University of Malta a leading centre for the study of ageing

Masters degree in gerontology and geriatrics

The University of Malta is considered to be one of the leading centres for the study of ageing worldwide, with its teaching and research making an invaluable contribution to the understanding of older persons, later life and ageing. During the years 1990-2014, as many as 251 students from 50 different countries received a qualification in gerontology and geriatrics from the University of Malta.

The Master Degree in Gerontology and Geriatrics opens on 1 October under the auspices of the Gerontology Unit, Faculty for Social Wellbeing. The need for more graduates reading for a Master Degree in Gerontology and Geriatrics can never be overstated considering the ageing of populations and increases in life expectancy. Suffice to say that currently there are 16.3 per cent, or 67,841 persons, of the local population aged 65 years and over. Persons aged 80 years and over number 14,381 - 3.4 per cent of the Malta’s total population.

The Master Degree provides a broadly based, multi-disciplinary perspective on ageing, later life, and older persons, whilst also disseminating knowledge and skills related to clinical and practical interventions with older persons. It also sensitises the students to the application of gerontological and geriatric research findings to practice. The programme includes various study units as well as a practice placement schedule where each candidate is assigned to welfare settings for older persons that range from care homes and hospitals, to domiciliary nursing services.

The Master Degree spans four semesters of full-time study. The first two semesters comprising the taught part should be read full-time. The second two semesters devoted to the writing of a dissertation may be read either full-time or part-time equivalent. For further information visit: http://www.um.edu.mt/socialwellbeing/overview/PMGGFTT02014-5-O or contact Dr Marvin Formosa on 79634015, marvin.formosa@um.edu.mt and Charmaine Cremona on 23402237, charmaine.cremona@um.edu.mt Interested candidates can apply from https://esims.um.edu.mt/esims/ipp/ appindex.html. Deadline for applications is 24 July 2014.