Gerontology (Distance Learning) (MSc)

Program Overview

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Gerontology (Distance Learning) (MSc)

About this course

Gerontology looks at ageing and its impact on individuals and society. 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 our MSc Gerontology (Distance Learning) course at the University of Southampton you'll learn about the changes people experience as they age and the effects of ageing populations on society. 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 UK online master’s degree 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
• qualitative and quantitative research skills
• the ability to design and conduct independent research in gerontology using appropriate research methods
• skills for a career in gerontology, applied health or social sciences

Flexible study

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

• a part-time distance learning master's - study the same course content over 2 years and 6 months, or 3 years and 6 months

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.

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.

Why choose gerontology at Southampton?

Learn from experts who are researching the impacts of ageing on populations and individuals.

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.

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

You'll need a 2:1 degree. Our preferred subjects are: sociology, demography, psychology, social work, nursing, medicine, allied health sciences, anthropology, marketing, economics, business studies, engineering.

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.

Course structure

Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, the course is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose. You’ll study 8 modules in total, as well as your dissertation.

• MSc Gerontology Distance Learning (1 year, full-time)
  • Study 8 modules over 1 year. For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
  • For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
• MSc Gerontology Distance Learning (part-time, 2 years 3 months)
  • Study 4 modules in year 1 and 4 modules in year 2. The taught part of the course takes place over 2 semesters each year. You'll carry out and submit your dissertation over the summer and autumn of your second year to submit in December.
• MSc Gerontology Distance Learning (part-time, 3 years 3 months)
  • Your taught sessions will take place over 3 years and you’ll study 1 or 2 modules in each semester. You’ll carry out your dissertation over the summer and autumn of the final year to submit in December.

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.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

• Dissertation (DL)
  • This module supports the requirement for students to carry out independent research on a topic of their choice within the field of Gerontology.
• Perspectives in Gerontology (DL)
  • This module introduces you to the study of Gerontology as an interdisciplinary subject. You will be familiarised with main theoretical perspectives and approaches to the study of ageing and the life course. You will examine the causes and consequences of ...
• Qualitative Research Methods 1 (DL)
  • The module is aimed at enabling you to understand the principles of qualitative methods and analysis, and equipping you to apply qualitative research methods in practice. The module assumes no previous knowledge of either NVivo or qualitative analysis so...
• Qualitative Research Methods 2 (DL)
  • This module provides advanced training in the use of qualitative research methods in the Social Sciences, and particularly in the field of Gerontology. It builds on the introductory module Qualitative Methods 1. Indicative topics include ethnographic meth...
• Researching Ageing Societies (DL)
  • Students will gain an understanding of the individual, social, economic and political implications of population ageing by examining substantive and research methods issues pertinent to ageing and older people, such as end-of-life care or service provisio...

You must also choose from the following modules:

• Ageing in Africa: Research and Policy (DL)
  • This module provides a critical understanding of the dynamics of ageing in Africa, drawing on empirical evidence. You will evaluate the policy implications of the context of ageing in Africa and critically examine the social, health and economic polices i...
• Ageing in China, South Asia and Southeast Asia (DL)
  • This module introduces the study of ageing at the individual and societal level in China, South Asia and Southeast Asia. The module will provide an overview of demographic transitions, social change and development in China, South Asia and Southeast Asia,...
• Ageing, Health & Well-Being (DL)
  • This module aims to provide you with foundation of knowledge in the areas of health and well-being in later life and the impact of inequalities. You will be introduced to key issues and literature concerning the nature of ageing, quality of life, and well...
• Demographic Change, Ageing & Globalisation (DL)
  • This module provides you with a foundation of knowledge on demographic change and population ageing in a cross-cultural, global perspective. The module views ageing through an international development lens, focusing on less economically developed countri...
• Mental Health and Ageing (DL)
  • The module will provide a critical assessment of evidence relevant to mental health and ageing, with a concentration on dementia, one of the most common and serious disorders in later life. The module will take an international perspective, providing an u...
• Poverty and Social Protection Around The World (DL)
  • The module involves audio-lectures, which include trigger questions, and independent study. Students are expected to carry out some reading in advance of listening to each session, in order to make the most of the sessions.
• Quantitative Research Methods 1 (DL)
  • This module introduces you to quantitative research methods within the social sciences. The module is aimed at providing a firm understanding of the fundamental principles of quantitative analysis up to bivariate analysis, and a good foundation of knowled...
• Quantitative Research Methods 2 (DL)
  • This module offers a more advanced training in quantitative research methods within the social sciences. The module is aimed at providing a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of quantitative analysis, and a solid foundation of knowledge of...

Learning and assessment

Learning

The course is delivered using the University's virtual learning environment. You'll be able to access all the learning resources at any time. You'll learn the latest advances in theoretical knowledge, practical research and data analytics skills. The teaching and learning methods include:

• recordings of live lectures
• lecture slides
• supervised independent research
• independent study
• online exercises and quizzes
• discussion boards

Assessment

We'll assess you using:

• essays
• literature reviews
• oral presentations
• 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 include:

• 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

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

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor. You'll also have access to a distance learning tutor who can help with your induction and advise about any aspect of the course.

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 (Distance Learning) graduates*:

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

See more

Job prospects for MSc Gerontology (Distance Learning) 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.

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.

Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences Postgraduate

International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Economic, Social and Political Sciences.

Find out more about the Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Ageing and Gerontology Talent Scholarship

Two competitive scholarships of £5,000 each are available for UK and international students starting one of the following programs in 2025: MSc Gerontology, MSc Gerontology (Distance Learning), and MSc Global Ageing Policy (Distance Learning).

Find out more about the Southampton Ageing and Gerontology Talent Scholarship, including eligibility criteria and application details.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

Ten scholarships covering tuition fees are available for students from certain developing Commonwealth countries studying for a master’s degree online.

Find out more about the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

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

• International students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

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

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.

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.

Related courses

Gerontology (Distance Learning) (MSc) is a course in the Ageing and gerontology subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• PGCert Gerontology
• MSc Gerontology
• PGDip Gerontology (Distance Learning)
• PGCert Gerontology (Distance Learning)
• MSc Gerontology: Research
• MSc Global Ageing and Policy (Distance Learning)
• PGDip Global Ageing and Policy (Distance Learning)
• PGCert Global Ageing and Policy (Distance Learning)