Design for Dementia and Ageing (Taught)

The number of people in the UK with dementia is expected to increase to 1.4 million by 2040 (alzheimers.org.uk). Globally, the number of people living with dementia is expected to reach 78 million by 2030 (Alzheimer’s Disease International).
As our global population ages, there is a greater need than ever to ensure the environments in which we work, rest and play are supportive and inclusive.
Help to design a better world
Our online Postgraduate Certificate in Design for Dementia and Ageing gives you the skills and knowledge to create better places and environments for people living with dementia.
The course will teach you about:

• environmental design principles;

• implications for policy, practice, economic, social and cultural issues in relation to dementia and ageing;

• how to develop ageing and dementia inclusive environments;

• how to involve people with lived experience in the design process;

• theory and practice in dementia studies, gerontology and housing.

Learn from leaders in dementia research
Our unique online course is taught by leading experts in dementia and ageing. They have helped to place Stirling at the forefront of inclusive design for over 25 years. Our research in Social Work and Social Policy ranks us among the top 25 universities in the UK (REF 2021).
We collaborate with partners across the world. In doing so we play a leading role in creating dementia inclusive environments. You will benefit from guest lectures from professionals within design and care sectors. There will also be the chance to have discussions with people living with dementia. The University is also home to the renowned Dementia Services Development Centre. The centre has been dedicated to improving the lives of people with dementia since 1989.
Learn flexibly online
Our online, part-time course gives you the flexibility to continue in an existing professional role while gaining the skills you need to take the next step exciting in your career.

Your learning will be assessed against the learning outcomes of each module you take, throughout your degree. These contribute to demonstrating that you have met the overall learning outcomes for your degree. Assessment requirements for each module will be explained at the outset of the module, so you will know what you need to do, how and when.
Assessments will take a range of styles including online open folder examinations; closed book examinations; reflective writing; essays; reports; presentations; multiple choice tests; and creating digital artefacts like podcasts.

A common pattern is to submit a mid-term coursework assessment followed by a further assessment at the end of the module. Some modules will offer formative assessments early in the module, which do not count towards your module grade, but give you the opportunity to practice your technique and test your knowledge.
The role of feedback in learning cannot be underestimated and you will receive feedback in a range of formal and informal ways. For example, you will receive formal feedback on all coursework. Informal feedback will be given by tutors and other students during tutorials, you will have opportunities to discuss requirements before completing assignments and will have access to grade descriptors so you understand what is expected of you and you will have the chance to discuss your feedback with your tutors. This helps you understand what you are doing well, where you might improve and take responsibility for your learning. All formal feedback is returned within 15 working days of when you submit work.