Gerontology (Distance Learning) (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in social science or a subject related to ageing. 

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, the course is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose. You’ll study 8 modules in total, as well as your dissertation.

MSc Gerontology Distance Learning (1 year, full-time)
Study 8 modules over 1 year. For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

MSc Gerontology Distance Learning (part-time, 2 years 3 months)
Study 4 modules in year 1 and 4 modules in year 2. The taught part of the course takes place over 2 semesters each year. You'll carry out and submit your dissertation over the summer and autumn of your second year to submit in December.

MSc Gerontology Distance Learning (part-time, 3 years 3 months)
Your taught sessions will take place over 3 years and you’ll study 1 or 2 modules in each semester. You’ll carry out your dissertation over the summer and autumn of the final year to submit in December. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The course is delivered using the University's virtual learning environment. You'll be able to access all the learning resources at any time. You'll learn the latest advances in theoretical knowledge, practical research and data analytics skills. The teaching and learning methods include: 

• recordings of live lectures
• lecture slides
• supervised independent research 
• independent study 
• online exercises and quizzes
• discussion boards
   

Assessment

We'll assess you using:

• essays
• literature reviews
• oral presentations
• research reports
• dissertation

Dissertation

You’ll complete a 15,000-word dissertation to demonstrate the knowledge and research skills you have gained during the course. You’ll research and write your dissertation over the summer and submit it by the end of September. 

Past dissertation topics include: 

• the relationship between life course factors and volunteering in retirement 
• how the Mental Capacity Act (2005) can be more effectively embedded into practice in the provision of health and social care for older people with dementia 
• information and advice-seeking among informal carers for older people 
• the impact of internal migration on intergenerational relationships and the wellbeing of rural left-behind elders in China 

Your supervisor will provide regular advice, guidance and feedback on your progress. 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor. You'll also have access to a distance learning tutor who can help with your induction and advise about any aspect of the course.

Studying Ageing and Gerontology can benefit your career. It gives you a valuable perspective that can be useful in many different jobs. No matter what field you're in, knowing about ageing and gerontology can make your work more meaningful.

It can lead to a wide range of job opportunities in:

• government agencies
• non-profits and international organisations
• academic institutions
• healthcare and social care settings

After this MSc, you'll also be in an ideal position to continue your research at PhD level.

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £25,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Economic, Social and Political Sciences.

Find out more about the Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Ageing and Gerontology Talent Scholarship

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

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Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

• International students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You’ll need to submit a reference, this can be a professional or academic reference.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000