Diploma in Social Gerontology

The ICSG aims to develop social gerontology as a subject at diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels, educating future policy makers, public servants and leaders of private industry on ageing issues.The Diploma in Social Gerontology is a two-year, stand-alone, part-time programme for mature students. The programme covers a broad range of economic, social and political theories relating to ageing and examines public policy for older people across a number of fields. It is designed to equip students with the professional and analytical skills necessary to understand age and ageing in an economic, social and policy context and to enhance and develop their careers in age-related fields.

Who should apply?

Consider applying for this course if you:

• Are a health or social care professional working with older people
• Work with older people in governmental organisation, non-government organisation or voluntary organisation
• Are a member of an active retirement group or of another group of older people
• Are an older volunteer
• Wish to study issues related to older people for your own interest and enjoyment

All participants bring the rich tapestry of their own life experiences to bear on the programme, enabling participants to contribute to debate and discussion, which is an important part of the learning process.

Why choose this course?

Consider applying for this course if you want to:

• Increase and update your knowledge and information of age and ageing in society
• Develop and deepen your understanding of the influence of health and social policies on the lives of older people
• Improve your scientific and professional knowledge in respect of planning and provision of services for older people in a range of areas
• Understand theories of ageing and society
• Develop a critical perspective on growing older

Entry requirements

No previous knowledge of social gerontology is required. If you are interested in ageing and the economic and social forces that impact on ageing, apply for this programme. Applicants are normally expected to have satisfied the matriculation requirement of the University either on the basis of mature years (aged 21 or over by 1 January of the year of entry) or by meeting the normal minimum entry (matriculation) requirements of the University. However, applications from those who do not meet either of these criteria are considered on a case-by-case basis.

What do you study?

Programme content Year 1

Introduction to Social Gerontology: Population ageing, biological ageing, sociological and psychological theories of ageing, images of ageing, ageism, age and wisdom, cross-cultural perspectives on ageing.

Economics of Ageing: Consumption, saving, wealth, employment, unemployment, retirement, volunteering, health and disability, pensions, poverty, economic policy for ageing societies.

Social Perspectives on Ageing: Sociological perspectives on ageing, psychological perspectives on ageing, historical perspectives on ageing, identity, values and relationships in later life, quality of life, equality, discrimination, ageing and ethnicity.

Programme content Year 2

Rural Gerontology: Meaning and concepts of place, measuring rurality, rural demography, income and wealth, poverty, housing, transport, environment, health and disability, access and accessibility, long-term care.

Public Policy for Dependent Older People: Markets and market failure, social model of ageing, primary care, community care, family care, residential care, dementia, integrated care, quality of life for dependent older people, funding long-term care.

Research Skills and Research Paper: Students must complete a research paper, not more than 5,000 words long, on a topic approved by the Programme Board, under supervision of a member of the academic staff. The research topic reflects the interest of the student and where appropriate may be linked to their employment. Students will be given training in formulating research questions, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, research design and survey methods.

How to apply

Application forms are available from and should be returned to:

Admissions Office
NUI Galway
Phone: 091 492199
Fax: 091 495566

Email: admissions@nuigalway.ie

You may download an application form here.

There is an enrolment fee of €30. Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 30th August 2010. The next intake of students will be in September 2010.

What does the programme cost?

The Fee for the programme for 2010-2011 is €970 . Fees are likely to increase each year in line with inflation in the education sector.

Do all students have to undertake assessment?

You must undertake assessment if you wish to obtain the Diploma. Four modules are assessed by examination. You sit one examination paper at the end of each semester over the two years. The Economics of Ageing module is examined through continuous assessment and you must also complete the research paper.

When and where is the course delivered?

Students attend classes at NUI Galway on six Saturdays in Semester 1 and six Saturdays in Semester 2 in each year. Classes run from 9.00am-12.00pm and from 2.00pm-5pm , with opportunities for lecturer consultation and library visits in between. The programme is offered on a two-year cyclical basis and does not have an annual intake.

More information?

For more information, contact one of the following:

Áine Ní Léime
Course coordinator
Irish Centre for Social Gerontology
NUI Galway
Phone: 091 495458
Fax: 091 512516
Email: aine.nileime@nuigalway.ie

Christine De Largy
Development officer
Irish Centre for Social Gerontology
NUI Galway
Phone: 091 495461
Email: christine.delargy@nuigalway.ie