The programme aims to provide you with:
- critical appreciation of the key theoretical perspectives within Gerontology and their application in the analysis of specific issues concerning ageing and the lifecourse
- understanding of contemporary debates within Gerontology concerning the lives of older people, their families and society, in both developed and developing countries
- specialised learning of ageing and its policy implications in less developed regions of the world
- critical skills in the evaluation of policies and programmes in ageing societies
- competence in qualitative or quantitative research methods and their application to key research questions
- preparation for a career in the field of gerontology and applied health and social sciences
Key Facts
What is gerontology?
Gerontology is the study of ageing at the individual and societal levels. It examines the changes humans undergo as they age, as well as the impact of growing proportions of older people on social institutions, labour markets, welfare systems and families. The study of ageing also investigates the relationships between generations and the interconnections between individuals’ experiences over the lifecourse. The postgraduate programme on ageing draws on a range of disciplines including social policy, demography, sociology, biology, health sciences, psychology and economics.
Typical entry requirements
Selection process
Typical entry requirements
We welcome applications from students holding, or expecting to hold, an upper second-class honours degree or higher, or equivalent.
Students without the usual entry qualifications may be admitted, with the requisite approval, on the basis of relevant work experience or professional qualifications. Mature applicants without formal qualifications but with relevant experience are also welcomed and will be considered.
For all applications, two academic references are required. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications until we have received both references.
If you require further English language tuition before commencing your programme with us, you may apply for one of our pre-sessional English language courses which are run by the Centre for Language Study.
Visit our International Office website or the NARIC website for further information on qualifications.
This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country.
Typical course content
PG Diploma Global Ageing and Policy (Distance Learning) can be taken full-time over 1 year or part-time over two years.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide or website).
Tuition fees
Fees for postgraduate taught courses vary across the University. All fees are
listed for UK,
EU and international full-time and part-time students alphabetically by course
name.
Funding
Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you through your course.
Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin.
These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.
Costs associated with this course
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the University:
| Type | Description |
|---|
| Stationery | You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items (e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc.). Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile. |
| Books | Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available electronically on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source. Please note that the vast majority of readings in Gerontology are available electronically through e-journals, as digitised text in the Online Course Collection or as e-books. Students on the DL programme receive key textbooks as part of their tuition fees at the beginning of the programme via post.
Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module. |
| Equipment | Software Licenses- Licenses relating to software used in the programme (eg. SPSS, NVivo) are purchased by the University, and students can download them from the iSolutions website using their username and password. |
| Equipment | Hardware- Participating in the Distance Learning programme requires the student to access to a PC/ laptop. Students may also wish to purchase their own PC/laptop or tablet in order to access Blackboard. Headphones are sent to the Distance Learning students via post as part of their tuition fees at the beginning of their programme. |
| Printing and copying | For all GERO modules, coursework (such as essays; projects; dissertations) is submitted on line. Distance Learning students are provided hard copies of the MSc Student Handbook, Module Outlines and other key learning materials (eg. Module Outlines) via the post at the beginning of their programme, as part of their tuition fees. |
| Conference expenses | Where students wish to attend a scientific conference during their studies, they are liable for any accommodation cost associated (as well as any conference registration fees). |
| Travel | Where students wish to attend a scientific conference during their studies, they are liable for any travel cost associated. |
| Other | Anything else not covered elsewhere- Students on the MSc Gerontology (DL) or MSc Global Ageing and Policy (DL) programme who are in receipt of Commonwealth scholarships are invited to attend a 4-day Residential Course in Southampton, for which the travel, accommodation and basic subsistence costs are covered as part of their Scholarship. |
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
