Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Disability
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
This degree is only available to Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
Online
Fees
$AU 12,550 per 0.5 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
- A completed three-year Bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised higher education institution.
- OR a completed Certificate IV or Diploma VET/TAFE qualification in a related discipline AND a minimum of one year full-time professional experience in the disability, rehabilitation or related human services fields
- OR a minimum of three years' full-time Human Services sector, ageing and disability or related services experience or part-time equivalent within the past 15 years.
Applicants who do not hold a completed three-year Bachelor degree are asked to also provide a brief curriculum vitae.
This program will have no further intakes from mid-year 2024 onwards.
Degree overview
- Prepare for a professional career in aged and disability support or management.
- Upskill to advance your career in the national priority sectors of disability and aged care.
- Study courses with a specific focus on ageing and disability across a range of contexts to develop sector specific knowledge.
- Study courses with a specific critical disability studies and ageing focus.
- Benefit from flexible study options through online mode and gain a qualification in just 12 months.
- Gain credit towards further study, including Masters level qualifications in related industries.
Snapshot
Prepare for a professional career in aged and disability support or management, and develop the skills to enhance the wellbeing of individuals who live with impairment or challenges related to ageing, which may result in social exclusion.
Throughout the Graduate Certificate you will focus on critical disability studies, ageing, disability and the law, diversity in ageing and disability, understanding the NDIS and My Aged Care as well as design, evaluation of services, sociology of ageing and disability, case management and support coordination.
You will also explore a range of human service organisations to understand and navigate the human service welfare infrastructure, with a specific emphasis on understanding the ageing and disability sectors service models. You will explore the human services sector to develop a deeper understanding of roles in ageing and disability service delivery, and inter-agency work.
In just 12 months of part-time study, you will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and capabilities to make a difference in aged care and disability sectors.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, you can use your credit as a pathway to further learning, including Masters programs in related fields.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Disability has a strong focus on the practice and policy foundations of the ageing and disability sectors. This provides students the opportunity to develop a diverse range of skills and knowledge to effectively, and efficiently, deliver services in these sectors with impact and empathy, while also providing career advancement opportunities.
Throughout your studies, you will explore a range of human service organisations to understand and navigate the human service welfare infrastructure, with a specific emphasis on understanding the ageing and disability sectors service models. You will undertake research into the human services sector to develop a deeper understanding of their roles in ageing and disability service delivery, and inter-agency work.
As a practice-based degree, you will investigate case studies, undertake role plays, and research articles that highlight key social issues to develop strategies to resolve these issues across both ageing and disability sectors, as well as some NDIS and My Aged Care supported services.
You will also develop advanced interpersonal and professional communications skills, and policy capacities through a strongly vocationally oriented sequences of courses, including:
- Constructions of Ageing and Disability
- Diversity in Ageing and Disability
- Case Management and Support Coordination
- Ageing, Disability and the Law
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Disability
The Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Disability focuses on equipping graduates with the key knowledge and skills to effectively work in both ageing and disability sectors, as well as being able to provide some NDIS supported services.
Designed to meet the national priorities and the growing demand across the ageing and disability sectors, the Graduate Certificate focuses on students developing a strong body of knowledge of human service practice. Graduates will have an in-depth understanding in the underlying principles and concepts of social and emotional development and wellbeing, and ethical practice at the individual, community and policy level of ageing and disability service provision.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate will be equipped for entry to middle level positions in age and disability support or management.
Career outcomes include:
- Direct disability and age care support services
- Leadership, coordination and team supports in ageing and disability sector
- Community development, project officer and service design and evaluation roles
- Social planning, support coordination, local area coordination, program agency manager
- Case management or project roles in local, state and national government departments and agencies.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
As a developmental educator I am committed to walking alongside people living with disabilities and their networks to achieve their aspirations, life goals and take their place as full citizens. I have had a diverse range of roles in disability services in direct service provision, management, governance and research. As a result, I am passionate about educating future professionals to practice with high levels of integrity in a diverse range of settings, ensuring that social justice is accessible to all members of society. This program offers you insights into the range of employment options in the ageing and disability sectors, as well as a balance of theory and technical practice skills that are highly valued and sought after by employers. There is high demand for graduates who can work in direct service, service development, quality assurance and management.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
The highlight of the Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Disability was definitely the tutorials. The lecturers discussed the theory and related it to real life scenarios. Many of the students were also working in either the disability or aged care sector and shared real-life stories and dilemmas, promoting in-depth and interesting discussions amongst the group.
Janine Calligari
Graduate Certificate in Ageing & Disability
Program Manager | Care & Share at Trinity
Being a public sector lawyer for 12 years, I wanted to expand into areas of law that could assist older people and those living with a disability. The Graduate Certificate in Ageing & Disability meant I could study and continue to manage my legal practice at the same time. Learning about the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission within the program and the valuable work they do, led me to apply and secure employment at the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission as a solicitor. The knowledge I gained from the program enabled me to produce both an impactful job application and the confidence to answer questions effectively during the interview process.
Tessa Edwards
Graduate Certificate in Ageing & Disability
Solicitor | NDIS Quality & Safeguard Commission
