Advanced Dementia Studies MSc/PGDip/PGCert draft

Program Overview

The Advanced Dementia Studies program is a part-time, distance learning program that provides flexibility for students to balance their studies with their work life. It offers three award options: MSc, PGDip, and PGCert. The program adopts a human rights perspective and is underpinned by cutting-edge research, helping students develop their practice in working with people with dementia.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Advanced Dementia Studies is a part-time distance learning program that provides flexibility for students to balance their studies with their work life. It offers three award options:

• MSc Advanced Dementia Studies (3 years)
• PGDip Advanced Dementia Studies (2 years)
• PGCert Dementia Studies (1 year)
The program adopts a human rights perspective to understanding the experience of people living with dementia and encourages multidisciplinary teamwork and service user engagement. It is underpinned by cutting-edge research and designed to be directly applicable to the workplace, helping students develop their own and their colleagues' practice.

Outline:

The program content is structured into modules, which students can choose to study individually or build module credits to achieve an award. The following modules are offered:

First Year

• Understanding the Me in Dementia
• Postdiagnostic Support and Living Well with Dementia

Second Year

• Evidence-based Dementia Practice
• Evaluating Dementia Practice

Final Year

• Dissertation - Small Change Project

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Formative assessment (tutor feedback on written work in progress)
• Summative assessment (final assessment)
Summative assessments may include case studies, written reports on practice-based work, and critical reflections on evidence.

Teaching:

The program is delivered through digitally enhanced learning and teaching methods, including:

• Real-time tutorials
• Inter-professional discussion groups
• Practice-based exercises
• Directed and self-directed study
The program is designed to be versatile, allowing students to access course materials and participate in activities anytime and anywhere with good internet access.

Careers:

A Dementia Studies award can be a valuable career development move for individuals already working in the dementia field who wish to specialize in this area.

Other:

• The program is suitable for UK and international students.
• Students must have a work role or voluntary placement that brings them into regular contact with people who have dementia (minimum 2 hours per week during the academic year).
• Students must have access to a computer with internet connection and be prepared to spend an average of 15 hours per week on their studies.
• The program is designed with scope for students to identify their own projects and areas of interest, allowing for individualized learning needs and workplace relevance.