Ageing and Dementia Studies (Distance Learning) drafted

Program Overview

The Professional Doctorate in Ageing and Dementia Studies (Distance Learning) is a doctoral-level qualification for advanced practitioners in the UK and overseas. It focuses on contemporary research evidence underpinning applied practice, health behavior, and health-related policy in dementia care. The program is delivered through distance learning with e-learning modules and access to the Research Summer School. Graduates can pursue careers in various settings, including health and social care services, academia, research, policy and advocacy, and public health.

Program Outline

Ageing and Dementia Studies (Distance Learning) - Professional Doctorate

Degree Overview

The Professional Doctorate in Ageing and Dementia Studies (Distance Learning) offers an alternative route for advanced practitioners in the UK and overseas to gain an applied doctoral-level qualification. This program focuses on contemporary research evidence underpinning applied practice, health behavior, and health-related policy in dementia care.

Objectives:

• Provide a framework for the development and synthesis of empirical, professional, and organizational knowledge linked to ageing and dementia.
• Prepare students for advanced practice in the field.
• Enhance students' research skills and knowledge base.
• Encourage the development of new insights and theoretical perspectives.
• Respond to the educational requirements of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and other NHS organizations in the UK.

Outline

Program Structure:

• 5 years full-time (7 years part-time)
• Distance learning with e-learning modules and access to the Research Summer School.
• Offers a range of exit awards for tailored postgraduate education.

Course Schedule:

• Flexible, allowing students to balance their studies with their professional commitments.
• Includes e-learning modules, online discussions, and research supervision.
• Students are expected to attend the Research Summer School annually.

Individual Modules:

• Core modules (Postgraduate Cert - 60 Credits):
• e-Research (20 Credits)
• Social networks and communities for Health and Wellbeing (20 Credits)
• Successful Ageing, Resilience and wellbeing (20 Credits)
• Core modules (Postgraduate Dip - 60 Credits):
• Creative Approaches to Ageing (20 Credits)
• Positioning Dementia Care (e) (20 Credits)
• Evidence for Improvement (20 Credits)
• Optional modules (60 Credits):
• Managing transitions and Rehabilitation (20 Credits)
• Communication in Dementia Care (e) (20 Credits)
• Managing complex transitions (e) (20 Credits)
• Culturally Sensitive Care (e) (20 Credits)
• Advancing Professional Knowledge (20 Credits)
• Introduction to Health Economics (20 Credits)
• Trials in complexity (20 Credits)
• Basic Trial Design (20 Credits)
• Applied Evaluation and review (20 Credits)
• MSc in Ageing and Dementia Resilience (60 Credits): Available as an exit award option.

Assessment

Assessment methods include:

• Essays
• Reports
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Dissertations
Assessments are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, understanding, and application of the program's learning outcomes.

Teaching

Teaching methods include:

• E-learning modules: Provide access to online learning materials and resources.
• Online discussions: Facilitate interaction and collaboration between students and staff.
• Research supervision: Offer individual guidance and support throughout the program.
• Research Summer School: Provides intensive workshops and seminars on key topics.
The program is delivered by experienced academics and researchers in the field of ageing and dementia.

Careers

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in various settings, including:

• Health and social care services
• Academia
• Research
• Policy and advocacy
• Public health
The program prepares graduates for leadership roles and advanced practice in the field.

Other

• The program is aligned with contemporary UK and Wales-based policy imperatives guiding the development of dementia care.
• It responds to the educational requirements of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and other NHS organizations in the UK.
• The program is delivered through a partnership with the student's host organization.