Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education
2023 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2023 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education |
| Course Map | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Campus | This course is only offered Online |
| Online | Yes |
| Duration | 1 year part time |
| Deakin course code | H520 |
| 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
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
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 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 an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 10-15 hours every week studying for each unit in your course, undertaking various learning tasks, interacting with others and completing assessment tasks. 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.
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 mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.
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.
Course structure
Core units
Each unit below is delivered online, allowing you the freedom to fit learning around your work, family and lifestyle. These units are broken down into easily-manageable weekly activities and takes approximately 10 weeks to complete in addition to assessment tasks.
Trimester 1
| HAI010 | Academic Integrity (0 credit points) |
| HND701 | Pathophysiology of Diabetes |
| HND732 | Diabetes in Social and Psychological Contexts |
Trimester 2
| HND702 | Management of Diabetes |
| HND731 | Contemporary Approaches to Diabetes Education |
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.
- Contact Student Central