Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification, or five years full-time relevant work experience.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification, or five years full-time relevant work experience. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 or up to 2 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2026 | Trimester 2 – June 2026 | Trimester 3 – October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
The demand for skilled professionals in aged care management is rapidly increasing, driven by factors such as an aging population, evolving regulatory environments, and the growing complexity of aged care services. UNE's Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management is designed to provide you with the leadership skills and advanced knowledge necessary to excel in this dynamic field, preparing you for a range of management positions within the sector.
Why study the Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management with UNE?
At UNE, you'll learn from seasoned industry professionals who bring practical insights and real-world knowledge to the classroom. This course focuses on developing your leadership and management capabilities, preparing you for the unique challenges of aged care settings. With a flexible online format, this program allows you to study part-time and complete your certificate in as little as one year, making it ideal for working professionals.
UNE is a pioneer in distance and online education, consistently receiving 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide. When you study with us, you can be confident in receiving high-quality education and exceptional support.
What makes our course different?
The units in this course have been developed in alignment with the Australian Government's Aged Care Quality Standards Framework, and in collaboration with industry experts to ensure relevance and maximum value in the workplace. When you study the Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management with UNE, you will:
- Equip yourself with the skills to lead and manage in a rapidly changing aged care sector, using evidence-based strategies to address challenges such as workforce shortages, technological advancements, and increasing resident expectations.
- Develop in-demand, transferable skills in leadership, management practice, problem-solving and critical thinking. You will also build an advanced understanding of
- Build a pathway for future study. The Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management has been carefully designed to articulate into the Graduate Diploma in Aged Care Management. If you decide to take your studies a step further, you can undertake the diploma while receiving advanced standing for the units you completed in the certificate.
- Study part-time and online, allowing you to balance your professional and personal commitments while advancing your career.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together to build real world networks for the future.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no intensive school requirements for units within this course.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under two admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a minimum of five years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience in administration, management and leaderships roles within relevant health care organisations, within the past 10 years.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant professional experience and health care organisations include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Aged Care
- Allied Health
- Community Services
- Counselling
- Health Management
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Social Work
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no intensive school requirements for units within this course.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- If you are applying for admission under Rule A, you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification/s.
- If you are applying for admission under Rule B, you must provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
If you are admitted under Rule A or Rule B, you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
This course is offered under two admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a minimum of five years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience in administration, management and leaderships roles within relevant health care organisations, within the past 10 years.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant professional experience and health care organisations include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Aged Care
- Allied Health
- Community Services
- Counselling
- Health Management
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Social Work
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no intensive school requirements for units within this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- If you are applying for admission under Rule A, you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification/s.
- If you are applying for admission under Rule B, you must provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
If you are admitted under Rule A or Rule B, you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Course structure
To qualify for the award, a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points.
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Mental Health and Older Adults (HLTH427) – 6 credit points
- Perspectives on Ageing (HLTH440) – 6 credit points
- Management Practices in Health and Social Care (HSHM449) – 6 credit points
- Leadership in Healthcare (HSHM500) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee (no government subsidy) | $12,912* |
| International | $16,656* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $3,552* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $373 |
* Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2025. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
The Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management (GCACM) provides the key skills and knowledge necessary for effective leadership and management in the aged care sector, in a wide variety of public, private and non-government organisations including hospitals, aged care facilities and other health care and community-based aged care services.
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management may apply for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Aged Care Management, if interested in pursing further studies.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the health policies, socio-political issues and system dynamics driving change in the aged care sector;
- interpret and apply a range of management practices in the context of health and social care;
- analyse and evaluate management problems in aged care services and engage in evidence-based, problem-solving strategies to address these; and
- analyse and apply the specialist knowledge in health and aged care policy and practice required to successfully manage aged care services, address problems and respond to opportunities.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will demonstrate core knowledge and competencies in health and aged care services management, including leadership, management practice in health and social care, mental health, the financial management and quality of care of the older person in health and aged care services. This knowledge of the discipline of aged care management is taught, practiced and assessed across the unit content via written assessments and group work.
- Communication Skills
Aged care managers rely on effective communication to perform as effective leaders and therefore there is a great emphasis on developing communication skills in the course Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management. Various aspects of communication are taught practiced and assessed in this course including, seeking and assessing information, managing diversity, dealing with conflict, utilising appropriate channels of communication, evaluating content of messages, reporting effectively and presenting well.
- Problem Solving
Problem solving is taught, practiced and assessed in the course Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management. Graduates will apply logical, and critical thinking to solve a range of problems which confront aged care sectors. They will identify critical issues in the discipline or professional formulate a range of solutions that are appropriate to the national or cultural context of the problem.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will be taught, practiced and assessed in relation to information literacy across in the course Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management. Graduates will recognise when information is needed, and identify, evaluate, and effectively use information as required. Leading and managing in the health care sector means being engaged with a great deal of information from a great many sources
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
This attribute will be taught, practised and assessed across the course Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management. Graduates will understand how to behave ethically within their health management discipline and in the broader context of health and social care. Demonstrate ethical action and social responsibility in their personal, professional and community lives; demonstrate respect for, and acknowledgement of, ideas and knowledge of others; acknowledge the social and ethical implications of their actions; appreciate the impact of social change; recognise social justice issues relevant to their discipline and professional area.
- Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is promoted throughout the course Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management. Graduates will be prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of personal and professional development in aged care management. Continuous learning is important for self and system improvement in the analysis of complex issues in the governance and performance management of aged care services. Therefore, this course is committed to establishing life-long learning as part of the graduate's skill base.
- Independence and Collaboration
This attribute is promoted throughout the course Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Management. Graduates will work independently and collaboratively to achieve individual and common goals. This includes networking effectively to achieve common goals and to solve problems; appreciate the different approaches that different cultures have to collaborative work; take responsibility and carry out agreed tasks; take initiative and lead others; operate in a range of supportive roles within teams; negotiate, assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others; evaluate team performance.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026 Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026 Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate) Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
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Why study with us?
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Why study with us?
UNE provides an excellent learning experience, and a wide range of social and student services. It is a perfect place to experience diverse culture, seasons and lifestyle!
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 24 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 |
| Trimester 2 | 23 June 2026 | 22 June 2026 |
