Gerontology brings world distance learners to Southampton
Distance learner students from around the world visited Southampton last week when the Centre for Research on Ageing hosted the annual Residential Course for the MSc Gerontology (DL) students.
The students, including 15 scholars funded by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, came from a range of countries including Bangladesh, Ghana, Gibraltar, Jamaica, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago and Uganda. The Residential Course includes a combination of interactive lectures on topics such as health and poverty inequalities across the life course, and intergenerational relations and support, as well as learning activities aimed at preparing students for the MSc Dissertation.
Commonwealth scholar Teddy Nagaddya from Uganda comments, “Studying at Southampton has been one of the most amazing experiences, you are able to interact with students from all over the world. That is an enriching experience to share ideas from different perspectives and that really enriches your understanding of the discipline.”
Dr Aravinda Guntupalli, the MSc programme's Distance Learning Tutor who led on the organisation of the Course said: "It is an exciting week which gives us a chance to discuss and debate with the students face-to-face on a number of issues related to the MSc Gerontology programme, such as current debates about the future of the Millennium Development Goals and their relevance to older people, as well as the students' thoughts on their Dissertation topics."
Prof Maria Evandrou, Director for the Centre for Research on Ageing adds, “It is one of the highlights of the academic year to welcome the Distance Learning students to Southampton. They are so excited to be here, meeting their tutors and fellow students face-to-face. They are delighted to use the library and meet the library staff in person. The students have made sacrifices in order to combine paid work and family life with postgraduate study from their kitchen table. And we are only too pleased to support them to achieve their ambitions and make a difference in their communities.”
A further 15 commonwealth scholarships are available for 2014-15, applications need to be submitted by Friday 16 May.
Visit the scholarships page for more information
