Graduate Certificate in Gerontological Healthcare
How to apply
- Study mode
- Part Time Full Time
- First year fee (domestic)
- $2,368
- Full course fee (domestic)
- $2,368
- Full time duration
- 0.5
- Murdoch code
- C1154
- Australian Qualifications Framework level
- Level 8 - Graduate Certificate
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year domestic student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable domestic fee.
Course 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 University
- 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
I definitely wouldn’t have chosen rural work if I didn’t have the opportunity to do rural placements. A lot of the other universities don’t really offer that as well as Murdoch do.
Camille Talbott, Nursing
Read full student story
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
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online | Mixed mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2026 | Open Universities Australia | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Open Universities Australia | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Open Universities Australia | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Open Universities Australia | No | Yes | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 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.
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.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
Full course fee: $2,368
First year fee: $2,368
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year domestic student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable domestic fee.
Scholarships
Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Whether you're a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.
View all scholarshipsHow to Apply
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
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
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.