Gerontology is the study of ageing at the individual and societal levels. It examines the changes humans undergo as they age, as well as the impact of growing proportions of older people on social institutions, labour markets, welfare systems and families. It investigates the relationships between generations and the interconnections between our older and younger selves. Insights are taken from social policy, demography, sociology, biology, healthcare sciences, psychology and economics. Gerontology is thus a fundamentally interdisciplinary subject which leads to a fascinating variety of careers. The programme aims to provide you with: critical appreciation of key theoretical perspectives in gerontology and their application to the analysis of issues concerning ageing and the life course; understanding of contemporary debates in gerontology surrounding the lives of older people, their families and societies in developed and developing countries; the ability to evaluate policies and initiatives concerning population ageing, welfare provision and quality of life of older people, their families and careers; competence in qualitative and quantitative research methods and their application to key research questions; the ability to design and conduct independent research in gerontology using appropriate research methods; and preparation for a career in the field of gerontology and applied health and social sciences. A variety of assessment methods are employed, which include essays, oral presentations, group work, exercises, research reports and the dissertation.