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The University of Southampton
Economic, Social and Political SciencesPostgraduate study

Short courses in gerontology

In addition to the standard mode of teaching over a semester, we offer stand-alone short courses which are taken over a period of 12 weeks. These are designed to meet the needs of busy mid-career professionals, new entrants to the University and the social sciences, or returners to education who wish to pursue the particular subject area. The short courses can also be taken as part of continuing professional development (CPD). If three of the four modules are completed successfully, a PG Cert Gerontology will be awarded; however, in this case, the tuition fees for the PG Cert apply.

Introducing your course

Population ageing can pose both challenges and opportunities for individuals and their families, as well as for policymakers. Short courses in Gerontology last for 12 weeks and are an effective way of introducing yourself to the study of ageing, or more specialised topics such as mental health, demographic change around the world or poverty and social protection. Such courses can benefit your work as a professional in a range of sectors such as the health and social care, or policy sector. We also offer a Short Course in the use of quantitative or qualitative research methods, using specialised software.

The aims of the short courses are to provide you with:

  • critical appreciation of key theoretical perspectives in gerontology and their application to the analysis of issues concerning ageing and the life course
  • understanding of contemporary debates in gerontology surrounding the lives of older people, their families and societies in developed and developing countries
  • the ability to evaluate policies and initiatives concerning population ageing, welfare provision and quality of life of older people, their families and carers
  • preparation for, and professional development in, a career in the field of gerontology and applied health and social sciences

Accreditation

Office for National Statistics

Key Facts

Each course runs for 12 weeks on either Thursdays or Fridays.

Typical entry requirements

Selection process

We welcome applications from students holding, or expecting to hold, an upper second-class honours degree or higher, or equivalent.

Students without the usual entry qualifications may be admitted, with the requisite approval, on the basis of relevant work experience or professional qualifications. Mature applicants without formal qualifications but with relevant experience will also be welcomed and considered.

For all applications, two academic references are required. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications until we have received both references.

If you require further English language tuition before commencing your programme with us, you may apply for one of our pre-sessional English language courses which are run by the Centre for Language Study

This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country.

Typical course content

Each course runs for 12 weeks on either Thursdays or Fridays.

Year 1

Each course runs for 12 weeks on either Thursdays or Fridays.

Semester One
Optional
GERO6018Credit[?]
Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).
20
GERO6017Credit[?]
Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).
20
Semester Two
Optional
GERO6020Credit[?]
Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).
20
GERO6019Credit[?]
Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).
20

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide or website).

Tuition fees

List of tuition fees for this course and it's variations
Course TitleAwardYear of entryMode of studyUK/EUInternational
Gerontology Short Course (per module)Short Course2020Full-time£1,100£2,099
View the full list of course fees

Funding

Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you through your course. Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin. These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.

Explore funding opportunities

Costs associated with this course

Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.

There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the University:

TypeDescription
StationeryYou will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationary items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile.
BooksWhere a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source. Please note that the vast majority of readings in Gerontology are available electronically through e-journals, as digitised text in the Online Course Collection or as e-books. Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.
EquipmentSoftware Licenses- Licenses relating to software used in the programme (eg. SPSS, NVivo) are purchased by the University, and students can download them from the iSolutions website using their username and password.
EquipmentHardware- Students have access to workstations in the Hartley Library and in Computer rooms around the campus. Students may wish to purchase their own laptop/PC/tablet.
Printing and copyingFor all GERO modules, coursework (such as essays; projects; dissertations) is submitted on line. However, for some modules outside Gerontology, there are some items where students will be asked to provide a printed copy. A list of the University printing costs can be found here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/services/follow_me_print_for_students/faq.php#594
Conference expenses Where students wish to attend a scientific conference during their studies, they are liable for any accommodation cost associated (as well as conference registration fees).
TravelWhere students wish to attend a scientific conference during their studies, they are liable for any travel cost associated.
OtherParking Costs- For students not residing in Southampton, paid parking is available on the University campus. Maps of the campuses can be downloaded from here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/visit/getting-to-southampton.page#by_car

In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.

Study locations

Hartley Library

Highfield campus

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