MA Gerontology  MA Gerontology Bangor University ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1564987992Bangor-University-1.jpg

DIPLOMAMA GERONTOLOGY The aim of the MA course is to improve the scientific knowledge of those wishing to study gerontology as an academic discipline, and the professional knowledge of those concerned with understanding the ageing process and with planning and providing services for elderly people and their carers. Emphasis is on the normal ageing process a nd the maintenance of health and independence, relating these topics to policy decisions, service provision, planning and management. Wherever possible a comparative, cross-cultural perspective will be adopted. The course seeks to provide students with the skills necessary to critically read and use the research and professional literature and to provide training in the research process and methodology to enable them to improve decision-making practice a nd to conduct research projects in their professional capacity to answer questions which may arise in the course of their occupational activities. The course is normally based on part-time study over two years, based on 6 full time study weeks, and private study. The first year is made up of six modules. Students wishing only to take the Diploma course complete these modules only, while those wishing to proceed to the Masters Degree will go on to the second year. Students wishing to do so, may take modules 1-6 over a longer time scale, e.g. over two years instead of one. However, the Diploma must be completed within 3 years of registration and the MA in five. The seven study modules of the first year cover a broad range of subjects: Module 1: Implications of an Ageing Population Structure Module 2: The Research Process Module 3: Social Science Theories of Ageing Module 4: Health and Sickness in Old Age Module 5: Social Policy, Health and Personal Social Services for Older People Module 6: Working with Old Age: Organisational Contexts Module 7: Research and Dementia The second year will be based on independent research, including collection and analysis of data and the writing of a research thesis of 20,000 words. Supervision and tutorial support will be provided on an individual basis. The nature and topic of the research project will ideally be decided in joint discussions between the student, the tutor, and where relevant, the sponsoring agency. There are no examinations. Marking is based on continuous assessment. There will be six assignments distributed throughout the first year. These are designed to assess each module. The pass mark for all assignments is 50% Students failing to achieve this level will be allowed to resubmit each assignment. To be awarded the Diploma students must pass all assignments. Progress to the second year of the course will be contingent upon reaching a suitable standard in the first year. Students must achieve a pass in each assessed component, satisfy the examination board of their competence and produce a viable thesis outline. Award of the Master's Degree will be contingent on the presentation of a thesis of acceptable standard.