Course summary
Gerontology is the study of ageing at the individual and societal levels. It examines the changes humans undergo as they age, as well as the impact of growing proportions of older people on social institutions, labour markets, welfare systems and families. It investigates the relationships between generations and the interconnections between our older and younger selves. Insights are taken from social policy, demography, sociology, biology, healthcare sciences, psychology and economics. Gerontology is thus a fundamentally interdisciplinary subject which leads to a fascinating variety of careers. This innovative PGCert programme offers interdisciplinary education in the study of gerontology and will prepare you for a wide range of careers working with older people. You will develop specialist knowledge in social, demographic and economic issues, theoretical perspectives on gerontology and national and international policy and practice in adult and elder care services. You may take up to two modules from the distance learning (DL) postgraduate programme in gerontology. If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as a part-time postgraduate certificate (PGCert), you will usually study over 2 years.
Modules
For a full list of compulsory and optional modules, please visit our website
Assessment method
A variety of assessment methods are employed, which include essays, oral presentations, group work, exercises, research reports and the dissertation. All programme modules have their own page on Blackboard. Students are able to access materials (lecture slides, recordings of lectures, coursework details, references and module updates) to supplement their independent study.
How to apply
International applicants
English Language Band C: For IELTS 6.5 overall, with minimum 6.0 in all components. For information on other accepted English language tests, please see the website.
Entry requirements
You'll need a 2.1 bachelor's degree in a social science subject or a subject related to ageing. Applicants without formal qualifications but with relevant work experience may be considered on a case by case basis.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component below 6.0 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/fees/postgraduate.page
Sponsorship information
A variety of scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your study, both from the University and from other organisations. Please check the website for more information.
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ