultural and Indigenous perspectives
  • demonstrate a well developed capacity to undertake, reflect upon and evaluate core professional tasks, such as basic gerontological clinical and needs assessment, program management, ethical decision-making or research
  • develop and implement the skills for a deep and life long approach to learning in Applied Gerontology
  • write a piece of independent intellectual work which adds to existing knowledge
  • develop the skills to publish within the peer reviewed literature.

Program of study

To qualify for The Master of Applied Gerontology, a student must complete 54 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Except with permission of the Faculty Board the program must be completed full-time within three consecutive semesters or part-time within ten consecutive semesters. A lesser period may be set for students granted credit for previous studies.

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in 12 units or more may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purpose of the University's Policy on Student Progress.

The Master of Applied Gerontology provides 2 pathways:

  • Stream A - coursework and practicum comprising 45 units of coursework topics and 9 units of practicum
  • Stream B - coursework and Research Project comprising 36 units of coursework topics and 18 units of Research Project.

Stream A - Coursework & Practicum

Core topics

 AGES8020  Introduction to Social Gerontology  (4.5 units)
 AGES8021  Introduction to Clinical Gerontology  (4.5 units)
 AGES8022  Psychological Dimensions of Ageing  (4.5 units)
 PALL8432  Understanding Literature for Evidence-Based Practice  (4.5 units)
 PALL8443  Practicum  (9 units)

plus 9 units of Research Methods topics.

plus 18 units of Elective topics selected from the list below.

Stream B - Coursework and Research Project

Core topics

 AGES8020  Introduction to Social Gerontology  (4.5 units)
 AGES8021  Introduction to Clinical Gerontology  (4.5 units)
 AGES8022  Psychological Dimensions of Ageing  (4.5 units)
 PALL8417  Research Project  (18 units)
 PALL8432  Understanding Literature for Evidence-Based Practice  (4.5 units)

plus 9 units of Research Methods topics. 

plus 9 units of Elective topics selected from the list below.

Stream A & B - Elective topics

 AGES8023  Healthy Ageing (Mental Health)  (4.5 units)
 AGES8024  Medication and Ageing  (4.5 units)
 AGES8025  Best Practice in Dementia Care  (4.5 units)
 AGES8028  Leadership to Support Person-centred Dementia Care (4.5 units)
 HACM9100  Managing People  (4.5 units)
 HACM9101  Managing Organisations  (4.5 units)
 HACM9103  Financial Management in Aged Care  (4,5 units)
HACM9200  Health and Aged Care Systems  (4.5 units)
 NURS9710  The 3Ds Dementia, Delerium, and Depression  (4.5 units)
 PALL8430  Communication at the End of Life A  (4.5 units)
 PALL8436  Palliative Care in Aged Care Settings  (4.5 units)
 PPHR9711  Ageing of Populations - Causes and Consequences  (4.5 units)
 REMH8025 Recognising and Responding to Dementia in Indigenous Communities (4.5 units)

 Or other topics offered by other departments as deemed appropriate by the Course Coordinator

Stream A & B - Research Methods topics

Students are requested to consult with their Course Coordinator to select topics appropriate to their area of research interest. Available topics include:

 AGES8026  Design and Ethics in Research with Vulnerable Populations  (4.5 units)
 MMED8904  Health Sciences Research Methods  (4.5 units)
 PHCA8502  Qualitative Research Methods  (9 units)
 PHCA8503  Research Methods for Social Epidemiology  (9 units)
 NURS9218  Approaches to Research Design  (4.5 units)
 SOAD9206  Social Work Research in Practice Settings  (4.5 units)