Understanding and addressing the complex issues around ageing has never been more important. In the UK over the last 25 years, the number of people aged 65 and over has increased by more than 1.5 million and globally the population aged 60 and over is growing faster than all younger age groups.

Our Master’s degree in Gerontology and Ageing Studies will equip you with the specialist knowledge and experience to work with and for, older people, design policies, manage and deliver services, and create products for an ageing population.

You will gain a unique insight into the policy differences between the devolved countries of the UK and across the globe, as well as refining research and analytical skills valued by employers in this rapidly evolving field.

Why Gerontology and Ageing Studies at Swansea University?

We take a holistic approach in our Master’s and postgraduate programmes in Gerontology and Ageing Studies. We look beyond the traditional medical model of ageing.

Founded on a social model of care, instead we explore health and well-being among older people through a range of disciplines including psychology, sociology, and demography.

You will be based in the internationally renowned Centre for Innovative Ageing (CIA), the largest gerontology research centre in Wales and one of the largest in the UK, with unparalleled links with policy makers both in the UK and abroad.

The CIA is also home to the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CADR), a multi-disciplinary research centre addressing internationally important questions in ageing and dementia.

As part of our College of Human and Health Sciences, you will benefit from a dynamic teaching and research environment, with many opportunities to make connections across disciplines.

Your Gerontology and Ageing Studies experience

Our academic staff are active in a wide range of research fields, offering an unrivalled mix of academic excellence with real-life impact and current policy and practice expertise.

Through our links with local employers as well as the Swansea University Employability Academy, you will have opportunities for practical experience to enhance your career prospects, ranging from taster days to formal work placements.

Our courses are offered either full time or on a flexible part-time basis to fit around your other time commitments such as work or study.

You will be joining a university that was named ‘University of the Year’ and ‘Postgraduate’ runner up in the What Uni Student Choice Awards 2019.

Gerontology and Ageing Studies careers

Our postgraduate students have pursued careers in a wide range of sectors, including:

Local/national government
Social work/social services
Health service
Academic and policy research
Insurance and financial services
Architecture
Town planning
Product design and innovation

Discover your University

Take a Virtual Tour

Welsh Medium Study

Modules

You will follow a combination of compulsory and optional modules, depending on the level of qualification you are studying. These cover themes including population ageing and theoretical perspectives on ageing. Masters students also complete a dissertation.

Throughout your studies, you will examine critically policy and practice initiatives that deal with issues in relation to health and consider the types of research methods best suited to conducting research into ageing.

MSc 1 Year Full-time

Year 1 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	Period September-January	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	Period September-January	20	Perspectives on Ageing
SHGM62	Period January-June	20	Foundations in Research
SHGM63	Period January-June	20	Health and Ageing

Optional Modules

MSc Gerontology ft

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose any TWO of the following modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM05	TB2	20	Environment and Ageing
ASPM06	TB2	20	Older People, Citizenship and Participation
ASPM10	TB2	20	Psychology of Ageing
ASPM12	TB2	20	Policies, ageing and older people: constructing realities
SHGM51	YR	20	Assessment of the Older Person

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM07	Period January-June	60	Dissertation

MSc 2 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 80 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	Period September-January	20	Ageing in a Global Context
SHGM63	Period January-June	20	Health and Ageing

Optional Modules

MSc Gerontology ft

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose any TWO of the following modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM05	TB2	20	Environment and Ageing
ASPM06	TB2	20	Older People, Citizenship and Participation
ASPM10	TB2	20	Psychology of Ageing
ASPM12	TB2	20	Policies, ageing and older people: constructing realities
SHGM51	YR	20	Assessment of the Older Person

Year 2 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM02	Period September-January	20	Perspectives on Ageing
ASPM07	Period January-June	60	Dissertation
SHGM62	Period January-June	20	Foundations in Research

PGDip 1 Year Full-time

Year 1 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	Period September-January	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	Period September-January	20	Perspectives on Ageing
SHGM62	Period January-June	20	Foundations in Research
SHGM63	Period January-June	20	Health and Ageing

Optional Modules

PGDip Gerontology ft

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select any TWO of the following modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM05	TB2	20	Environment and Ageing
ASPM06	TB2	20	Older People, Citizenship and Participation
ASPM10	TB2	20	Psychology of Ageing
ASPM12	TB2	20	Policies, ageing and older people: constructing realities
SHGM51	YR	20	Assessment of the Older Person

PGDip 2 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

PGDip Gerontology pt comp

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select three modules from the list of compulsory and optional modules. Choose up to two of the following compulsory modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	TB1	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	TB1	20	Perspectives on Ageing
SHGM62	TB2	20	Foundations in Research
SHGM63	TB2	20	Health and Ageing

AND

PGDip Gerontology pt optionals

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose up to two of the following optional modules (a maximum of two optional modules can be selected during the programme):

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM05	TB2	20	Environment and Ageing
ASPM06	TB2	20	Older People, Citizenship and Participation
ASPM10	TB2	20	Psychology of Ageing
ASPM12	TB2	20	Policies, ageing and older people: constructing realities
SHGM51	YR	20	Assessment of the Older Person

PGDip Gerontology pt comp

Choose Exactly 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select three of the following compulsory modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	TB1	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	TB1	20	Perspectives on Ageing
ASPM12	TB2	20	Policies, ageing and older people: constructing realities
SHGM62	TB2	20	Foundations in Research
SHGM63	TB2	20	Health and Ageing

Year 2 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

PGDip Gerontology pt comp

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select three modules from the list of compulsory and optional modules. Choose up to two of the following compulsory modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	TB1	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	TB1	20	Perspectives on Ageing
SHGM62	TB2	20	Foundations in Research
SHGM63	TB2	20	Health and Ageing

AND

PGDip Gerontology pt optionals

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose up to two of the following optional modules (N.B. you can select a maximum of two optional modules during the programme):

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM03	TB2	20	Policies and Practices for an Ageing Population
ASPM05	TB2	20	Environment and Ageing
ASPM06	TB2	20	Older People, Citizenship and Participation
ASPM10	TB2	20	Psychology of Ageing
SHGM51	YR	20	Assessment of the Older Person

PGDip Gerontology pt comp

Choose Exactly 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select three of the following compulsory modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	TB1	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	TB1	20	Perspectives on Ageing
SHGM62	TB2	20	Foundations in Research
SHGM63	TB2	20	Health and Ageing

PGCert 1 Year Full-time

Year 1 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	Period September-January	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	Period September-January	20	Perspectives on Ageing

Optional Modules

PGCert Gerontology ft

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select ONE of the following modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM05	TB2	20	Environment and Ageing
ASPM06	TB2	20	Older People, Citizenship and Participation
ASPM10	TB2	20	Psychology of Ageing
ASPM12	TB2	20	Policies, ageing and older people: constructing realities
SHGM51	YR	20	Assessment of the Older Person

PGCert 1 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	Period September-January	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	Period September-January	20	Perspectives on Ageing

Optional Modules

Gerontology PGCert Optionals

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select ONE of the following modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM05	TB2	20	Environment and Ageing
ASPM06	TB2	20	Older People, Citizenship and Participation
ASPM10	TB2	20	Psychology of Ageing
ASPM12	TB2	20	Policies, ageing and older people: constructing realities
SHGM51	YR	20	Assessment of the Older Person

MSc 3 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

MSc Gerontology pt comp

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose up to two of the following compulsory modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	TB1	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	TB1	20	Perspectives on Ageing
SHGM62	TB2	20	Foundations in Research
SHGM63	TB2	20	Health and Ageing

AND

MSc Gerontology pt optionals

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose up to two of the following optional modules (N.B.a maximum of two optional modules can be selected during the programme):

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM03	TB2	20	Policies and Practices for an Ageing Population
ASPM05	TB2	20	Environment and Ageing
ASPM06	TB2	20	Older People, Citizenship and Participation
ASPM10	TB2	20	Psychology of Ageing

MSc Gerontology pt comp 2

Choose Exactly 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select three of the following compulsory modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	TB1	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	TB1	20	Perspectives on Ageing
SHGM62	TB2	20	Foundations in Research
SHGM63	TB2	20	Health and Ageing

Year 2 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

MSc Gerontology pt comp

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose up to two of the following compulsory modules (which have not previously been undertaken in year 1):

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	TB1	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	TB1	20	Perspectives on Ageing
SHGM62	TB2	20	Foundations in Research
SHGM63	TB2	20	Health and Ageing

AND

MSc Gerontology pt optionals

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose up to two of the following optional modules (N.B. you can select a maximum of two optional modules during the programme):

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM03	TB2	20	Policies and Practices for an Ageing Population
ASPM05	TB2	20	Environment and Ageing
ASPM06	TB2	20	Older People, Citizenship and Participation
ASPM10	TB2	20	Psychology of Ageing

MSc Gerontology pt comp 2

Choose Exactly 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select three modules from the following (which have not previously been undertaken in year 1):

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM01	TB1	20	Ageing in a Global Context
ASPM02	TB1	20	Perspectives on Ageing
SHGM62	TB2	20	Foundations in Research
SHGM63	TB2	20	Health and Ageing

Year 3 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
ASPM07	Period January-June	60	Dissertation

Entry Requirements

To apply for this course you will need:

A UK 2.2 degree or its equivalent.
Evidence of recent academic study.
We will consider you if you have relevant work experience or professional qualifications. This includes for example at least two years’ experience in local authorities, health, private and voluntary organisations and industry.
International students are required to have a minimum of IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in all domains, in English Language or a University approved equivalent, prior to starting the course.
The University provides English Language tuition to prepare international students for study.

How You're Taught

The course is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

If you are a full-time student, you will normally complete six modules and submit their dissertation by the end of the first year.

Part-time students will normally take two years to complete six modules, and one further year to complete the dissertation.

There is also the option for part-time students to complete the programme in two years.

The MSc in Gerontology and Ageing Studies includes six modules (120 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).

Four compulsory modules (20 credits each) cover the context of population ageing and explore theoretical perspectives on ageing.

These critically examine policy and practice initiatives that deal with issues in relation to health and consider the types of research methods that can be adopted in conducting ageing research.

Each module provides the opportunity to explore cutting-edge debates and issues on ageing in a global context.

Post-Graduate Certificate and Diploma Options

These courses, similar to the MSc, can also be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

Certificate students will take three modules totalling 60 credits, comprising two compulsory modules and one optional module selected from the MSc in Gerontology catalogue.

Diploma students will complete the same 120 credits as the MSc but will not be required to complete the 60 credit dissertation.

Both options are flexible if you are looking to study specific areas of interest whilst still obtaining a solid foundation in the principles of gerontology.

Assessment

There are no exams. All courses are assessed via a variety of written assessments, many of which are supported by a presentation.

Welsh Provision

If you are a Welsh speaker our dedicated academy, Academi Hywel Teifi, is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We offer you:

An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh - we will then communicate with you in your language of choice.
The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and every effort will be made to mark your work in its original language.
A Welsh-speaking personal tutor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.

Since 2011, there has been a 40% increase in the number of students studying through the medium of Welsh at Swansea University and our TEF* data over the last two years shows that Welsh-medium students are high achievers in regards to employability (*Swansea University TEF return 2017 and 2018).

Meet Your Lecturers

Key teaching staff includes:

Prof Vanessa Burholt (Centre Director) – Support network typologies, international ageing, migration, rurality
Dr Christine Dobbs (Programme Director & Module Leader) – Transgender ageing, death and dying, power and hierarchy, ethics
Andrew Dunning (Module Leader) – Elder abuse, advocacy, intergenerational relationships, citizenship
Dr Peter King (Module Leader) – Research methodologies
Dr Sarah Hillcoat-Nallétamby (Module Leader) – Housing, intergenerational relations, population ageing
Dr Ruth Hopkins (Module Leader) – Socio-economic public health, health protection, environmental health, health and ageing'
Dr Charles Musselwhite (Module Leader) – Traffic and transport, mobility, urban design, rural communities, age friendly communities, technology, public policy
Dr Martin Hyde (Module Leader) - Work, retirement and international ageing

Tuition Fees

Annual tuition fees for entry in the academic year 2020/21 are as follows:

		UK/EU	International
MSc	Full Time	£ 7,900	£ 16,400
MSc	Part Time	£ 3,950	£ 8,250
MSc	Part Time	£ 2,650	£ 5,500
PGDip	Full Time	£ 5,300	£ 10,900
PGDip	Part Time	£ 2,700	£ 10,900
PGCert	Full Time	£ 2,700	£ 5,500
PGCert	Part Time	£ 2,700	£ 5,500

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It is now possible for some students to study part-time under the Tier 4 visa route. This is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category. Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but are not limited to):

Parking and travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Printing and binding
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Careers and Employability Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future, or build upon your current role to further your career or embark upon a new direction.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

How to Apply

Please apply through the University’s central application system.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply for postgraduate study pages.