Program Overview

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Gerontology: Research (MSc)

About this course

This course is not open to applicants for 2025 entry. Search similar degrees by browsing our course finder.

Gerontology examines ageing and its impact. We are proud to be the only department dedicated to Gerontology in the UK. We offer distinctive face-to-face and distance learning programmes in gerontology, global ageing and social policy.

On this MSc Gerontology: Research you’ll learn about the effects of ageing populations on social institutions, labour markets, welfare systems, families and individuals. The course also places a strong emphasis on qualitative and quantitative research methods.

You’ll graduate in an ideal position to pursue doctoral level studies or for a career in local or national government.

Understanding the process of population ageing can benefit areas such as health and social care, research, local and national policy. On this course, you'll study a range of perspectives, including policy, demography, sociology, biology, healthcare sciences, psychology and economics.

This UK master’s in gerontology research is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). The ESRC DTP can offer funding if you're interested in progressing to PhD training.

If you already have research methods skills you may be able to study more advanced modules in quantitative or qualitative research methods.

You’ll develop:

• understanding of key theories in gerontology and how they apply to the analysis of ageing and life course issues
• knowledge of global debates around the lives of older people, their families and societies
• the ability to assess policies and initiatives about population ageing, welfare provision and quality of life of older people, their families and carers
• competence in qualitative and quantitative research methods and how they apply to key research in gerontology questions
• the ability to design and conduct independent research in gerontology using appropriate research methods
• skills for a career in the field of gerontology and applied health and social sciences

Flexible study

If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:

• a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Your course leader is Rosalind Willis, Associate Professor in Gerontology at the University of Southampton. Her research interests are on ethnic diversity and ageing, dementia, and care. Read Dr Willis’s profile to find out more about her research interests and publications.

Learn more about this subject area

Ageing and gerontology

Learn about care provision and overcoming challenges to improve people's lives. Further your career options with our postgraduate courses, which offer the flexibility to suit your study needs.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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Entry requirements

This course is not open to applicants for 2025 entry. Search similar degrees by browsing our course finder.

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in social science or a subject related to ageing.

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:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

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:
• Tel: +44(0)

Course structure

On the full-time version of this course your studies take place over 1 year.

For the first 8 months, semesters 1 and 2, you'll study the taught part of the course. This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.

For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have 1 to 1 meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

We don't have module information for this course yet. Please check again later.

Learning and assessment

Learning

You'll learn the latest advances in theoretical knowledge, practical research and data analytics skills. The teaching and learning methods include:

• lectures
• seminars
• workshops
• presentations
• discussions
• library sessions
• supervised independent research
• independent study

Assessment

We’ll assess you using:

• essays
• oral presentations
• group work
• exercises
• research reports
• dissertation

Dissertation

You’ll complete a 15,000 word dissertation to demonstrate the knowledge and research skills you have gained during the course. You’ll research and write your dissertation over the summer and submit it by the end of September.

Past dissertation topics have included:

• the relationship between life course factors and volunteering in retirement
• how the Mental Capacity Act (2005) can be more effectively embedded into practice in the provision of health and social care for older people with dementia
• information and advice seeking among informal carers for older people
• the impact of internal migration on intergenerational relationships and the wellbeing of rural left-behind elders in China

Your supervisor will provide regular advice, guidance and feedback on your progress.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Communication
• Creativity
• EDI leadership
• Adaptability
• Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Healthcare,
• Social Care,
• Public Health,
• Education,
• Government services,
• Leisure,
• tourism.

Careers directly related to this course:

• Gerontologist
• Academic lecturer
• Academic researcher
• Aging program coordinator
• Public policy adviser
• Health educator

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Grief counsellor
• Director of social services
• Dietitian
• Audiologist
• Social worker
• Occupational therapist
• Geriatric psychiatrist
• Geriatric dentist
• Geriatric physician
• Physiotherapist

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MSc Gerontology (Research) graduates*:

• Lecturer
• Physiotherapist
• Physician Assistant
• Legal advisor
• Nurse
• Research fellow
• Doctor

See more

Job prospects for MSc Gerontology (Research) graduates

• £54k: Average professional salary
• 94%: In a skilled profession or further study
• 98%: Graduate employment rate

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £25,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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 funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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 certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

This course is not open to applicants for 2025 entry. Search similar degrees by browsing our course finder.

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 need to submit a reference, this can be a professional or academic reference.

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.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

• Email:
• Tel: +44(0)