Ageing : MSc

Throughout your studies, we will advance your knowledge and critical understanding of theory, research, policy and practice in ageing. You’ll foster critical approaches to the review of evidence, enhance your research skills, and improve your written and oral presentation skills.

Year one is based on distance learning and will provide you with a general grounding in research methods. The modules studied in Year one bring together a theoretical and practical approach to research. They are: Theory, Methods and Choices; Data Analysis; and, Systematic Reviews. Within them, you will consider current issues in undertaking research, research ethics, the ethical consequences of different research designs and research in different populations, and Ethical approval and Governance procedures. You will also develop your technical skills in writing research proposals and using qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Year two sees you take a more focused approach to the study of ageing through a single, compulsory module before completing your data analysis/dissertation - the principle and outline of which will be agreed in Year one. Your dissertation will comprise a systematic review (either quantitative or qualitative) of a secondary data set analysis, or, of primary data (where data has already been collected as part of a larger, approved project). Reviewing an area relevant to your studies, the analysis/dissertation will not be a piece of primary research, or research that needs new ethical approval.

You will benefit from being part of a UK and internationally-based peer group. Fellow students, who are currently working in health and wish to develop their careers by having a higher level academic qualification, may include: academics in other institutions, health and social care professionals, public health practitioners, and those with roles in non-governmental agencies.

Teaching is delivered by blended learning, which includes two on-site Academies at Lancaster University (an Autumn Induction Academy and a second Academy, which is optional) and taught modules delivered via distance learning (we use an online platform called Moodle for this). You will participate in lectures, workshops, group discussions and individual activities during each Academy, while our distance learning approach combines live and interactive lectures, elements to be worked through autonomously, webinars and online collaboration, and group work.

You will have access to a Hub space that facilitates interaction with your cohort and with other programmes in order to create a virtual information space that’s also sociable. An academic tutor and a dissertation supervisor will provide you with support for each step of your MSc.

Your MSc can lead to an application for practitioner courses. It can also lead to broader employment options. Our selection of taught courses will enhance your skills in up-to-date research techniques and provide you with knowledge that extends beyond a single discipline – ensuring that you graduate with a wide range of skills that aid employability.