Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in social science or a subject related to ageing.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:

IELTS score requirements

reading: 5.5
writing: 5.5
speaking: 5.5
listening: 5.5

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

This PG Cert Gerontology (Distance Learning) is made up of 3 modules. All students must study the Perspectives in Gerontology module, and you’ll be able to choose 2 other modules.

If you study full-time, you'll take 3 modules in one year: 2 in the first semester and 1 in the second. If you study part-time you can choose to take 1 module in the first year and 2 modules in the second, or the other way round.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2020-21

You must study the following module:

Perspectives in Gerontology (DL)

You must also choose from the following modules:

Ageing, Health & Well-Being (DL)

Demographic Change, Ageing & Globalisation (DL)

Mental Health and Ageing (DL)

Poverty and Social Protection Around The World (DL)

Researching Ageing Societies (DL)

Learning and assessment

Learning

The course is delivered using the University's virtual learning environment. You'll be able to access all the learning resources at any time. You’ll learn through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:

recordings of live lectures
lecture slides
supervised independent research
independent study
online exercises and quizzes
discussion boards

Assessment

We'll assess you using:

essays
literature reviews
oral presentations
research reports

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor. You'll also have access to a distance learning tutor who can help with your induction and advise about any aspect of the course.

Careers

On this PGCert in gerontology with distance learning you’ll graduate with the knowledge and practical skills to work with older people in a wide range of settings.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV/resume and interview skills workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £3,325.
EU and international students pay £6,620.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
Search for the course you want to apply for.
Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
Submit your application.

Application deadlines

UK students

Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.

International students

We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.

We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

your knowledge of the subject area
why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.