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Dementia Studies PhD - 2019 Entry
Entry Year
2019
Duration
Part time 4 Year(s)
Course Overview
Research into dementia is increasingly being given funding priority, reflecting both national and worldwide emphases on the importance of improving care. The UK Government has stated that by 2020 the UK should be ‘the best place in the world to undertake research into dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases’. Our prestigious Division of Health Research is home to the Centre for Ageing Research and to a number of staff who are internationally recognised experts in dementia. The PhD in Dementia Studies is your chance to work with these world-leading academics on the production of a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge development within your area of professional practice.
Combining innovative distance learning and an annual Academy held at the University, this part-time, flexible degree will help you to gain deeper critical insight into the theories, research and practices relating to dementia.
Run over 4-5 years (minimum 4 years) the PhD Dementia Studies begins with a five-day Induction Academy at the University. Each of the subsequent academic years start with a three-day Autumn Academy. The rest of the course is delivered via e-learning.
Throughout your studies, we will support you as you enhance your leadership skills and effectiveness, and as you develop advanced skills in research design, practice and dissemination. You’ll foster critical approaches to the review of evidence and improve your written and oral presentation skills.
Years one and two provide you with training in research and dementia studies. Your specialist module in Year one is Dementia, which is studied alongside the Philosophy of Research, and, Research Design. In Year two, you will undertake the following modules: Systematic Reviews; Data Analysis; and Advanced Research Planning.
Years three to four/five see you undertake a research project in Dementia Studies, which will conclude with the submission of your 35,000 word thesis. The project will be supervised from the University but undertaken in your own location or workplace. Supervisions can be via telephone, e-mail or Skype, depending on preference. Face-to-face meetings with your supervisors will take place during the annual Academy.
Teaching is delivered by blended learning, which includes on-site Academies at Lancaster University 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 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 benefit from being part of a UK and internationally-based peer group of health workers who wish to undertake formal study at the same time as they are working. All students have access to a Hub space that facilitates interaction with your cohort and with other programmes, creating a virtual information space that’s also sociable. An academic tutor and then two research supervisors will provide you with support for each step of your PhD. They will also encourage you to attend external workshops and conferences (using University funds, where available, to support this).
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, so you’ll graduate with a wide range of skills that aid employability.
Course Structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
-
Induction Academy
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:
- How to use Moodle for distance learning and engage with peers and staff online
- Using the library as a distance learning student
- How to search the literature
- Using End Note
- How to synthesise evidence
- Standards of academic writing
- The nature of plagiarism and how to reference source material correctly
- Theoretical perspectives in health research
- The practical process of conducting research
- How to formulate appropriate questions and hypotheses
- How to choose appropriate methodology
- Quantitative and qualitative research method
- Research ethics
- Disseminating and implementing research into practice
- Programme-specific research.
-
Philosophy of Research
e-learning distance module
Spring Term (weeks 1-10, January-March)
Credits: 30
Convenor: Dr Sean Hughes
Main Topics and Learning Outcomes:
- Introduces the underpinning philosophies of health research methodologies
- Highlights the epistemological underpinnings of policy and practice. Encourages critical reflection of the construction of knowledge in relationship to health policy and professional practice.
- Examines the generation of evidence and knowledge on health related issues in contemporary societies.
- Examines the processes through which evidence is translated into policy and practice.
- Introduces the fundamental principles of ethics and their application
Mode of assessment: 2,000 word critical appraisal and 3000 word assignment.
Deadline: April
-
Theory and Methods: Choices for Health Research
e-learning distance module
Sunmer Term (weeks 1-10, April-June)
Credits: 30
Convenors: Dr Sarah Brearley
This core module equips students with the skills necessary to design and undertake good qualitative and quantitative research.
Main Topics and Learning Outcomes:
- Highlights varying methods used in health research.
- Focuses on methodological issues including:
- Research questions
- design issues
- choosing a data collection method;
- sampling strategies in health and social research;
Mode of assessment: 4,800 word assignment and a minimum of 1 contribution to the annotated bibliography.
Deadline: July
Core
-
Data Analysis
e-learning distance module
Spring term (weeks 1-10, January-March)
Credits: 30
Convenor: Dr Guillermo Perez Algorta
This module is an introduction to the theory and practice of qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
Mode of assessment: You need to complete two pieces of written work (Qualitative data analysis, 2500 words; Quantitative data analysis, 2500 words).
Deadline: April
-
Systematic approaches to literature reviews and evidence synthesis
e-learning distance module
Autumn term (weeks 1-10, October-December)
Credits: 30
Convenors: Dr Siobhan Reilly
Main Topics and Learning Outcomes: this module has a particular focus on systematic methods for reviewing, critically appraising and synthesising different types of research evidence to inform various research questions
Mode of assessment: 3,000 word assignment.
Deadline: January
-
Principles of Research Design and Practical Research Ethics
e-learning distance module
Summer Term (weeks 1-10, April-June)
Credits: 30
Convenor: Prof Carol Thomas
Module Description
This module will enable you to explore both the principles of research design and practical research ethics. This involves considering research design in general, as well as focusing on the design of your own thesis research project. In this way, the module will set you up for the thesis research stage to follow.
Key to this is the production of your ‘research proposal’ in Part 1, and the completion of a practice application for research ethics approval in Part 2. Once completed, a research proposal is sometimes referred to – in full or in summary – as a ‘research protocol’. Research proposals are made up of sections that you need to become familiar with. The key conventions will be introduced and explained – with some degree of variation between qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research proposals. Students will thus have the opportunity to gain skills in drawing up a research proposal and completing an ethics application, which are important gateways to obtaining approval/funding and getting out into the field.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the module successful students will be able to:
· Identify the key elements of research design for quantitative, qualitative and mixed method research proposals (protocols) - including overall study aims and objectives, the research question(s) or hypothesis, the conceptual framework in use, the rationale for why new research is required, the methods, and dissemination plan
· Understand the terminology used in different research designs
· Demonstrate the ability to conceptualise and plan research though the development of comprehensive research proposals which systematically approach a question or problem.
· Acquire skills in writing research protocols
· Know where to find help and support when applying for ethical approval
· Locate and be familiar with up to date research governance regulatory requirements concerning ethical guidelines of key organisations involved in health, social care, and organisational health research
· Apply an ethical mindset to a research proposal
· Successfully transfer a research proposal into an ethical review application form
· Check and self assess a completed ethics application and supporting documents prior to submission
Mode of assessment: A written assignment that includes: a) a 4,000 word research proposal and b) a completed FHMREC ethics application form and supporting documents.
Deadline: July
Core
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.
Key Information
Director of Studies: Dr Jane Simpson
Duration: 4 - 7 years, part-time
Entry requirements: An upper second class honours degree, in a relevant subject. Qualifications and/or experience considered by the University to be of an equivalent standard will also be considered.
IELTS: Overall score of at least 6.5, with no individual element below 5.5
Assessment: Combination of written assignments and the submission of a thesis for examination
Funding: All applicants should consult our information on fees and funding.
Fees
Fees
| Full Time (per year) | Part Time (per year) | |
|---|---|---|
| UK/EU | N/A | To be announced |
| Overseas | N/A | £8,640 |
The 2019 UK/EU fees are not available and will be added to this page when they have been announced.
As a guide the UK/EU fees for entry in 2018 were £3,246 (part time).
The University will not increase the Tuition Fee you are charged during the course of an academic year.
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year's duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. The way in which continuing students' fee rates are determined varies according to an individual's 'fee status' as set out on our fees webpages.
What are tuition fees for?
Studying at a UK University means that you need to pay an annual fee for your tuition, which covers the costs associated with teaching, examinations, assessment and graduation.
The fee that you will be charged depends on whether you are considered to be a UK, EU or overseas student. Visiting students will be charged a pro-rata fee for periods of study less than a year.
Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12 month session, which usually runs from October to September the following year.
How does Lancaster set overseas tuition fees?
Overseas fees, alongside all other sources of income, allow the University to maintain its abilities across the range of activities and services. Each year the University's Finance Committee consider recommendations for increases to fees proposed for all categories of student and this takes into account a range of factors including projected cost inflation for the University, comparisons against other high-quality institutions and external financial factors such as projected exchange rate movements.
What support is available towards tuition fees?
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student in making the most of their education. Many of our students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. You can find out more about financial support, studentships, and awards for postgraduate study on our website.
-
Course Overview
Course Overview
Research into dementia is increasingly being given funding priority, reflecting both national and worldwide emphases on the importance of improving care. The UK Government has stated that by 2020 the UK should be ‘the best place in the world to undertake research into dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases’. Our prestigious Division of Health Research is home to the Centre for Ageing Research and to a number of staff who are internationally recognised experts in dementia. The PhD in Dementia Studies is your chance to work with these world-leading academics on the production of a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge development within your area of professional practice.
Combining innovative distance learning and an annual Academy held at the University, this part-time, flexible degree will help you to gain deeper critical insight into the theories, research and practices relating to dementia.
Run over 4-5 years (minimum 4 years) the PhD Dementia Studies begins with a five-day Induction Academy at the University. Each of the subsequent academic years start with a three-day Autumn Academy. The rest of the course is delivered via e-learning.
Throughout your studies, we will support you as you enhance your leadership skills and effectiveness, and as you develop advanced skills in research design, practice and dissemination. You’ll foster critical approaches to the review of evidence and improve your written and oral presentation skills.
Years one and two provide you with training in research and dementia studies. Your specialist module in Year one is Dementia, which is studied alongside the Philosophy of Research, and, Research Design. In Year two, you will undertake the following modules: Systematic Reviews; Data Analysis; and Advanced Research Planning.
Years three to four/five see you undertake a research project in Dementia Studies, which will conclude with the submission of your 35,000 word thesis. The project will be supervised from the University but undertaken in your own location or workplace. Supervisions can be via telephone, e-mail or Skype, depending on preference. Face-to-face meetings with your supervisors will take place during the annual Academy.
Teaching is delivered by blended learning, which includes on-site Academies at Lancaster University 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 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 benefit from being part of a UK and internationally-based peer group of health workers who wish to undertake formal study at the same time as they are working. All students have access to a Hub space that facilitates interaction with your cohort and with other programmes, creating a virtual information space that’s also sociable. An academic tutor and then two research supervisors will provide you with support for each step of your PhD. They will also encourage you to attend external workshops and conferences (using University funds, where available, to support this).
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, so you’ll graduate with a wide range of skills that aid employability.
-
Course Structure
Course Structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
-
Induction Academy
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:
- How to use Moodle for distance learning and engage with peers and staff online
- Using the library as a distance learning student
- How to search the literature
- Using End Note
- How to synthesise evidence
- Standards of academic writing
- The nature of plagiarism and how to reference source material correctly
- Theoretical perspectives in health research
- The practical process of conducting research
- How to formulate appropriate questions and hypotheses
- How to choose appropriate methodology
- Quantitative and qualitative research method
- Research ethics
- Disseminating and implementing research into practice
- Programme-specific research.
-
Philosophy of Research
e-learning distance module
Spring Term (weeks 1-10, January-March)
Credits: 30
Convenor: Dr Sean Hughes
Main Topics and Learning Outcomes:
- Introduces the underpinning philosophies of health research methodologies
- Highlights the epistemological underpinnings of policy and practice. Encourages critical reflection of the construction of knowledge in relationship to health policy and professional practice.
- Examines the generation of evidence and knowledge on health related issues in contemporary societies.
- Examines the processes through which evidence is translated into policy and practice.
- Introduces the fundamental principles of ethics and their application
Mode of assessment: 2,000 word critical appraisal and 3000 word assignment.
Deadline: April
-
Theory and Methods: Choices for Health Research
e-learning distance module
Sunmer Term (weeks 1-10, April-June)
Credits: 30
Convenors: Dr Sarah Brearley
This core module equips students with the skills necessary to design and undertake good qualitative and quantitative research.
Main Topics and Learning Outcomes:
- Highlights varying methods used in health research.
- Focuses on methodological issues including:
- Research questions
- design issues
- choosing a data collection method;
- sampling strategies in health and social research;
Mode of assessment: 4,800 word assignment and a minimum of 1 contribution to the annotated bibliography.
Deadline: July
Core
-
Data Analysis
e-learning distance module
Spring term (weeks 1-10, January-March)
Credits: 30
Convenor: Dr Guillermo Perez Algorta
This module is an introduction to the theory and practice of qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
Mode of assessment: You need to complete two pieces of written work (Qualitative data analysis, 2500 words; Quantitative data analysis, 2500 words).
Deadline: April
-
Systematic approaches to literature reviews and evidence synthesis
e-learning distance module
Autumn term (weeks 1-10, October-December)
Credits: 30
Convenors: Dr Siobhan Reilly
Main Topics and Learning Outcomes: this module has a particular focus on systematic methods for reviewing, critically appraising and synthesising different types of research evidence to inform various research questions
Mode of assessment: 3,000 word assignment.
Deadline: January
-
Principles of Research Design and Practical Research Ethics
e-learning distance module
Summer Term (weeks 1-10, April-June)
Credits: 30
Convenor: Prof Carol Thomas
Module Description
This module will enable you to explore both the principles of research design and practical research ethics. This involves considering research design in general, as well as focusing on the design of your own thesis research project. In this way, the module will set you up for the thesis research stage to follow.
Key to this is the production of your ‘research proposal’ in Part 1, and the completion of a practice application for research ethics approval in Part 2. Once completed, a research proposal is sometimes referred to – in full or in summary – as a ‘research protocol’. Research proposals are made up of sections that you need to become familiar with. The key conventions will be introduced and explained – with some degree of variation between qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research proposals. Students will thus have the opportunity to gain skills in drawing up a research proposal and completing an ethics application, which are important gateways to obtaining approval/funding and getting out into the field.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the module successful students will be able to:
· Identify the key elements of research design for quantitative, qualitative and mixed method research proposals (protocols) - including overall study aims and objectives, the research question(s) or hypothesis, the conceptual framework in use, the rationale for why new research is required, the methods, and dissemination plan
· Understand the terminology used in different research designs
· Demonstrate the ability to conceptualise and plan research though the development of comprehensive research proposals which systematically approach a question or problem.
· Acquire skills in writing research protocols
· Know where to find help and support when applying for ethical approval
· Locate and be familiar with up to date research governance regulatory requirements concerning ethical guidelines of key organisations involved in health, social care, and organisational health research
· Apply an ethical mindset to a research proposal
· Successfully transfer a research proposal into an ethical review application form
· Check and self assess a completed ethics application and supporting documents prior to submission
Mode of assessment: A written assignment that includes: a) a 4,000 word research proposal and b) a completed FHMREC ethics application form and supporting documents.
Deadline: July
Core
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.
-
Induction Academy
-
Key Information
Key Information
Director of Studies: Dr Jane Simpson
Duration: 4 - 7 years, part-time
Entry requirements: An upper second class honours degree, in a relevant subject. Qualifications and/or experience considered by the University to be of an equivalent standard will also be considered.
IELTS: Overall score of at least 6.5, with no individual element below 5.5
Assessment: Combination of written assignments and the submission of a thesis for examination
Funding: All applicants should consult our information on fees and funding.
-
Fees
Fees
Fees
Full Time (per year) Part Time (per year) UK/EU N/A To be announced Overseas N/A £8,640 The 2019 UK/EU fees are not available and will be added to this page when they have been announced.
As a guide the UK/EU fees for entry in 2018 were £3,246 (part time).The University will not increase the Tuition Fee you are charged during the course of an academic year.
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year's duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. The way in which continuing students' fee rates are determined varies according to an individual's 'fee status' as set out on our fees webpages.
What are tuition fees for?
Studying at a UK University means that you need to pay an annual fee for your tuition, which covers the costs associated with teaching, examinations, assessment and graduation.
The fee that you will be charged depends on whether you are considered to be a UK, EU or overseas student. Visiting students will be charged a pro-rata fee for periods of study less than a year.
Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12 month session, which usually runs from October to September the following year.
How does Lancaster set overseas tuition fees?
Overseas fees, alongside all other sources of income, allow the University to maintain its abilities across the range of activities and services. Each year the University's Finance Committee consider recommendations for increases to fees proposed for all categories of student and this takes into account a range of factors including projected cost inflation for the University, comparisons against other high-quality institutions and external financial factors such as projected exchange rate movements.
What support is available towards tuition fees?
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student in making the most of their education. Many of our students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. You can find out more about financial support, studentships, and awards for postgraduate study on our website.
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