PhD (Integrated) in Gerontology

The Integrated PhD in Gerontology is a 5-year (60 month) programme for full-time students who are required to submit a thesis not more than 12 months later than the end of the fourth year of study. In the first year, students are required to complete the taught element of one of our two MSc Programmes (MSc Gerontology or MSc Gerontology (Research)). Progression onto the research element of the programme is determined by satisfactory completion of these taught elements, with a minimum average of 60% across all modules and with no module below the University Passmark for stand-alone Masters programmes. The Integrated PhD offers a structured PhD pathway which includes a wide choice of formal instruction, coupled with a range of specialist research topics across Gerontology. There is progression from an initial emphasis on instructional modules towards full-time research on the transitional project, supported by high-quality supervision.

The Integrated PhD programme is highly flexible and student-centred. It is particularly suitable for overseas students seeking to be introduced to Gerontology from other scientific disciplines, and also those who are awarded four-year scholarships by their government or other sources. This programme is particularly geared towards students who may be considering a non-academic professional trajectory following the end of their studies, and who wish to develop their transferrable skills beyond the Gerontology- and research methodsspecific training. Students on the IPhD will be able to explore with their Personal Academic Tutor during Year 1, opportunities for working with non-academic partners, for example in the local, national or international policy arena, during the course of their studies, and gaining experience of work collaboration with such partners during their studies. Within the Department of Gerontology, we have experience of creating such opportunities with the Africa Population Health Research Centre, AgeUK, Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council. For students who wish to combine their studies with an existing professional career and/or family obligations, and who may not be interested in pursuing an academic career trajectory in the future, the parttime mode of study may be more suitable, and this choice may be discussed during the application/ interview stage with the PGR Admissions Tutor.

Your contact hours will vary depending on your module/option choices. Full information about contact hours is provided in individual module profiles.

The goal of the Integrated PhD in Gerontology is to produce Gerontologists who are well rounded social scientists, well prepared for a range of careers in research and teaching related to ageing over the life course.

The aims of the programme are to provide you with:

• Experience of, and the opportunity to specialise in, rigorous and cutting-edge research in one or more ageing-related topics;
• Knowledge of the contextual background of your research topic in the broader field of Gerontology;
• A comprehensive understanding and a critical appreciation of the key theoretical perspectives within Gerontology and their application in the analysis of your chosen research topic;
• Robust training in transferrable and specialised research methods skills and the ability to apply them appropriately to investigate your research questions;
• An intellectually stimulating experience of learning in a supportive, research-led environment;
• Communication and presentation skills through seminar presentations and the production of a research proposal, the transitional project MSc Dissertation and PhD thesis;
• The ability to interpret and critically evaluate research in ageing-related areas;
• The ability to create new knowledge through original research;
• The ability to evaluate policies and initiatives concerning your ageing-related research topic;
• The capacity to present ideas, arguments and research findings effectively to a variety of specialist and non-specialist audiences;
• Preparation for a career in the field of Gerontology and applied health and social sciences.

View the Course Description Document for this course for full-time entrants

View the Course Description Document for this course for part-time entrants