Dementia Studies (Online)

MSc | University of Sterling | Expires 31/12/2024

Overview – With the number of people living with dementia across the world expected to double in the next 20 years, this innovative e-learning course has been developed to provide you with an in-depth, research-based knowledge of dementia and approaches to supporting people with dementia. It’s designed for professionals already working in the field and carers/volunteers who are supporting people with dementia. Our online course can be studied from anywhere in the world.

The course is run by a team of academic experts whose research has helped to shape dementia care policy worldwide. You’ll learn about the latest theories, innovations and best practice in supporting people with dementia – as well as gaining an overview of policy drivers and initiatives, and a grounding in academic and research skills. Our course also benefits from an advisory group of people with dementia, who support course development.

During your studies, you’ll become part of an international online community of fellow students and academics committed to improving dementia practice and the experience of people living with dementia. With a student and alumni group that to date encompasses students from Europe, Asia, North America, the Middle East and Africa, and from professions spanning health, care, architecture and law, you will engage with a diverse range of professionals who are committed to improving the experiences of people living with dementia across varied regional contexts.

The course encourages collaborative, interdisciplinary and critical learning. It’s dedicated to creating leaders of change in dementia practice.

Course objectives

The course has been developed to provide you with an in-depth, research-based knowledge of dementia. This includes theory, innovation and best practice, policy drivers and initiatives, and a grounding in academic and research skills. You will:

develop an advanced understanding of multidisciplinary perspectives about dementia and approaches to supporting people with dementia
address critical issues in dementia practice and service delivery
encourage improved collaboration across areas of practice
compare and contrast national and international research
identify and debate current practice developments
develop critical thinking to promote reflective practice
develop knowledge and skills of social research processes

Research Overview

Our Dementia Studies (Online) course is delivered by expert staff from the Faculty of Social Sciences. 80 percent of the Faculty’s research was classed as world leading or internationally excellent during the last UK-wide Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014). Our team of experts advise governments and academic institutions in the UK, Europe, China and Australia on dementia-related issues, and provide training and consultancy for the private, voluntary and statutory sectors.

The University of Stirling is home to the Dementia Services Development Centre – an international centre of knowledge and expertise dedicated to improving the lives of people with dementia.

Academic requirements

A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

You must be a professional currently working in a relevant field or a carer/volunteer with experience of supporting individuals with dementia.

Entry route via undergraduate modules

Our undergraduate modules on improving dementia care and caring for families with Huntington’s disease offer an entry route for applicants who do not meet the entry requirements to study this MSc Dementia Studies course. They also provide an introduction to online learning and the approach taken by the team here at Stirling.

Our Dementia Studies (Online) course features nine individual modules, and three possible qualifications – an MSc, Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert). This modular structure extends across all three years of the programme (there is no final year dissertation) and will develop your academic skills at postgraduate level, including research approaches and methods.

To earn your MSc, you’ll need to complete all nine modules, while you can attain a PgDip by completing six modules, or the PgCert by completing three modules. We also offer selected modules on a standalone basis.

Each semester starts with an online introductory session. You will then join an online tutorial group of fellow students and teaching staff. Academic learning is subsequently undertaken through a combination of individual study and interactive online sessions with your tutorial group. Learning is designed to be flexible so that you can study when and where you choose.