For students interested in government, policy, politics, NGOs, voluntary sector, development work, comparative studies and ageing to develop specialist understanding of policymaking for old age and ageing populations. Combines theoretical studies of public policy with multidisciplinary studies of ageing and later life.
KEY BENEFITS
The key benefits of the programme are:
- It is a truly interdisciplinary programme.
- It encompasses a wide range of options.
- It is set in a leading international centre for the study of ageing and later life.
- There is the prospect of a short placement through the optional internship module.
- The Institute has links with four internationally renowned teaching hospitals.
- The interdisciplinary networks within King's include Ageing Research at King's; Health & Society and the Division of Health & Social Care Research.
This programme is run in conjuction with the Department of Political Economy. Ageing populations and increasing longevity impact on all aspects of life across the world. There is rapidly growing interest in understanding the challenges and opportunities that ageing societies pose among international and national policy makers, academics and private sector organisations.
Students will specifically study how the challenges that arise in economic, social, political and health arenas are perpectuated or remediated by the state, the market, the voluntary sector and the family. The programme will also equip students with the skills to engage with key debates about the policy process as well as broadening their understanding of demographic, policy, social and economic concern in the management of ageing societies.
There is an opportunity for students to undertake a short internship with policy and voluntary organisations as part of an optional credit-bearing module.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Students of the Institute have gone on to careers including strategic, analytical and policy positions in government/public sector, policy positions in NGOs, voluntary organisations, consultants in geriatric medicine and research posts worldwide.
Programme leader/s
Dr Karen Lowton - Senior Lecturer in Ageing & Health
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Location
Strand Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Social Science and Public Policy
Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine
Institute of Gerontology
Closing date
31 July. You are strongly advised to check our departmental website for current advice.
Intake
10 FT, 20 PT approximately.
Fees
PT Home: £MA £4,375; PG Dip £ ; PG Cert £1,455 (2013)
PT Overseas: £MA £8,250; PG Dip £5,500 (2013)
FT Home: £MA £8,750; PG Dip £5,830; PG Cert £2,915 (2013)
FT Overseas: £MA £16,500; PG Dip £11,000; PG Cert £5,500 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Officer, Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions (CASA)
tel: +44 (0)20 7848 1977/7203/7230/1434/7204
fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Dr Karen Lowton Senior Lecturer in Ageing & Health: 020 7848 2566
Dr Debora Price Senior Lecturer in Social Policy: 020 7848 2560
Email
Website
PURPOSE
Offers the opportunity for students with an interest in government, policy, politics NGOs, the voluntary sector, development work, comparative studies and ageing to develop specialist understanding of policymaking for old age and ageing populations.
DESCRIPTION
For MA and PG Diploma students:
The core taught elements cover:
- Population Ageing and Policy- This module aims to provide students with an understanding of demographic, biological and health related aspects of ageing and their individual and societal implications.
The compulsory modules are:
- The Policy Process;
- Comparative Public Policy.
Students also select from the following optional modules:
- Evaluating Public Policy;
- Public Policy Internship;
- Key Issues in Health Policy;
- Designing Public Policy;
- Ageing, Health & Society;
- Designing Quantitative Research for Social Science & Health;
- Designing Qualitative Research for Social Science & Health;
- Quantitative Data Analysis;
- Data Manipulation and Management;
- Researching Vulnerable Populations;
- Ageing in a Global Context.
In addition, MA students will submit a dissertation based on an independent project.
Students registered for the PG Certificate take Population Ageing and Policy, The Policy Process and Comparative Public Policy.
EXTRA PROGRAMME INFORMATION
This programme is taught in conjunction with the Department of Political Economy.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
The core modules which must be taken and passed by all students are:
- Population Ageing and Policy;
- The MA Public Policy & Ageing Dissertation.
Students taking the PG Certificate in Public Policy & Ageing take the following modules:
- Population Ageing and Policy.
Indicative non-core content
The compulsory modules which must be taken as part of the programme are:
- The Policy Process;
- Comparative Public Policy.
The optional modules which can be taken as part of the programme are:
- Research Design for Public Policy;
- Ageing, Health and Society;
- Ageing in a Global Context;
- Public Policy Internship;
- Researching Vulnerable Populations OR Data Manipulation and Management;
- Designing Quantitative Research for Social Science & Health;
- Designing Qualitative Research for Social Science & Health;
- Quantitative Data Analysis;
- Evaluating Public Policy.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Lecture and tutorial-based teaching using problem-based tasks and projects, assessed through coursework essays and written examinations. Dissertation based on an independent project.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Teaching staff: Dr Anna Gwiazda
Module code: 7SSAM188
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
coursework
1 x 1500 word essay (30%)
1 x 3500 word essay (70%)
This module, by examining a series of common issues in comparative context, aims to deepen students' understanding of the working of the policy process in different societies.
The specific aims of the module are to:
• Enable the student to engage with a range of substantive policy problems;
• Illuminate the importance of social and political context in shaping policy responses;
• Consolidate understanding of the role of actors and processes;
• Highlight the value of conceptual analysis in the comparative study of public policy.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate a sound grasp of the working of policy processes across a range of issues;
• Understand the factors shaping policy agendas in different political systems;
• Critically assess the importance of context in shaping responses to common crises and problems;
• Analyse the workings of policy processes in respect of a range of demographic, technical, health, security and/or other public policy issues.
Teaching staff: Dr Karen Glaser
Module code: 7SSAM128
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Teaching pattern: Lectures
Private Study
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
1 x 3 hour exam (50%)
1 x 3000 word essay (50%)
The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of demographic, biological and health related aspects of ageing, and their individual and societal implications. This module is a core or compulsory module for all the Gerontology postgraduate programmes.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of trends in population ageing, causes and consequences.
2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of issues in the biology and genetics of ageing.
3. Understand mortality and morbidity patterns, trends, and differentials
4. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of intergenerational transfers in later life, such as living arrangements and care, and their relation to changing demographic factors
5. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of migration patterns at older ages and migration theories.
6. Analyse the policy implications of population ageing.
Indicative Reading
Kinsella, K., Wan, H. & U.S. Census Bureau 2009, An Aging World: 2008, International Population Reports, P95/09-1, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Haupt, A & Kane, T 2004, Population Reference Bureau's Population Handbook, 5th International Edition, Population Reference Bureau, Washington, D.C.
J. Andersen, A. Guillemard, P. Jensen and B. Pfau-Effinger (2005) The Changing Face of Welfare: consequences and outcomes from a citizenship perspective Bristol: The Policy Press
Teaching staff: Dr Karen Lowton
Module code: 7SSAM110
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 60
Semester:
Full-year
Teaching pattern: Seminars
Project work
Private study
1000 word dissertation proposal (10%)
Up to 18,000 word dissertation (90%)
The aim of the module is to provide students a basic competency in the research skills and knowledge both generic to the public policy process as a whole and specific to ageing and/or older people to prepare them to complete successfully a dissertation project, and to contribute subsequently through further research and employment that meets the needs of public policy and ageing and their diverse array of users.
By the end of the module students will be able to;
1. To demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical analysis of the principles of the public policy process.
2. To apply critically the principles of policy design and to demonstrate the ability to conceptualise and formulate research questions in the area of public policy & ageing, including, where appropriate, formal hypotheses that can be empirically tested.
3. To demonstrate the selection of appropriate research methods and/or identification of existing data sets appropriate for collection and interpretation of data to answer the research question(s).
4. To demonstrate the ability to critically review published literature in constructing and interpreting theory
5. Demonstrate the ability to use project management skills to budget time, money and other resources, handle data, interpret results, and disseminate findings in a way that is consistent with professional practice and normal principles of research ethics.
6. Through writing the Dissertation, to exhibit analytical, numerical, literacy, communication, presentation and computer skills in advancing knowledge in public policy as related to issues of ageing and/or older people.
Teaching staff: Prof. Ken Young
Module code: 7SSAM189
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Teaching pattern: Lectures
Seminars
Assessment:
coursework
1 x 1500 word essay (30%)
1 x 3500 word essay (70%)
This module is designed to introduce students to the study of the policy making process and the role of policy analysis. It aims to give a comprehensive survey of the key literature, themes and issues in the study of policy making by critically examining the ideas of the 'policy cycle' and its several ‘stages’. Specifically, the course aims to:
• provide students with a thorough grounding in the theories and concepts of policy analysis
• explore in a critical fashion the idea of a policy cycle
• illuminate the factors which bear upon the decision process in governmental settings
• illustrate core themes through a series of policy case studies
• review the roles and contributions of a range of actors to the policy process
Teaching staff: Dr Deborah Price
Module code: 7SSAM114
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
1 x 1.5 hour exam
1 x 2000 word essay
This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the implications of population ageing and rising life expectancy in populations across the developed and developing world. Cross-national examples will be drawn from Europe and the English speaking countries, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Topics covered will include:
- demography
- health transitions and social changes
- ageing and the Development Agenda
- Global institutions and politics
- social policies for ageing societies
- human rights in an ageing world
This module will draw on the multi-disciplinary strengths of King's College and across the Department of Political Economy to provide important perspectives on population ageing and the growing numbers of older people around the world.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of demographic processes and how these vary across the world.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of population ageing and its effects on family support systems, living arrangements and intergenerational relationships.
3. Critically evaluate the key social, political and economic implications of changing demographic processes on contemporary societies across the world.
4. Analyse the policy and practice implications of ageing societies.
5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of global institutions and their impact on the lives of older people.
Teaching staff: Dr Karen Lowton
Module code: 7SSAM122
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Teaching pattern: Lectures
Private study
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
1 x 3 hour exam (50%)
1 x 3000 word essay (50%)
Drawing on theories and perspectives of social science, and configuration and practices of healthcare services, this module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the challenges faced by ageing populations in maintaining health and wellbeing across the adult lifecourse. The module will emphasise the influence of a rapidly changing social context on older people’s experience of health, and society’s management of health and illness in ageing populations.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
1. Social science approaches to the study of identity, personality, nature of personal relationships and social (dis)advantage of ageing.
2. The contributions of ageing, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic and physical factors, to health and illness in later life.
3. How individuals and families respond to health and illness in older adults, including formal and informal care.
4. Societal responses to health and illness in later life through health policy development, healthcare services and legislative means.
5. The changing context of life for older people and the possible effect of this on their health and wellbeing.
Indicative Reading
Binstock RH, George LK. (2006) Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences (6th edition) Academic Press, Burlington, MA
Bond J, Peace S, Dittmann-Kohli F, Westerhof G. (2007) Ageing in Society. Sage, London
Johnson ML. (2005) The Cambridge Handbook of Age and Ageing. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
R.C Tallis, and HM Fillit, (eds) Brocklehurst’s Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. 6th edition Churchill Livingstone: Edinburgh.
Teaching staff: Dr. Debora Price
Module code: 7SSAM126
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Teaching pattern: Lectures
Field/Lab/Supervised Work
Project work
Private study
This module is taught over one full week (Monday to Friday) in mid May
Assessment:
coursework
2 x Assessed coursework
1) completed workbook (Variable length) 25%
2) research assignment (2000 words) 75%
There are no exams.
This module aims to provide students with the data manipulation skills to work with complex hierarchical and panel data sets in the social sciences.
Learning outcomes of the module:
On completion of this module, students will:
• Be able to source large social science datasets and associated documentation
• Understand how complex social science large scale datasets are structured and the implications of this
• Be able to manipulate, recode and compute variables and understand how missing data can be dealt with
• Learn how to combine datasets, and aggregate and disaggregate data from different files in a relational database
• Learn how to transform the structure of datasets from long form to short form and vice versa
• Learn complex computation of derived variables including do loops and lag functions
• Have practical experience of the manipulation of complex datasets to answer questions of importance in the context of health and social research
Indicative Reading
Levesque, R and SPSS Inc. (2009) Programming and Data Management for SPSS Statistics 17.0. A Guide for SPSS Statistics and SAS Users . SPSS Inc: Chicago.
Field, A. (2009) Discovering Statistics Using SPSS. Third Edition. SAGE:
Teaching staff: Dr Karen Lowton
Module code: 7SSAM125
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Teaching pattern: Lectures,
Seminars
Field/Lab/Supervised Learning
Private study
Assessment:
coursework
1 x 3500 word project (100%)
There are no exams
This module aims to convey the fundamentals of qualitative research design in the social sciences including research methods, sampling, field work, analysis and ethics. It aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to conduct qualitative research in social science and health.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Formulate appropriate research questions.
• Select the most appropriate research design to address a specific research problem.
• Demonstrate knowledge of common research deigns and methods used in qualitative research (interviews, focus groups and observation).
• Design and administer a brief topic guide and critically discuss its strengths and weaknesses.
• Analyse qualitative data using simple coding
• Demonstrate the ability to design and conduct a small original qualitative research project.
• Demonstrate the ability to structure a written qualitative research report.
Indicative Reading
Grbich C (1999) Qualitative Research in Health. Sage, Australia
Charmaz K (2006) Constructing Grounded Theory, Sage, London
Gray D (2009) Doing Research in the Real World (2nd edition), Sage, London
Teaching staff: Dr. Karen Glaser
Module code: 7SSAM123
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Teaching pattern: Lectures
Field/Lab/Supervised Learning
Private study
Assessment:
coursework
1 x 3000 word report (100%)
There are no exams
This module aims to enable students to develop an understanding of ethical research design in quantitative studies (survey and experiments) as well as wider research issues. To prepare students to apply this knowledge in a research context such as their masters’ dissertation or health services research.
On completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Formulate appropriate research questions.
2. Select the most appropriate research design to address a specific research problem.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of common research designs and methods used in quantitative research (survey and experiments).
4. Design and administer a brief questionnaire and critically discuss its strengths and weaknesses.
5. Critically review methods used in published studies in social sciences and in health services research.
Indicative Reading
1. Gray DE. (2009) Doing research in the real world 2nd edition. London, Sage
2. de Vaus, DA 2002, Surveys in Social Research. 5th Edition, Routledge, London.
3. Bowling, A 1997, Research methods in health: Investigating health and health services, Open University Press, Buckingham.
Teaching staff: Dr Ami Abou-Bakr
Module code: 7SSAM111
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Full-year
Teaching pattern: There will be a series of meetings with the KCL Internship Office in semesters 1 and 2. Placement times will be negotiated on an individual student and employer basis.
Assessment:
coursework; presentation/s;
1 x 4000 word report (80%)
1 x individual presentation (20%)
This module aims to equip students with a practical knowledge of public policy issues as they arise in the day to day working of an organisation. This practical module will provide students with experience of working within selected governmental, non-governmental or voluntary organisations (e.g. government departments, local authorities, charities, research institutes and think tanks). More specifically the module will enable the students to critically examine through practical experience how policy issues are addressed within an organisation; understand the environment and the various challenges and constraints that public policy makers have to work within; and gain a better grounded understanding of the governance and management issues in relation to public affairs.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
• A clear understanding of the organisational environment within which public policy is operationalised;
• An appreciation of the importance that context has on public policy making;
• Practical knowledge of the key issues that face policy analysts, policy makers and practitioners in advocating, developing or implementing policy initiatives;
• An ability to undertake an advanced critical analysis of the experience gained through their internship.
Teaching staff: Dr Debora Price
Module code: 7SSAM124
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Teaching pattern: Lectures
Seminar
Project work
Private study
Assessment:
coursework
1 x 3000 word essay (100%)
There are no exams
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of statistics in the social sciences and the ability to interrogate a social science dataset statistically using SPSS.
On completion of this module, students will:
• Understand the concepts behind basic descriptive and inferential statistics for social science research, and how to interpret these statistics
• Understand the principles of correlation, t-tests, chi-square and regression in social science research, and how to interpret these tests
• Demonstrate competence in a basic level of data manipulation using SPSS to prepare social science datasets for statistical analysis
• Demonstrate competence in the use of statistical software (SPSS) to interrogate social science datasets using descriptive statistics and commonly used statistical tests
Indicative Reading
Fielding and Gilbert (2006) Understanding Social Statistics, 2nd Edition SAGE
Agresti & Finlay (2008) Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences, Fourth Edition Prentice Hall
Field (2009) Discovering statistics using SPSS , 3rd Edition SAGE
Teaching staff: Dr Rekha Diwakar
Module code: 7SSAM116
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
1 x 1500-2000 word essay (20%)
1 z 3000 word take-home exam paper (80%)
This module aims to equip students with a basic preparation for research to a level appropriate to the MA dissertation. The module provides an understanding of the underlying issues in research design and enables students to gain sufficient familiarity with specific techniques to make judgements as to appropriate research strategies. It is so organised as to encourage students from a variety of backgrounds to grasp the relevance and utility of research for political, social and public policy decision-making as well as the practical and ethical issues that arise from such research.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate;
• Familiarity with the underlying debates about social science knowledge and it's acquisition.
• An understanding of the scope, nature, potential and limits of social research.
• Appreciation of the practical issues of access, investigator credibility, and the central questions of ethics in social research.
• Comprehension of the issues of bias, reliability and validity of particular research techniques.
• A level of competence appropriate to the design and planning of qualitive research projects.
Teaching staff: Dr Karen Lowton
Module code: 7SSAM127
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Teaching pattern: Lectures
Seminars
Private study
This module is taught over one full week (Monday to Friday) in mid May
Assessment:
coursework
1 x 3000 word essay (100%)
There are no exams.
This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the ethical approaches and governance of health and social science research, as applied to sensitive issues and vulnerable populations. The module will explore contrasting responses from different interest groups and theoretical standpoints, including the social and behavioural sciences, and public and social policy where appropriate. NB: The module will not cover issues relating to basic clinical research.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of:
1. The fundamental ethical considerations and legal frameworks underpinning health and social science research.
2. The ethical considerations arising throughout the research process: from initial project concept to research governance and dissemination.
3. Consent, capability and autonomy in research participation.
4. The general principles and practices underpinning the interests and protection of vulnerable research participants, including confidentiality and anonymity.
5. The dilemmas and required responses to ‘wearing two hats’ of clinician and researcher.
6. Ethical and practical issues relating to the safety of researchers
Indicative Reading
Beauchamp TL, Childress JF. (2001) Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 5th edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Iphofen R. (2009) Ethical decision making in social research: a practical guide. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
Mauthner M, Birch M, Jessop J, Miller T (eds) (2002) Ethics in Qualitative Research. London, Sage
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Candidates should have a first class or upper second class (2:1) honours degree (or the equivalent from an overseas university). We may consider candidates with a lower second class degree or with professional qualifications from a recognised institution if they can show relevant work experience and/or relevant professional qualifications, can demonstrate that they are highly motivated and have referees from their university or employment strongly supporting their admission onto a masters level programme. In these circumstances we will usually admit a student to our certificate or diploma programmes, possibly with a view to the student transferring to the masters programme if they successfully pass their first two examined subjects. Relevant professional qualifications will be taken into account.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Your application will be assessed by the Admissions Tutor. You may be invited to be interviewed. We may interview non-UK candidates by telephone and may ask applicants to write an essay. We will only assess complete uploaded applications with supporting documents. Please see our website for more details. We aim to process applications within three weeks; during holiday periods applications may take longer to process.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The personal statement should be approximately three to four paragraphs, and no more than one page. This should explain why you are interested in the programme applied for, and could include, for example, details of your motivation and aptitude, your relevant experience and skills, and any other information that would be useful for us in assessing your application. In general terms, we look for candidates who demonstrate a strong interest in the programme, are committed to academic study at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the potential to do well in an academic environment.
FUNDING
Please check the Institute of Gerontology website for details on current funding and bursaries.
Related programme student profile
Gerontology MSc/PG Dip/PG CertI graduated as an occupational therapist in 1993 and worked in a number of clinical and management roles. The majority of my career has been spent working with older people, including those with physical and mental health problems. In 2009, I began to work as a Clinical Researcher in the field of dementia research, focusing on the management of crisis. I wanted to develop my research skills in addition to my theoretical knowledge of ageing.
I chose to do the degree at King’s College London because of its reputation as a first class university. There were a number of different degree options within the Institute of Gerontology, and the Gerontology MSc course was recommended to me by a colleague. I chose to do the part-time programme over two years as I still needed to work full time.
I am already implementing many of the things I have learned on the course in my workplace, including research methods, critical thinking, appraisal techniques and evidence-based practice. I feel the qualification will improve my knowledge and practice, which in turn will benefit the client groups I work with.
My advice for prospective students would be to definitely consider doing the Gerontology MSc, although it is hard work; you need to be disciplined and self-motivated, which can be challenging when you work full time.
The staff at King’s are incredibly supportive and understanding; they really get to know you and are eager to support your learning. There was a great selection of compulsory and optional modules, all of which I found fascinating which in turn made learning more enjoyable. The standard of teaching is excellent; the assessment processes include exams and assignments – some of which are more practically focused, which was a great way to learn. I made some good friendships on the course, which supported an exchange of ideas. I would highly recommend the Gerontology MSc.