Program Overview

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Gerontology looks at ageing and its impact on individuals and society. Explore the changes people experience as they age and the effects of ageing populations on society on our full-time PGCert Gerontology (Distance Learning) course at the University of Southampton. This course is ideal if you need the flexibility to combine work and postgraduate study.

Understanding the process of population ageing can benefit areas such as health and social care, research, and local and national policy.

On this online postgraduate certificate 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

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.

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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.