About this course

Gerontology looks at ageing and its impact on individuals and society. Explore the changes people experience as they age and the effects of ageing populations on society on our full-time PGCert Gerontology (Distance Learning) course at the University of Southampton. This course is ideal if you need the flexibility to combine work and postgraduate study.

Understanding the process of population ageing can benefit areas such as health and social care, research, and local and national policy.

On this online postgraduate certificate in gerontology, you’ll look at the subject from a range of perspectives, including policy, demography, sociology, biology, healthcare sciences, psychology and economics.

You’ll develop:

understanding of key theories in gerontology and their application
knowledge of modern global debates around the lives of older people, their families and societies
the ability to evaluate policies and initiatives concerning issues like population ageing, welfare provision and quality of life

Flexible study

If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:

a part-time distance learning postgraduate certificate (PGCert) - you'll usually study over 2 years

If you’re not ready to take on a full course, as part of continuing professional development (CPD) you can choose to study a module on its own. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the subject and you can build up to higher level study. Choose campus based study or distance learning.

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

Course lead

Your course leader is Athina Vlachantoni, Professor of Gerontology and Social Policy at the University of Southampton. Her research interests combine the areas of ageing, gender and social policy. Read Professor Vlachantoni’s profile to find out more about her research interests and publication.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

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 all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score: 6.5
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

Changes due to COVID-19

Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

For entry in Academic Year 2021-22

You must study the following module:

Perspectives in Gerontology (DL)

This module introduces you to the study of Gerontology as an interdisciplinary subject. You will be familiarised with main theoretical perspectives and approaches to the study of ageing and the life course. You will examine the causes and consequences of ...

You must also choose from the following modules:

Ageing, Health & Well-Being (DL)

To provide you with a foundation of knowledge in the area of social policy, health and well-being in later life. You will be introduced to key issues and literature concerning the current structure and workings of the welfare state, focusing on the health...

Demographic Change, Ageing & Globalisation (DL)

This module provides you with a foundation of knowledge on demographic change and population ageing in a cross-cultural, global perspective. The module focuses on developing and transitional societies, and on linkages between different regions of the worl...

Mental Health and Ageing (DL)

The module will provide a critical assessment of evidence relevant to mental health and ageing, with a concentration on dementia, one of the most common and serious disorders in later life. The module will take an international perspective, providing an u...

Poverty and Social Protection Around The World (DL)

The module involves lectures and guest lectures from different disciplines. Learning activities include audio-lectures, which include trigger questions, and independent study. Students are expected to carry out some reading in advance of listening to each...

Researching Ageing Societies (DL)

Students will gain an understanding of the individual, social, economic and political implications of population ageing by examining substantive and research methods issues around ageism, discrimination and exclusion; changing family forms and diverse lif...

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 £5,000.
EU and international students pay £7,000.

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 pay your tuition fees.

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.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

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.