Program Overview

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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 full-time PGDip 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 distance learning postgraduate diploma 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
• skills for a career in gerontology, applied health or social sciences

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.

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 from a list of options. You’ll study 8 modules in total.

If you choose to study full-time, you’ll study for 1 year. You'll take 4 modules in semester 1 and 4 modules in semester 2.

If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study for 2 years. You'll take 4 modules in year 1 and 4 modules in year 2.

Modules

• Perspectives in Gerontology (DL)
• Qualitative Research Methods 1 (DL)
• Qualitative Research Methods 2 (DL)
• Ageing in Africa: Research and Policy (DL)
• Ageing, Health & Well-Being (DL)
• Demographic Change, Ageing & Globalisation (DL)
• Mental Health and Ageing (DL)
• Poverty and Social Protection Around The World (DL)
• Quantitative Research Methods 1 (DL)
• Quantitative Research Methods 2 (DL)
• Researching Ageing Societies (DL)

Careers and employability

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
• Communication
• Creativity
• Adaptability

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.

Fees, costs and funding

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £8,500.
• EU and international students pay £15,800.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Learning and assessment

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

We'll assess you using:

• essays
• literature reviews
• oral presentations
• research reports

How to apply

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

Application deadlines

• UK students: The deadline to apply for this course is Friday 30 August 2024
  • midday UK time.
• International students: The deadline to apply for this course is Friday 30 August 2024 - 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.