Intercalated BSc Gerontology
Those aged over 65 make up 16% of the UK population‚ but occupy 65% of general and acute hospital beds. Almost half the NHS budget is spent on this age group. Equip yourself for medical practice in the 21st century.
Population ageing means that there are now more people aged over 60 than children under 16 in the UK. Whether in general practice or hospital based, it is likely that most doctor’s patients will be older people. Older people are a diverse group, yet have complex healthcare needs, ranging from sexual health to complex co morbidities, dementia and long-term care.
The Institute of Gerontology offers the only intercalated BSc in Gerontology in the UK for medical students who have completed at least two years of study. The programme aims to improve students’ understanding of ageing populations and the ageing process, current social and health policy issues, and the implications of ageing for individuals and societies. The programme exposes students to recent research and policy in relevant areas of gerontology and encourages them to learn to work in an independent, self-motivated manner. On completion, students will have developed a richer understanding of how gerontology plays a central role in the debates surrounding the wellbeing of older people in both developed and developing societies. Ultimately students will be in a strong position to enhance the quality of life of their older patients and their families.
“I feel so privileged to be part of this course. You’re not just gaining a couple of points on a form by doing an iBSc in Gerontology, everything I have learnt so far on this course will influence my practice as a doctor in the future and make me a better more informed doctor.”
May Wells, iBSc student 2011/12
Gerontologists play an important role in contributing to policy debates concerning older people and conducting social science research to understand fully the key challenges faced and their potential solutions. Gerontologists work closely with policy advisors and health and social care professionals to translate research findings into new ways of caring for patients so that they can benefit from improved health and social circumstances. In taking an intercalated degree in Gerontology, students will supplement their medical knowledge with an insight into the broader processes that influence how individuals, their families and health service providers perceive and manage health and social circumstances in later life.
Members of the Institute of Gerontology at King’s include world-renowned experts in a number of research fields including demography, social policy, housing and health. We have close links with clinical, policy and social work colleagues, some of whom contribute to teaching on a number of our modules. In addition, members of staff have strong links with the British Society of Gerontology.
Programme structure
The programme comprises 120 credits as follows:
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Population Ageing & Policy 30 credits
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Ageing, Health & Society 30 credits
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Biology of Ageing 15 credits
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Understanding and designing research 15 credits
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Gerontology Research Project 30 credits
Each year, we hold an Open Day for prospective students to learn more about the Institute and our programmes, meet members of faculty and current students, meet other prospective students, and ask questions. Details of our open days during 2012/13 are still to be confirmed.
For more information see the School of Medicine's website or contact Dr Laurie Corna (Admissions Tutor)
Institute of Gerontology
King's College London
Strand
London WC2R 2LS
Email:
gerontology@kcl.ac.uk