About this course
Gerontology is the study of ageing and how it affects the individual and society. On our Gerontology MSc at the University of Southampton you'll study changes people experience as they age. You'll look into the effect of an aging population on social institutions, labour markets, welfare systems and families. Prepare for a career in gerontology or applied health and social sciences.
Understanding the process of population ageing can benefit areas such as health and social care, research, and local and national policy.
On this UK master’s course 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
- qualitative and quantitative research skills
- the ability to design and conduct independent research in gerontology using appropriate research methods
- skills for a career in gerontology, applied health or social sciences
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - you'll usually study over 2 or more 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.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
You’ll study for a full year on the full-time version of this course.
For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You’ll study 6 modules in total.
For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
You must study the following module:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Learning
You’ll learn through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:
- lectures and seminars
- workshops
- presentations
- discussions
- library sessions
- supervised independent research
- independent study
Assessment
We’ll assess you using:
- essays
- oral presentations
- group work
- Exercises
- research reports
- dissertation
Dissertation
You’ll complete a 15,000-word dissertation to demonstrate the knowledge and research skills you have gained during the course. You’ll research and write your dissertation over the summer and submit it by the end of September.
Past dissertation topics include:
- the relationship between life course factors and volunteering in retirement
- how the Mental Capacity Act (2005) can be more effectively embedded into practice in the provision of health and social care for older people with dementia
- information and advice-seeking among informal carers for older people
- the impact of internal migration on intergenerational relationships and the wellbeing of rural left-behind elders in China
Your supervisor will provide regular advice, guidance and feedback on your progress.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and practical skills to work with older people in a wide range of settings.
You’ll also be in an ideal position to continue your researches at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). 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 vibrant 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 £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,850.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
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 and EU 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.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
If you’re considering applying for the MSc Gerontology and you’re from a least developed or lower middle income country, you might be eligible for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.
Please check this page again from November 2020 to see if this scholarship is available for September 2021.
If you’d like to know more you can visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website or contact Course lead Professor Athina Vlatchantoni directly.
Other postgraduate funding options
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 international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.
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 two 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.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
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
