Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education

2022 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2022 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year

2022 course information

Award granted Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education
Course Map

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2022.

Students who commenced prior to 2022 should refer to previous online Handbooks Link or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central enquire.

CampusThis course is only offered Online
Cloud CampusYes
Duration

1 year part time

Deakin course codeH520
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Take an active role in addressing the world’s fastest growing chronic condition with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education – the longest-running course of its kind in Australia. Discover evidence-based approaches to diabetes prevention and management, and graduate from the course ready to help patients lead healthier lives.

Want to be a key support for individuals and families affected by diabetes?

There are currently 1.7 million Australians with diabetes, and a further 2 million at high risk of developing the condition^. Diabetes has a substantial physical and emotional impact on the wellbeing of those affected, and it’s places increasing demand on the economy, workforce and healthcare system. With a Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education your specialist skills will be valued in both diabetes prevention and empowering those already with diabetes to self-manage their condition more effectively. Graduates have a vital role in promoting the health of current and future generations.

Start by exploring the complex nature of diabetes, including the causes and progression of the condition, as well as its social and psychological effects. Then, discover ways to treat, manage and prevent it through evidence-based approaches, particularly around diet, medication and lifestyle changes. Graduate from the course with strong communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team to deliver engaging, tailored diabetes education with maximum impact.

Practical learning experiences bring the theory to life and provide authentic environments where you can develop your skills and build important professional networks. In recent times, Deakin students have had access to placements in specialist diabetes services such as paediatric clinics, remote Aboriginal health services and tertiary hospitals. Students can also participate in a three-day workshop with some of the most respected educators and researchers in the field to learn about innovative approaches to diabetes education and management.

The benefits of joining the first and longest-running postgraduate diabetes course in Australia extend beyond our industry connections. Our academic staff are actively involved in research and clinical practice. And through Deakin’s long-standing partnerships with Victoria’s major health services, we’ve established The Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – a leading research centre that focuses on patient experience, safety and health workforce. Diabetes research led by our team feeds into the course.

Hoping to become a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE)? This course is accredited by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and is the first step towards becoming a CDE. Visit adea.com.au for more information.

Indicative student workload

As a student in a Cloud (online) course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 8-10 hours every week studying, undertaking various learning tasks, interacting with others and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course. An optional three-day workshop is scheduled during Trimester 2 and is delivered on campus at Burwood (Melbourne) or online, in line with the most current COVIDSafe health guidelines.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) and is the first step on the path towards becoming a Credentialed Diabetes Educator.

Career opportunities

Your understanding of diabetes, prevention strategies and management approaches will be highly sought-after in:

  • public hospitals
  • community health centres
  • primary care
  • private practices
  • government and non-government organisations
  • universities
  • health funds
  • pharmaceutical companies.

If you continue the pathway to becoming become a Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE)*, your opportunities will open up even further. As a CDE, you may be eligible for a provider number from Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This helps eligible clients to receive rebates for the services you provide.

*Subject to additional requirements. Visit adea.com.au for details

Participation requirements

The units of the Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education are delivered online. A three day on-campus workshop is optional. Students seeking credentialing with the ADEA must complete a 40-hour clinical placement while enrolled in the course.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/health-and-wellbeing/disability-support

Mandatory student checks

Students undertaking clinical placement require a police check, working with children check and evidence of immunisations.

Pathways

This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs. Students may elect to apply and request credit transfer for their studies into a Graduate Diploma or Masters in their relevant professional areas, providing the entry criteria are met.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website or our handy Fee estimator to help estimate your tuition fees.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as photocopying or travel.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Apply diabetes-specific knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practice that comply with organisational, legal and business requirements by evaluation and interpretation of literature to manage acute and long term complications.

Communication

Communicate complex knowledge and ideas to clients and their families, health professionals, and the wider diabetes community in varied contexts, demonstrating well developed judgment, adaptability, accountability and responsibility.

Demonstrate advanced understanding of principles of person-centred care by communicating with clients and their families, health professionals and the wider diabetes community with empathy, and using appropriate language and methods, in a manner that promotes active engagement and supports self-management.

Digital literacy

Evaluate information using digital technologies to effectively disseminate relevant information to professional networks, clients and communities.

Critical thinking

Critically identify, analyse, evaluate and apply research knowledge and skills for all aspects of diabetes care.

Problem Solving

Apply best practice and respond effectively by using a well-developed diabetes education plan within an evidence-based framework.

Self-management

Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a learner and diabetes educator within their scope of practice.

Teamwork

Apply the principles of collaborative, interdisciplinary practice and for working in partnership with health professionals and clients to develop mutually agreeable diabetes care plans.

Global citizenship

Advocate for equitable access for all people affected by diabetes to best practice diabetes education and care services in a cultural diverse and global context.

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education students must attain 4 credit points.
All four 1 credit point units are core units (these are compulsory).

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

Course structure

Core units

Each unit below is delivered online via FutureLearn, allowing you the freedom to fit learning around your work, family and lifestyle. These units are broken down into five, easily-manageable two-week blocks and takes approximately 10 weeks to complete in addition to assessment tasks

Trimester 1

HAI010Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

HND701Pathophysiology of Diabetes

HND732Diabetes in Social and Psychological Contexts

Trimester 2

HND702Management of Diabetes

HND731Learning and Teaching for Health Professionals

Work experience

Australian students seeking ADEA credentialing must successfully complete a 40 hour clinical practicum (while enrolled in the course), organised by academic staff.

Placements are optional and subject to availability.

International students are advised to refer to the professional bodies in their home country and are not able to seek credentialing with the ADEA or undertake clinical placement in Australia.


Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing clinical placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.