Graduate Diploma of Aged Care

The Graduate Diploma of Aged Care at Excelsia University College is a one-year qualification for people who want to work with older Australians and understand the systems that support them. It sits at graduate diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is a shorter, more applied qualification than a master's degree. You will study ageing from a social sciences and psychology angle: how people experience growing older, how aged care services are organised in Australia, and how to work ethically with older people and their families.

How the course is structured

Australian graduate diplomas are usually made up of units of study, each with a set credit point value. The exact number of units and credit points for this course is not stated here, so check the official course page for the full structure. Study is generally offered over semesters or trimesters, and you can expect a mix of lectures, tutorials, online learning and assessment tasks such as essays, case studies and practical projects. The course is delivered at Excelsia University College, and the CRICOS registration (116238C) means it is approved for international students.

What you will actually study

You will look at the social and psychological dimensions of ageing, including mental health, dementia care, grief and loss, and the way family and community relationships change over time. There is a strong focus on the Australian aged care system: residential care, home care packages, the role of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, and the rights of older people. You will also build skills in communication, assessment, care planning, and working within legal and ethical frameworks. Some units may include a work-integrated learning component, such as a placement or project in an aged care setting, but you should confirm this with the university.

Who it suits

This course suits people who already have a bachelor's degree in a related area such as psychology, social work, nursing, health sciences or community services, and who want to specialise in aged care without committing to a full master's. It also suits professionals already working in the sector who want to formalise their knowledge and move into more senior or specialised roles. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Always check the current visa rules with the Department of Home Affairs.

• Aged care coordinator or case manager, working for home care providers, residential aged care facilities, or community organisations.
• Support worker or team leader in aged care services, including dementia-specific units.
• Program officer or policy assistant in government departments, aged care advocacy bodies, or peak organisations.
• Client services officer in aged care assessment teams or My Aged Care.
• Residential care officer in retirement villages or aged care homes.
• Community development worker with a focus on older people.

Australia's aged care sector is large and growing, with demand for skilled staff across metropolitan, regional and rural areas. Graduates may find work in not-for-profit organisations, private providers, government agencies and community health services. Some roles may require additional registration or checks, such as a police check or working with vulnerable people clearance.