The Specialised Major in Gerontology

Currently, one in eight people living in Australia is aged 65 or over. We can expect this figure to be as high as one in four by the middle of this century. This has created a growing demand for qualified professionals with specialist skills who understand the ageing process and age-related issues and services. Such expertise is in increasing demand in areas such as health and welfare practice, education, management and policy development.

Gerontology examines the processes of ageing in individuals and populations. This major has been designed specifically to reflect the multidisciplinary nature of the subject, and to meet the needs of students from a broad range of professional backgrounds.

This is the longest established program of its kind in Australia.
You’ll have:

• Access to a multi-disciplinary team of researchers from this growing field
• The opportunity to design and adapt the course to suit needs

Mode of offer
Local and international students
Full-time (1 year) / Part-time (2 years)
Distance only

Entry Requirements

In order to qualify for admission, you will need:

• A relevant Bachelor’s Degree from an Australian tertiary institution or equivalent.
• Experience and/or qualifications as deemed appropriate by the Course Coordinator.

Graduate Certificate

The graduate certificate is the baseline entry level for the gerontology major of the Master of Health Sciences. Students who successfully complete the graduate certificate are eligible for full credit for their study and can articulate to the master’s course.

Contact Details

If you have more inquiries about this course please contact the Master of Health Sciences, administration unit at

Course Structure and Study Plan

Masters and Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences, with a specialist major in Gerontology.