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.

Why choose gerontology at Southampton?

Learn from experts who are researching the impacts of ageing on populations and individuals.

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.

PDF

Download 2021-22 programme specification

187.7 KB

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

Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, the course is made 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 and your dissertation.

If you choose to study full-time, you’ll study over 1 year. For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.

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.

If you choose to study part-time, can study over 2 or 3 years. The taught part of the course takes place over 2 semesters, in each year. You’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation in the summer.

Whether you choose to study full or part-time you have the flexibility to study 2 modules by distance learning.

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

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2021-22

You must study the following modules:

Ageing, Health and Well-being

Students will be introduced to key issues and literature concerning the current structure and workings of the welfare state, focusing on the health and social care for older people.

Demographic Change, Ageing & Globalisation

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...

Gerontology Dissertation

This module supports the requirement for students to carry out independent research on a topic of their choice within the field of Gerontology.

Perspectives in Gerontology

The module involves lectures and guest lectures from different disciplines. Learning activities include lectures, informal group discussions and independent study. Students are expected to carry out some reading in advance of each session, in order to be ...

Researching Ageing Societies

The aim of this module is to (i) engage students in a critical debate on the transformations, challenges and potentials that ageing societies face and (ii) discuss the research methods, data and ethical implications involved in contemporary research of ol...

You must also choose from the following modules:

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...

Mixed Methods

This module will introduce you to the use of mixed methods for approaching and addressing research questions in a range of disciplines within social and human sciences. You will be introduced to the theories of mixed methods, and examine the ways in which...

Philosophy of Social Science Research

This module will look at the dominant traditions in the philosophy of social science and how these have shaped substantive research within the study of the social sciences.

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...

Qualitative Methods 1

The syllabus for this 10 CATS module will cover an introduction to qualitative methods and a range of qualitative data collection methods. We will consider the defining characteristics of qualitative research and its epistemological underpinnings. The ...

Qualitative Methods 2

Qualitative Methods II builds upon the material learnt in Qualitative Methods I and addresses a range of specialist qualitative techniques, their underpinning theoretical framework and their practical application.

Qualitative Research Methods (DL)

The module is aimed at enabling you to understand the principles of qualitative methods and analysis, and equipping you to apply qualitative research methods in practice. The module assumes no previous knowledge of either NVivo or qualitative analysis so...

Quantitative Methods 1

The emphasis will be on the practical application of statistical methods and the interpretation of results using the statistical computer software SPSS. The module will draw on a range of international and UK data sources. One of the pre-requisites ...

Quantitative Research Methods (DL)

This module introduces you to quantitative research methods within the social sciences. The module is aimed at providing a firm understanding of the fundamental principles of quantitative analysis, and a good foundation of knowledge of quantitative method...

Research Design and Practice

Research Design and Practice involves training and preliminary work for researching in social science. This module deals with the practical challenges of designing and conducting research such as defining research questions, identifying appropriate metho...

Learning and assessment

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 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 £9,250.
EU and international students pay £19,850.

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.

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.

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, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, 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.