Structure and content
This MSc has been carefully designed to form a coherent and integrated course. It consists of six modules taken over three years with students completing two modules each year.
- Understanding Dementia – Different Theoretical Perspectives: introduces students to four key theoretical approaches to understanding dementia. It provides an important grounding in the theoretical aspects of dementia studies which students carry forward and develop through their studies
- Working with People with Dementia: investigates different approaches used when working with people with dementia, focusing strongly on the role of communication. The roles of life story work and the arts, as well as design and technology in dementia care, are explored
- Education and Support for Paid and Unpaid Carers of People with Dementia: examines what is known about the experiences of paid and unpaid carers of people with dementia. There is a strong focus on the various education and training programmes offered to these two groups
- Living with Dementia – Care Pathways: looks at the experiences of people with dementia through the lifespan of the condition from diagnosis to end of life care and death. Examples are drawn from a wide range of groups and individuals to illustrate diversity in the experiences of people with dementia
- Researching Dementia: focuses on different aspects of the research process. Assignments will include a literature review and a research proposal. This module will equip students with necessary skills to undertake social research
- Evaluation and Assessment in Dementia Care: introduces students to the evaluation process. It discusses assessment and outcome measures. The module will develop students’ skills in critical analysis of the literature and in assessing research and evaluation projects
Delivery and assessment
Each module commences with a one day introductory session at the University and entails 300 hours study over a 15-week period.
Apart from an introductory session, all teaching uses text and web-based distance-learning materials. The specially designed interactive website enables student interaction and tutorial support as well as providing online access to the programme materials and much of the reading material required. Special emphasis is placed on a collaborative and problem-solving approach to learning and on encouraging reflective practice.
All modules are assessed through coursework and you experience a range of assessment including essays, evaluation reports, research proposals and literature reviews.