Global Ageing and Policy (Distance Learning) (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree to study this course.

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 part-time, you’ll need to study 8 modules and a dissertation. You'll have 4 compulsory modules and you'll choose 4 optional modules. 

MSc Global Ageing and Policy Distance Learning (1 year, full-time)
Taught sessions take place over 2 semesters each year, with 4 modules taken in each semester. With your tutor’s help you’ll prepare for your dissertation which you'll write over the summer vacation to submit in September.

MSc Global Ageing and Policy Distance Learning (part-time, 2 years 3 months)
Taught sessions take place over both semesters across 2 years. You’ll study 4 modules each year and complete your dissertation to submit in December.

MSc Global Ageing and Policy Distance Learning Flexible (part-time, 3 years 3 months)
Taught sessions 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

You’ll develop your skills in written and oral presentation through a variety of interactive online resources and software programmes.

All programme modules have their own page through online software called Blackboard. From here, you'll be able to access materials including:

• lecture slides and recordings
• coursework details
• references
• module updates
• comprehensive support and guidance on how to use online resources

You’ll have other online resources, too, including:

• library resources
• a range of software packages and computing support
• a university email account

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

• coursework, reports and essays
• a dissertation
• essays
• group essays
• individual and group projects
• written exams

Dissertation

Past students’ dissertation topics include:

• The impact of the challenges caused by parenting orphans and vulnerable children to the health and economy of the older people in sub-Saharan Africa
• Quality of care provided to people living with dementia by health care workers: A case study of a psychiatric hospital
• A comparison of older persons social pensions schemes in sub-Saharan Africa: Impact and challenges.
• Challenges faced while caring for older person with dementia in residential care in Nairobi, Kenya: A caregivers’ perspective

Academic Support

You’ll get a personal tutor who can advise on academic and other University issues, and a dissertation tutor who provides advice and support during independent research.
 
We’ll give you an induction to the programme, module briefings and information about the dissertation through audio-recorded and written materials.

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

In addition, many alumni from the MSc Global Ageing and Policy (Distance Learning) programme have continued their postgraduate studies by following the PhD Gerontology pathway.

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.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

The Department of Gerontology & Centre for Research on Ageing, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, is offering 8 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships to study on the MSc Gerontology (Distance Learning) or the MSc Global Ageing & Policy (Distance Learning) in 2023-24.

Find out more about the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

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

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Friday 30 August 2024 - midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Friday 30 August 2024 - midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

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