MA in Gerontology  MA in Gerontology Keele University ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1534086197Keele-University.jpg

MAPOSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY This course will be of interest to professionals working with older people in the public, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as those wishing to pursue studies or a career in ageing research or practice. The course presents students with a unique opportunity to broaden their knowledge about ageing and older people, their needs and the services provided for them, and skills necessary for effective health, social and voluntary work. It aims to integrate advances in knowledge about social, psychological and biological aspects of ageing, with an update and review of developments in policy and service delivery. The course provides a critical perspective on growing older and develops students? skills and awareness of the importance of research and evaluation. Since 2006, the MA in Gerontology has been taught in conjunction with the MSc in Geriatric Medicine for four of the six course modules. This interdisciplinarity is a key strength of the programme, with students finding the interchange of ideas and perspectives stimulating and educationally rewarding. The course comprises six one-week modules which can be taken either full-time in one year or part-time over two years. In addition to passing these modules, Masters degree students are required to write a dissertation. Students who pass all the taught modules (120 credits) but do not complete the dissertation may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma. Individual and small group tutorials are used to support students throughout the course. The six modules cover a broad range of subjects: Module 1: Introduction to Social Gerontology (20 credits)The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the main trends behind an ageing population and to enhance students? awareness of the ways in which dependency in old age is socially created and sustained. Indicative content includes theories of social ageing, age and ageism, gender and ageing, and family relationships in later life. Module 2: Critical Perspectives in Health (20 credits) This module introduces students to a number of key perspectives on the provision of health service delivery for older people. It examines the physical and mental health status of older people and considers the implication of these aspects of ageing for health and social care professionals. Module 3: Research Skills (20 credits) This module provides students with a critical overview of research methods in order to appreciate key concepts and issues, in preparation for undertaking individual research dissertations. Content includes discussion of research design, qualitative and quantitative approaches to research, literature reviews, and research ethics. In addition, the module aims to equip students with an understanding of the use and place of research in their own agencies. Module 4: Policies and Practices for an Ageing Population (20 credits) This module assesses the roles of health and social policy in structuring the lives of older people. It explores the historical development of health and welfare provision from a UK, European and international perspective, as well as critically reviewing the organisation and delivery of services in the National Health Service, residential care and community care developments. It also examines relationships with other policy areas such as housing and transport as a way of promoting more holistic and interdisciplinary responses to the challenge of an ageing society. Module 5: Contemporary Perspectives in Ageing 1 (20 credits) This module assesses some of the arguments developed by those working within a critical gerontology perspective. It examines theoretical perspectives such as modernism and post-modernism, and includes topics such as normal ageing loss and bereavement advocacy developments in dementia care and interdisciplinary working. Module 6: Contemporary Perspectives in Ageing 2 (20 credits) This module builds on and extends the themes identified in Contemporary P