Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice (Taught)

The Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice is an interdisciplinary course that offers cutting-edge knowledge about dementia and developments in care and service provision.

The course is designed for all those involved in the delivery of health and social care for people living with dementia. Undertaking the course will help you gain the specialist knowledge you will need to become an effective leader in dementia care.

Dementia is a global priority and identified by the World Health Organisation as the 21st century's biggest health and social challenge. It is estimated that 55 million people have dementia worldwide, and the growing number of people living with dementia has extensive societal and economic impact. More importantly, dementia has significant personal impact on individuals and their families. It is therefore essential that we build a workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to plan, lead and deliver services for contemporary and future populations.

Key areas of study:

• psychological and social perspectives of dementia

• global aspects of dementia and its impact on society

• contemporary approaches to the assessment and treatment of dementia

• evidence based interventions for the delivery of dementia care and services

• models of service delivery in health and social care

• research methods and critical appraisal skills

• leadership and change management in practice.

The MSc course is two years part-time or one year full-time and comprises of 6 core modules and a 12 month dissertation module. The course structure is designed to offer flexibility in learning and has two intakes per year (September and February).

You can enrol to undertake any of the following three academic qualifications or complete the core modules as individual continuing professional development (CPD) courses (20 credits). The three exit points are:

PG Cert – 60 credits (3 modules)
PG Dip – 120 credits (6 modules)
MSc – 180 Credits (6 modules + dissertation)

The MSc Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice is designed to help you develop a critical understanding of dementia. The course allows for greater insight into the experience of those living with dementia, their families and the people who care for them. You will learn about theoretical perspectives, research and practice-based evidence underpinning dementia care and service design across health and social care settings. You will have opportunities to explore and create evidence-based solutions for leading positive changes in practice and improving the lives of people with dementia and their families. Our goal is to empower you to become a progressive leader in dementia care practice and service management.

The course is based within the Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory at UWL. Our staff are all leaders in dementia research and have substantial experience working and teaching in academic and practice based settings. The course has been designed to utilise their expertise and offer a range of skills and experiences to support your learning and development as a leader in the field of dementia care.

The MSc course will offer a blended learning approach consisting of classroom teaching, online learning, guided study and self-directed learning. Teaching will be delivered by academics, clinicians, family carers and people with lived experience of dementia.