Gerontology Research

Amanda
UK
Gerontology Research MPhil/PhD
I was awarded a three-year training fellowship to undertake a PhD funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' / King's College London. Having recently completed a part-time MSc at the Institute of Gerontology, whilst working as a physiotherapist at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, I had personal experience of the enthusiasm and high quality of teaching and support that I could expect at Kings.

Anne
UK
Gerontology Research MPhil/PhD
I chose to study at King's College London because it is the only place in London to offer my MSc programme of choice, Gerontology. The Institute of Gerontology is also one of the leading departments in this research area with a staff with diverse areas of expertise. I particularly like the location of the campus, I am based at Waterloo by the riverside, with France only a train ride away and the National Theatre right next door.
A particular highlight of my MSc course that has continued into my PhD studies is the friendly, supportive and well organised staff in my Department. It is refreshing not to be anonymous as just another PhD student. A further advantage of my department is its links with Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals. My supervisor is one of the leading consultant geriatricians at St. Thomas' and teaches on the MSc course. I approached him for my MSc dissertation and following this, we applied for a studentship from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to fund my PhD work.
The connections I have made and the responsibilities afforded to me as part of a small department will be invaluable when seeking post-doctorate funding. My advice for prospective students would be that if you are looking for a friendly, interesting and cutting edge degree in gerontology, you need look no further than the MSc and PhD programmes at the Institute of Gerontology and King's.
It is fantastic that we are now a Fairtrade recognised university. The location is unbeatable; so close to transport, Covent Garden, South Bank, Tate Modern, and the National Theatre.
In London, you are in one of the best cities in the world in terms of culture and opportunities. Yes, it is expensive but if you look beyond that, it really is a fantastic place to live. The parks are amazing in the summer, the weather even becomes balmy, the street theatre outside the National Theatre in the summer is inspired, there are free galleries, a fantastic transport network (with a brilliant 30% discount for students), a huge choice of affordable accommodation, a platform for international travel, by plane, train or automobile, a diverse population which is reflected in the different areas of the city such as Brick Lane or Brixton. You can do and be anything here.
Make your money go further by living outside of zone one. The bus service to Waterloo is so good that you can live in Herne Hill, Brixton, Streatham, Balham, Angel, or Surrey Quays! There's the transport discount and Young Person's Railcard which gets you a third off National Rail. Part-time work is easy to come by, with huge variety of jobs from bar work to sales assistants.
London is on your doorstep!!

Jonathan
French
Gerontology Research MPhil/PhD

What I initially found most attractive at King’s College London was its central location. As my experience as a student went on, it was the staff’s availability and open-mindedness that I found most pleasant. Beyond KCL’s great reputation, the Institute of Gerontology is among the most highly-regarded research centres on ageing in Europe known both for its innovative research and track record.

 

King’s is a place where unconventional ideas are welcome and where personal projects are supported. I was given the chance to discuss a partnership with a private company for a PhD. King’s gave me the necessary time and advice for this project to be successfully initiated.

 

I am now on my way to completing my first year as a part-time PhD candidate. I spend my days between the Strand Campus for classes or meetings and Camden Town, where the company I work for (Amaris) is located.

 

King’s has provided me with the ideal environment to reach my highest goals.

Rosalind
UK
Gerontology Research MPhil/PhD
Before applying for the PhD I was already working at King's College London as a researcher, and had wanted to study for a PhD for some time. When I saw the advertisement for a PhD studentship at the Institute of Gerontology within King's, I leapt at the chance. The studentship was awarded by the King's Graduate School and included a stipend for three years and paid for the fees. Without the studentship I would not have been financially able to undertake a PhD.
The Institute of Gerontology has provided me with my own office and computer. This means that I don't have to compete for space in the computer rooms with the undergraduate students. I share the office with three other PhD students, which provides a peer group. Being within the department also means that my supervisors are on hand when I need them.
In my first year so far I have had the opportunity to attend research methods and software training courses, and to meet other graduate students. I have also gained teaching experience giving statistics tutorials to MSc students. The King's Equality & Diversity department has helped me to learn voice-activated software, which is provided at each library site. I have found this extremely helpful because I have repetitive strain injury, and the PhD involves lots of computer work.
After the PhD I hope to return to my research career. The new qualification will mean I can apply for more senior posts than I had before.

Karen Lowton
Gerontology Research MPhil/PhD
The Institute of Gerontology is one of the foremost gerontological teaching and research centres in Europe, bringing together experts from a wide range of disciplines and drawing on long-established links throughout the College and beyond to bring evidence to established debates, plus investigate new areas of concern, such as the first national prevalence study of Elder Abuse in the UK.