MSc Ageing aims to allow people working in a range of settings – government, third sector, health care sites, academic institutions, social care settings, international organisations etc. – to undertake advanced study within this exciting and vibrant field. The Master's is aimed at individuals based in international settings or in the UK. This part-time programme offers a flexible way of engaging with study in this area. It is delivered via blended/distance e-learning, over two years. A large proportion of the course covers research methods giving you the skills to make an original contribution to knowledge development in the field of ageing.
Programme overviewYear 1 and Year 2 taught include:
Ageing
Systematic approaches to literature reviews and evidence synthesis:
Data analysis:
Theory and methods:
For the 60-credit dissertation module which you will carry out in your second year, you will be able to choose from a number of dissertation formats. These will include a systematic review (of either quantitative or qualitative studies) or the opportunity to carry out analysis of an existing data set. This research project will be supervised from Lancaster University, but undertaken in your own location or workplace. Supervisions will take the form of online meetings. Supervisors will be chosen based on relevant theoretical or methodological expertise within a student’s area of interest where possible.
Our academic staff have expertise in:
MSc Ageing is delivered by Blending Learning. Blended learning refers to the methods of interaction between students and course tutors / supervisors on a programme. Teaching and research activities are carried out through a combination of face-to-face and online interaction. The Lancaster-based academies that occur each year give you the chance to meet your programme peers and the academic team. Online interactions use our virtual learning environment and include discussion forums, collaborative digital spaces and video conferencing.
Year 1 starts with a three-day compulsory in person Induction Academy. While you are welcome to attend an academy in your second year, this is not compulsory. The first-year induction academy is an opportunity to meet and to get to know your cohort in person and to meet the academic programme team and support staff.
Programme outcomesThe Master's in Ageing aims to:
Professor Carol Holland explains the very multi-disciplinary nature of Ageing Research and Studies at Lancaster University. Our collaborative approach to Ageing Research brings together academics with a range of backgrounds and expertise. Coming to Lancaster to study will place you amongst a group of friendly, collaborative academics and students who make a real impact in this exciting field.
Professor Crawford is the deputy director for the Centre for Ageing Research. In this episode of the Psychology at Lancaster podcast series, he talks about his own journey to Lancaster and his current research into Alzheimer's disease.
Listen to the podcast on Spotify
The Centre for Ageing Research (C4AR) is an interdisciplinary centre for academics who conduct research into ageing from across a wide range of disciplines. As a student at Lancaster University, you would automatically be a member of the centre.
Centre for Ageing Research (C4AR)2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in an appropriate subject, such as health/social care or related fields. Qualifications and/or experience considered by the University to be of an equivalent standard will also be considered.
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Year 1, Autumn Term (weeks 1-10, October-December)
Credits: 30
Mode of assessment: 3000 word essay (75%) and a poster (25%).
This module provides students with an understanding of how ageing and later life are related to demographic, social, economic, political and environmental factors. The module begins with a discussion of the history of scholarly study on ageing and an introduction to different theoretical perspectives on ageing such as demography, epidemiology and psychology. It then explores different approaches to researching ageing societies before discussing social policy related to ageing.
e-learning distance module
Spring term (weeks 1-10, January-March)
Credits: 30
Mode of assessment: two pieces of written work (Qualitative data analysis, 2500 words; Quantitative data analysis, 2500 words)
This module is an introduction to the theory and practice of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The module consists of two distinct parts: qualitative data analysis and quantitative data analysis. Within each part, there will be an option to take an introductory or an advanced unit.
The introductory quantitative unit covers data management and descriptive analyses and introduces students to inferential testing in general and statistical tests for comparisons between groups specifically. The advanced quantitative unit covers linear regression as well as regression methods for categorical dependent variables and longitudinal data before exploring quasi-experimental methods for policy evaluation and finally providing an opportunity to discuss more specific regression methods such count data models or duration analysis.
The introductory qualitative unit focusses on the technique of thematic analysis, a highly flexible approach and useful foundation for researchers new to qualitative data analysis. The unit takes students through the stage of a qualitative data analysis: sorting and organising qualitative data, interrogating qualitative data, interpreting the data and finally writing accounts of qualitative data. The advanced qualitative unit introduces students to alternative techniques such as narrative analysis or discourse analysis.
Deadline: April
The aim of this module is to provide students with an advanced introduction to the methods commonly used in health research. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of:
e-learning distance module
Sunmer Term (weeks 1-10, April-June)
Credits: 30
Mode of assessment: 5000 word assignment consisting of two 2500 word components
This module introduces a range of methods used in health research. The focus is on justifying research design choices rather than practical skills in data analysis. The starting point is the development of meaningful and feasible research questions. The module then introduces a range of quantitative research designs and quantitative approaches to data collection. Next, the module looks at qualitative research designs and their relation to different epistemological positions. How to integrate quantitative and qualitative methods into mixed methods research is being discussed next. The module also explores issues such as sampling and quality across different research designs.
Deadline: July
Module description to follow.
e-learning distance module
Autumn term (weeks 1-10, October-December)
Credits: 30
Mode of assessment: 5000 word assignment
This module provides an introduction to the principles and components of systematic reviewing. It takes students through the key steps of a systematic review. The starting point of the module is the construction of an appropriate review question. Next, the module discusses the (iterative) process of creating a search strategy that successfully identifies all relevant literature. The module then moves on to selecting appropriate methodological quality criteria, enabling students to develop their skills in critically appraising studies. After discussing how to prepare a data extraction form the module introduces a key component of a systematic review: synthesising the evidence. Finally, the module will teach students how to put everything together in a systematic review protocol.
Deadline: January
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
| Location | Full Time (per year) | Part Time (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| UK | n/a | £5,250 |
| International | n/a | £11,050 |
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
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Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
| Scheme | Based on | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Based on {{item.eligibility_basis}} | Amount {{item.amount}} |
We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
The MSc in Ageing is offered part-time via blended learning. Teaching and research activities are carried out through a combination of face-to-face and online interaction, allowing you to undertake the majority of study from your own location whilst fulfilling your existing responsibilities. You will benefit from being part of a UK and internationally-based peer group working across a range of sectors.
Face-to-face interactions take place at an annual residential Autumn Academy while taught modules are delivered via distance learning using our virtual learning environment and include discussion forums, collaborative digital spaces and video conferencing. All students have access to a hub space that facilitates interaction with their cohort and with students on related programmes, creating a virtual information space that is also sociable. A academic tutor provides you with support for each step of your MSc.
Blended Learning
The programme begins with a three-day induction academy at Lancaster University, followed by four online taught modules.
Year 1 will provide you with a theoretical and practical approach to research and a general grounding in research methods. The modules studied in Year 1 are: Ageing: Theory and Research; Data Analysis; Theory, Methods and Choices. 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.
The core ageing module provides students with an understanding of how ageing and later life are related to demographic, social, economic, political, and environmental factors. The module is composed of weekly teaching that covers concepts, theories, practice, research methods and policy implications of contemporary issues in ageing, in combination with a range of independent and collaborative learning activities.
Year 2 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 1. 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.
The Division of Health Research have been offering blended learning postgraduate programmes since 2010. We have many successful graduates and currently around 200 continuing students on a range of programmes who have benefited in progressing their careers from the high quality postgraduate education we provide.
Finding solutions to the major global challenges of disease prevention and care for an ageing population.
Interdisciplinary research and teaching around ageing, older people and age-related disease.
Improving palliative and end of life care for patients and family carers.
We hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to advancing the careers of women in higher education and research.
The information on this site relates primarily to 2023/2024 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
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