Study Environment

The Institute has a community of research students with diverse interests in all aspects of ageing who enjoy a friendly and supportive environment in the Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine. Gerontology students are integrated within a community of research students, research fellows, visiting researchers and senior visiting academics from across the world, and have access to a range of formal and informal study groups and activities organised by this research community. Students also have access to graduate seminars, workshops, seminars and conferences, often in association with other departments in social sciences, arts and humanities and the Health Schools within King's.

The supervisory relationship is central to doctoral studies in the Department. Admission to the doctoral research programme is highly selective and is dependent upon a good match being found between student interests and supervisor capabilities. Each student is allocated a principal supervisor from within the Department, experienced in the relevant research area and responsible for all aspects of supervision. A second supervisor is allocated, who may be a member of the Department, or a specialist from another Department in the School.

Postgraduate Training

Students will, with their supervisor, draw up a personalised programme of training that will both allow them to complete their research project and provide the skills they will need in their subsequent career. Ongoing research training needs are assessed throughout the programme. This training will include courses provided by the King's Doctoral College and the LISS-DTP. 

Student Destinations

PhD candidates have been successful in obtaining academic and research posts in universities around the world including the UK, Taiwan, and New Zealand or have developed their careers in NGOs, government, industry, consulting, private clinical practice and research.