Gerontology Research

Overview

Course Details

You’ll graduate in an ideal position to pursue doctoral level studies or for a career in local or national government.

Understanding the process of population ageing can benefit areas such as health and social care, research, local and national policy. On this course, you'll study a range of perspectives, including policy, demography, sociology, biology, healthcare sciences, psychology and economics.

This Gerontology Research MSc course offered by the University of Southampton is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). The ESRC DTP can offer funding if you're interested in progressing to PhD training.

If you already have research methods skills you may be able to study more advanced modules in quantitative or qualitative research methods.

You’ll develop:

• understanding of key theories in gerontology and how they apply to the analysis of ageing and life course issues
• knowledge of global debates around the lives of older people, their families and societies
• the ability to assess policies and initiatives about population ageing, welfare provision and quality of life of older people, their families and carers
• competence in qualitative and quantitative research methods and how they apply to key research in gerontology questions
• the ability to design and conduct independent research in gerontology using appropriate research methods
• skills for a career in the field of gerontology and applied health and social sciences

Career Opportunities

• critical appreciation of key theoretical perspectives in gerontology and their application to the analysis of issues concerning ageing and the life course

• understanding of contemporary debates in gerontology surrounding the lives of older people, their families and societies in developed and developing countries

• the ability to evaluate policies and initiatives concerning population ageing, welfare provision and quality of life of older people, their families and carers

• competence in qualitative and quantitative research methods and their application to key research questions

• the ability to design and conduct independent research in gerontology using appropriate research methods

• preparation for a career in the field of gerontology and applied health and social sciences