Graduate Diploma in Elderly and Critical Care

Graduate Diploma In Elderly & Critical Care (E-Learning)

Start Date

Feb, Apr 2026

Duration

6 Months Part Time

Mode

100% Online (Zoom)

Assessment

100% Coursework

Melvyn Goh
8071 5768

Graduate Diploma In Elderly & Critical Care (E-Learning)

Awarded by Aventis Graduate School

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Elderly & Critical Care is an advanced postgraduate program designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills in caring for elderly patients, particularly those in critical or complex medical situations. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the major theories that guide the field of health psychology and is based on the biopsychosocial model of health and illness.

Furthermore, the course will enable students to identify person-centered approaches in supporting end-of-life care; gain a clear overview of their health and aged care systems; gain an in-depth analysis of Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease measures in Singapore.

Career Progression

The Care Economy consists of a professional group of occupations and competencies involved in educating and caring for present-day and future generations.

Almost 40% of job openings in emerging professions globally will be in the Care Economy by 2022.

After completing this mental wellness diploma course, you can go on to one of our Master’s programmes in psychology, counselling, or psychotherapy. You’re in for rewarding job prospects, such as:

Aventis collaborate with SG Caregiver and e2i Employment and Employability institute to provide access to career matching, networking, personalized career coaching, and direct placement opportunities. Seize the chance to propel your career forward in a rewarding field where you can make a real difference.

Aventis Graduate School is proud to collaborate with the Singapore Nurses Association to enhance the professional development of nursing professionals in Singapore. This partnership aims to provide specialized training and advanced educational opportunities that empower nurses to excel in their careers and meet the evolving demands of healthcare. Through this collaboration, Aventis and the Singapore Nurses Association are committed to supporting the continuous growth and excellence of the nursing community in Singapore.

Why Choose Aventis ?

Access a world-class education founded on Aventis' 15 years of extraordinary success in the graduate education market. Get a degree from a graduate programme you can respect and trust.

Programme Structure

The Graduate Diploma in Elderly & Critical Care in Singapore comprises of 4 practical modules. These courses are designed to provide you with an understanding of health and illness. This programme utilises current industry best practices as case studies as well as a benchmark for students. This is a 100% coursework-based programme.

Programme Delivery

The classes would be held at 4 weekend blocks of 2 full day classes.

Sat	Sun	Sat	Sun
9am to 5pm	9am to 5pm	9am to 5pm	9am to 5pm

Start Date

Feb, Apr 2026

Duration

6 Months Part Time

Time

09:00am - 05:00pm

What Will You Learn?

Health Psychology

A subfield of psychology called “health psychology” is concerned with the behavioral, cognitive, psychological, and physiological aspects that affect how people react to their health and sickness. Its objectives are to promote wellness, prevent ill health, and preserve quality of life and wellbeing even in the face of illness. The theoretical, empirical, and scientific facets of the study of health psychology will be the main topics of this module. Health-improving and health-detrimental behaviors, risk factors for the major killers, stress and coping mechanisms, interactions between patients, their healthcare providers, and healthcare environments, pain and chronic illness, and specific diseases like heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, neurological disorders, and age-related illnesses will all be covered.

Advance Care Planning & End-of-Life Issues

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of planning for future healthcare options through a series of voluntary, non-legally binding conversations with your family and doctors. In an ACP discussion, patients are guided to understand, reflect upon, and discuss their goals, values and beliefs; then led to indicate their preferences with regard to future healthcare treatments.

This module introduces the structure and profile of aged care services. It discusses the issues affecting older people and their careers as there is an increase in the more ageing population. The module describes independent care, residential care and community care, respite care. Also, the module identifies cultural diversity, various accesses to services and reflects the philosophy of positive ageing, as well as insights into the legal and ethical considerations in relations to the healthcare industry.

Health and Aged Care Systems and Policy

This module introduces the structure and profile of aged care services. It discusses the issues affecting older people and their careers as there is an increase in the more ageing population. It will also address the structure and function of health and aged care systems including the determinants of health and wellbeing, frameworks for description and analysis of health and aged care systems and policies.

Additionally, this module will also introduce you to new insights into the process of growing old, helps you replace the stereotypical thinking about ageing with a complimentary view of ageing gracefully, and equips you with the skills to handle the social, physical and psychological wellbeing of the elderly. Particular reference will be made to major sub-systems including mental health, aged care, primary health care. It will also explores the roles of politics, power, funding and stakeholders, as well as mechanisms for influencing policy change and development.

Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease

With the rising burden of chronic illness, the prevention and management of chronic disease is a critical priority for health systems around the world. This course provides participants with an overview of prevention and management of chronic disease in community settings as it is delivered in Singapore and overseas. It provides a framework for approaching the subject based on components of the Chronic Care Model developed by Wagner and others and promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

There are opportunities for reflecting on how this operates in a variety of settings and countries. Specific topics include the burden chronic disease in Australia and internationally, chronic disease prevention, integrated care for patients with chronic disease, multi-morbidity, multidisciplinary teamwork in the prevention and management of chronic disease, self management support and health literacy, information systems and decision support, health care organisation and funding. A number of case studies are presented and discussed.

Expert Faculty

Meet the expert faculty guiding your success.

Dr Jonathan Ee

PhD (Psychology), University of Birmingham, UK

Registered Supervisor, Singapore Psychological Society (SPS)
Clinical Psychologist and Palliative Care Researcher HCA Hospice
Lead Clinical Psychologist at Positive Life Psychology & Wellbeing Clinic with over 10 years of professional experience

Ms Kelly Shan

Master of Public Health & Health Promotion (Distinction), Brunel University London

Dedicated healthcare professional with over 12 years of experience in healthcare systems & innovation
Key expertise lies at the intersection of digital and clinical solutions, including participation in the Singapore Biodesign X Duke-NUS Healthtech Innovation
Former Senior Staff Nurse (Gerontology), Woodlands Health and Community Care at Bless Community Services

Dr Asmah Noor

PhD, University of Nottingham; Master of Health Science, University of Sydney

Former Nurse Manager at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (NICU & Special Care Units)
Expert in Gerontology, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Critical Care Nursing
Over 22 years of clinical experience; Board Member and Education Committee Chair, Singapore Nurses Association (SNA)

Admission Criteria

You are expected to actively contribute to the class learning experience in a collaborative learning environment with your peers and cohort. All candidates will be assessed based on their working experience and merits. The minimum age requirement to apply for this programme is 21 years old.

A Bachelor degree or equivalent Undergraduate Qualification in any discipline; or
Graduate Diploma/Diploma or equivalent, with a minimum of 8 years working experience,

OR

30 years old and above, with 8 years of working experience but without an academic qualification, will also be considered on a case-by-case basis

Language Proficiency

GCE O Level English (C6 and above); or
IELTS score of 5.5 or above; or
For students who didn’t meet the language proficiency requirement, they will need to pass Aventis English Proficiency Test (EPT)

Requirements for Graduation

Students must complete and pass all modules, with a minimum passing grade of 50 for each module, to be eligible for graduation.

Awards and Funding

Upon completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Elderly & Critical Care by Aventis Graduate School, which is registered with Skillsfuture Singapore (SSG).

Academic Journey

Upon completion of the programme, students will be eligible to apply for the Executive Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management programme offered by the University of Chichester (UK), which can be completed within 10 months.

Fees

Our Graduate Diploma in Elderly & Critical Care is one of the most affordable in Singapore. Download our brochure for more information about our scholarship available.

Success Stories

I thoroughly enjoyed this course and hope to expand my acquired knowledge further into practice. It has been an enriching experience, especially for adult learners. The lecturers’ considerations and efforts shaped and moulded us accordingly. My experience at Aventis has been very beneficial to me. The course was very interesting, and the lecturers were highly professional and qualified. I will definitely introduce this program and Aventis to my friends.

Ms. Stansy Stephen

Manager, Allcare Nursing Services,
Alumni, 2016

Your learning will also take place in the company of experienced working professionals, just like yourself, who can provide a unique vantage point on the subject at hand. Whether you are seeking to expand your knowledge, to further develop your qualifications or to widen your network, you will find that Aventis offers you an opportunity to do so like no other.

Mr. Cheo Hu Gang

Manager, Rotra Chemicals,
Alumni, 2017

Pro-bono Counselling Service

As part of the Aventis CARE Programme to promote Mental Wellness and Workplace Counselling Services, we are proud to offer complimentary 5 sessions of pro-bono Counselling and Coaching for all our students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Graduate School?

A graduate school is a school that awards advanced academic degrees with the general requirement that learners must have earned a previous undergraduate or a mature candidate with more than 8 years working experience. Graduate school focus on professional development as compared to traditional school which focus on academic theories and research.

Is Aventis a recognised institute?

Aventis Graduate School is registered with Skillsfuture Singapore (SSG) and complies with the Private Education Act. Aventis is also a member of AACSB Business Alliance Group and EMBA Council.

How is graduate school different from other levels of education?

Compared to other levels of study, graduate school involves a more concentrated course of study with higher expectations for both the quality and quantity of your work. Graduate programs also focus more deeply on a specific discipline, with an emphasis on practical experience and case studies.

What is a Graduate Diploma?

A Graduate diploma is an advanced diploma that is usually taken after a bachelor degree. A graduate diploma is typically shorter in duration than a master degree course and should be viewed as an additional specialisation that improves a person’s overall employability. For a graduate diploma qualification to be offered in Singapore, the awarding body must be registered with Skillsfuture Singapore (SSG)

What is a Postgraduate Diploma?

Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)

A postgraduate diploma is considered as a Level 7 academic qualification under the RQF (UK). Postgraduate qualification are commonly awarded in UK, Canada, India, Australia and New Zealand. Similar to Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate diploma is typically done after a bachelor’s degree course. In some countries, the terms graduate diploma and postgraduate diploma are interchangeable, whereas in others, the postgraduate diploma is a higher qualification.

If I am a self-sponsored candidate, do you offer any financial plans to help me pay for my education?

Once you’ve chosen a course that aligns with your interests and meets your qualifications, we can help arrange instalment plans or education loans through our trusted banking partners. This ensures your aspirations and career goals remain within reach.

How long will it take to complete my studies?

Course duration varies on your chosen specialisation. Typically, a graduate diploma can be completed in 6 months part-time, while a master’s degree usually takes around 12 months part-time. For more detailed information tailored to your specific course, please speak with one of our programme advisors.

Is the Master's Degree awarded the same as the on-campus programme?

The Master’s degree awarded to you is exactly the same as that given to on-campus students of the external University partners in the UK. You are invited to attend the graduation ceremony either in Singapore or on campus in the UK.

Do you offer online programmes?

Yes. To meet the growing demand for graduate education worldwide, most of our courses are delivered via Zoom live stream, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere. All classes are also recorded for easy revision.

What is a typical class profile?

A typical cohort consists of Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and foreign expatriates working in Singapore. Additionally, an increasing number of professionals based outside Singapore are enrolling in our graduate programmes, facilitated by the flexible online delivery format.

Are scholarships or study loans available?

Yes, scholarships are available to eligible students. For more information, refer to the Aventis Course Listing page

What are the available instalment payment schemes?

Aventis offers flexible and affordable payment plans to make our programmes more accessible.

For Postgraduate and Graduate Diploma programmes:

12-month interest-free instalments with DBS credit card
3-month instalment plan via ATOME

For MBA and Master’s programmes:

Tuition fees can be paid over 4 instalments across the duration of the programme
Alternatively, you can apply for an education loan with our banking partners for monthly repayments

Is a Bachelor's degree required for admission?

While a Bachelor degree or equivalent Undergraduate Qualification in any discipline is required, applicants with a Graduate Diploma/Diploma or equivalent, with a minimum of 8 years working experience can also apply. Applicants aged 30 and above with substantial work experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our Programme Advisor for further details.

Are there any other hidden fees besides the course fees?

The course fees cover tuition, academic services, required readings and teaching materials, e-learning resources, and web-based information services. A one-time application fee of S$200 (subject to GST) is applicable. All fees are transparently stated, and there are no hidden charges.

Can I defer my studies? Will I be penalised?

All our programmes are designed to accommodate working professionals. If you are unable to commit to the course requirements, you are advised to defer your studies to a later intake. There is no academic penalty for deferment. However, a deferment application fee of S$200 (subject to GST) is applicable. Please consult your programme advisor for the deferment cut-off date specific to your chosen programme.

Is attendance compulsory?

No, there is no minimum attendance requirement for our Part-Time programmes. However, students are strongly encouraged to attend at least 75% of all classes. Those who are unable to attend are advised to watch the recorded sessions before attempting any assessments or coursework to ensure they stay on track with the learning objectives.

Students taking Full-Time programme are required to achieve minimum 90% overall attendance.

Can I refer my friends or colleagues?

Yes, graduate education is a dynamic learning experience where peer discussion, reflection, and case studies enrich your journey. As a gesture of appreciation, we offer a referral reward of S$400 for each successful Master’s degree referral and S$200 for each successful Graduate Diploma referral. Terms and conditions apply.

Can I graduate overseas instead of in Singapore?

Yes. The Master’s degree conferred is identical to the one awarded to on-campus students of the external University partners in the UK. You have the option to attend your graduation ceremony in Singapore or UK, depending on the awarding university.

How do I get started?

Simply fill in the form below and one of our programme advisors will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

What's Next?

Take the next step towards your academic success. Download our course brochure, Apply Now or Speak to your dedicated programme advisor Ms Ling Ling @ 8358 8088 to learn more!

Download Brochure

Find out more about your eligibility and scholarships available.