Public Policy and Professional Practice

At the moment, we are unable to offer a full-time or complete MA programme.  Modules will be offered on a free standing basis.  Please contact the Course Administrator if you would like to receive details of these as and when they become available.

In the meantime, further details about possible  modules can be downloaded/accessed via the following links:

• SPA-40020 Ageing Societies 1
• SPA-40021 Ageing Societies 2
• SPA-40018 From Theory to Practice in an Ageing Society 1
• SPA-40019 From Theory to Practice in an Ageing Society 2

*Students can register for 'Ageing Societies 2' and 'From Theory to Practice.. 2' once they have successfully completed Part 1 of these modules.

The course aims to:

• Broaden student's knowledge about ageing and older people, their needs, the services provided for them, and the skills necessary for effective health, social and voluntary work;
• Provide students with a critical perspective on growing older;
• Integrate advances in knowledge about social, psychological, health and biological aspects of ageing, with an update and review of developments in policy and service delivery;
• Develop students' skills and awareness of the importance of research and evaluation;
• Provide students with the opportunity to enhance and develop their written and communication skills;
• Provide students with a stimulating intellectual environment;

The course is aimed at anyone with an interest in ageing.   It appeals to people wishing to pursue studies or a career in ageing research or practice.   Participants typically include professionals working with older people, as well as people who have recently completed a first degree.   The course is also suitable for older people and those with non-traditional academic backgrounds.

Modules

The following provides details of the modules comprising the full MA programme:

• Ageing Societies I
• Ageing Societies II **
• Policies for Ageing Societies I
• Policies for Ageing Societies II **
• Research Methods
• Researching Ageing Societies **
• Theory to Practice in an Ageing Society I
• Theory to Practice in an Ageing Society II **

(** These modules emphasise self-directed learning, and participants will address the content of the module through individual tutorials, directed reading and a range of self-study talks building on the learning achieved in the previous linked, taught module).

Full MA Course Structure

The course comprises eight 15-credit M-Level modules that form the basis of the Diploma in Gerontology. Students must successfully complete these eight modules before undertaking their dissertation, which carries a further 60 M-Level credits and leads to the MA in Gerontology award.  Students are also able to register for, and build up their credits, module by module.

A range of different teaching and learning methods are used, including lectures, seminars, workshops, debates, self-directed study, and poster presentations.  The teaching team is multidisciplinary and is drawn from a group of international scholars in the field of ageing.  It also includes a wide variety of expert practitioners based both inside and outside the University.

Assessment is continuous and is based upon a variety of written assignments and the completion of a research dissertation.