About this course

Discover the challenges associated with ageing, and assessing academic and policy evidence on our PGCert Global Ageing and Policy (Distance Learning) course. This online postgraduate certificate will teach you how to carry out policy evaluation to improve older people's wellbeing, with a focus on ageing societies.

This course centres on gerontology - the study of ageing at an individual and societal level.

You’ll study ageing over a lifetime and the challenges it presents in different parts of the world, including:

China
Southeast Asia
sub-Saharan Africa

You’ll examine the changes we undergo as we age, as well as the impact of growing proportions of older people on social institutions, labour markets, welfare systems and families. The study of ageing also investigates the links between generations and the connections between a person's experiences over a lifetime.

This course draws on a range of disciplines including:

social policy
demography
sociology
biology
health sciences
psychology
economics

You’ll get to attend a residential course at Highfield Campus in Southampton and meet your academic teachers, as well as exchange best practice with fellow distance learners.

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

The course lead, Athina Vlachantoni, is Professor of Gerontology and Social Policy. Professor Vlachantoni joined the University of Southampton in 2007, following a PhD in social policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Professor Vlachantoni’s staff profile page.

“My background is in public health and I have an interest in research within ageing, but lacked a professional degree. I chose Southampton due to its position as one of the world’s top universities and that it has a dedicated gerontology department with internationally renowned work.”
Vamsi Boyanagari, 2018 third year student

“I see myself as not just a student but an activist, everyone around me benefits from me doing this course.”
Lilian Igbafe, 2018 third year student

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 2020-21 programme specification

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Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree to study this course.

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

The PG Cert Global Ageing and Policy (Distance Learning) is made up of 3 modules. You'll study Global Perspectives in Gerontology and Policy Evaluation for Ageing Societies, plus a third module of your choice.

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 2021-22

You must study the following modules:

Global Perspectives in Gerontology (DL)

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 ...

Policy Evaluation for Ageing Societies (DL)

This module will introduce you to the study of policy and programme evaluation in ageing societies. You will be introduced to the theories surrounding the process of evaluating policies and programmes. You will examine the different methodological approac...

You must also choose from the following modules:

Ageing in Africa: Research and Policy (DL)

This module provides a critical understanding of the dynamics of ageing in Africa, drawing on empirical evidence. You will evaluate the policy implications of the context of ageing in Africa and critically examine the social, health and economic polices i...

Ageing in China and South-East Asia (DL)

This module introduces the study of ageing at the individual and societal level in China and South-east Asia. It will introduce demographic evidence relating to population change. The module combines insights from Social Policy, Demography, Sociology and ...

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

Our graduates are working in a wide range of sectors related to ageing and older people, for example:

health and social care for public and private sectors
medical sector
local and national government research analysis

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 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, 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.