ObjectivesThe MSc in Gerontological Practice is an innovative new course that has been designed to help professionals including doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists to develop their practice and to lead their teams towards goals. The MSc has been shaped by input from numerous professional and user groups to create a union between academic and practical skills. The needs, wants and desires of the older person are placed firmly on centre stage. The inter-disciplinary nature of the course will encourage you as students to view challenges from new perspectives and to develop their professional expertise without being constrained by traditional boundaries. Whilst taking account of current policies and trends, the course will have the flexibility to deal with a changing world. It will always be about gerontological practice today. It will remain responsive to the voices of older people themselves, to priorities of professional groups and to the concerns of individual students. An extensive 'bank' of visiting speakers from a variety of backgrounds, who will be invited to take part in student-led discussions, will aid this flexibility. Topics covered include: -Gerontology and social ageing. -Advances in geriatric medicine. -Alzheimer's and other types of dementia
Entry requirementsThis is the course for people who want to make a real difference to the lives of the old people both today and in years to come. Government initiatives such as the National Framework for Older People have driven older people's needs up the political agenda. It is now imperative, not only to provide good practice, but also to be seen to be developing and embracing fresh approaches to care. The course is designed for doctors, nurses, social workers and professions allied to medicine.
Academic titleMSc Gerontological Practice
Course descriptionThe course will be based around fortnightly study days (usually Wednesdays). Tutorial support will be available between study days. Unit co-ordinators, personal tutor or course leader can provide this according to your needs. Support can be provided by e-mail, telephone, individual or group meeting.
Outside speakers will be a regular feature of the course. There will be significant flexibility so that, within the constraints of the unit learning outcomes, the student group will be able to request speakers with expertise relevant to their needs. These sessions will be student led with an emphasis on discussion and questioning.
The course is run over a minimum of two calendar years starting in September. It does not conform to the structure of University semesters but semester dates will form a rough guide to the delivery of units.
-Challenges in Gerontological Practice
-Person-Centred Practice· Research Proposal
-Research Project
-Impaired Cognition
-Change Management
Students without a research background are required to take the Research Methods Unit Other students will be able to choose from a range of units which will allow them to explore issues related to their own area of practice. This might include:
-Accessing, Appraising and Implementing Research Evidence
-Research Design & Method
-Work Based Learning