About this course

Gerontology examines ageing and its impact. On this MSc Gerontology: Research you’ll learn about the effects of ageing populations on social institutions, labour markets, welfare systems, families and individuals. The course also places a strong emphasis on qualitative and quantitative research methods.

You’ll graduate in an ideal position to pursue doctoral level studies or for a career in local or national government.

Understanding the process of population ageing can benefit areas such as health and social care, research, local and national policy. On this course, you'll study a range of perspectives, including policy, demography, sociology, biology, healthcare sciences, psychology and economics.

This UK master’s in gerontology research is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). The ESRC DTP can offer funding if you're interested in progressing to PhD training.

If you already have research methods skills you may be able to study more advanced modules in quantitative or qualitative research methods.

You’ll develop:

understanding of key theories in gerontology and how they apply to the analysis of ageing and life course issues
knowledge of global debates around the lives of older people, their families and societies
the ability to assess policies and initiatives about population ageing, welfare provision and quality of life of older people, their families and carers
competence in qualitative and quantitative research methods and how they apply to key research in gerontology questions
the ability to design and conduct independent research in gerontology using appropriate research methods
skills for a career in the field of gerontology and applied health and social sciences

Flexible study

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

a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years

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

Course lead

Athina Vlachantoni is Professor of Gerontology and Social Policy. Her research interests combine the areas of ageing, gender and social policy. Visit Professor Vlachantoni’s profile page to find out more about her research interests and publications.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

ODT

Download 2021-22 Course Description Document

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

On the full-time version of this course your studies take place over 1 year.

For the first 8 months, semesters 1 and 2, you'll study the taught part of the 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.

For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have 1 to 1 meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

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

Modules

Instead of studying Qualitative Methods 1 and 2, you can opt to replace these 2 modules with a single, online module: Qualitative Research Methods.

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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...

You must also choose from the following modules:

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...

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.

Quantitative Methods II

Quantitative Methods II builds upon the material learnt in Quantitative Methods I and introduces students to some commonly used statistical methods for analysing data.

Survey Design

Students taking this module will gain first hand experience in the design and management of survey research projects.

Learning and assessment

Learning

You’ll learn through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:

lectures
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 have included:

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

The Department of Gerontology at the University of Southampton is offering:

Scholarship for 2021/22 entry:

A full fees Gerontology Scholarship open to applicants classed as international fee applicants, EU nationals resident in an EU country, or UK fee applicants with a 1st class or 2.1 degree. The Scholarship is applicable for 2021/22 fees only. The deadline for applications is: 23rd July 2021

Bursaries for 2021/22 entry:

There are £3,000 bursaries open to applicants classed as international fee applicants with a 1st class or 2.1 degree; and £2,000 bursaries open to UK applicants with a 1st class or 2.1 degree; and £5,000 bursaries open to applicants who are EU nationals resident in an EU country.

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.

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.