Brighton and Sussex Medical School
MSc Ageing and Dementia Studies
Brighton, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 22,580 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international students | for UK nationals: £11,030
Key Summary
Sat, 29 Nov 2025 11:30 - 15:30 CET | If you’re interested in studying a Masters, join us online on Saturday 29 November to find out the essentials of Masters study.
Ageing and dementia are critical areas of study and healthcare, addressing the complex needs of an increasingly ageing global population. There are more than 900,000 people with dementia in the UK and 44 million worldwide, posing a major challenge for treatment and care.
The Ageing and Dementia course is aimed at a diverse group of professionals and students who are interested in gaining advanced knowledge and skills in this critical field.
The programme is particularly suited for:
1. Healthcare Professionals
- Doctors: General practitioners, neurologists, geriatricians, and psychiatrists who wish to specialise in the care of older adults and those with dementia.
- Nurses: Those working in memory clinics, geriatrics, neurology and community health who want to advance their expertise in dementia care.
- Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Speech Therapists: Professionals aiming to enhance their skills in managing age-related conditions and dementia.
2. Medical Graduates in Related Fields
Recent graduates with degrees in medicine, nursing, psychology, biology, social work, or related disciplines who are looking to specialise further.
3. Psychologists and Psychiatrists
Professionals focusing on mental health who are interested in specialising in the psychological aspects of ageing and dementia.
4. Researchers and Academics
Those pursuing research in gerontology, neurology, or public health, aiming to contribute to the scientific understanding of ageing and dementia.
5. Pharmacists and Pharmacologists
Professionals interested in the pharmacological treatment of dementia and age-related diseases
6. Public Health Professionals and Policy Makers
Individuals involved in developing health policies and programs for ageing populations and dementia care.
7. Social Workers and Care Home Managers
Individuals involved in the social care sector who want to improve their understanding of dementia and ageing to provide better support and services.
8. Family Caregivers and Advocates
Although less common, some programmes may also appeal to family caregivers or advocates who wish to gain a deeper understanding of dementia and ageing to better support their loved ones and communities.
Our MSc in Ageing and Dementia is designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed to excel in medical and research careers and make a significant impact in the field of ageing and dementia.
The course comprises a unique set of educational initiatives designed to enable healthcare professionals and researchers to better understand the ageing process and aetiology of dementia, as well as its clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment. The course also offers competency skills to improve the quality of life for people with dementia by building expertise in generating and delivering better care. It provides a comprehensive and holistic theoretical and practical framework for understanding the ageing process and dementia, enabling a broad understanding of the impact of ageing and dementia on the individual and society. Clinical knowledge is blended with developing skills in communication for health and social care, research and leadership learning.
Key areas of study
- Frontiers in ageing and dementia
- Assessment and treatment of dementia
- Psychological and social perspectives on ageing and dementia
- Frailty and elderly medicine
- Research methods and critical appraisal
All BSMS students on Masters courses accredited jointly by the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton are eligible to apply for University of Sussex postgraduate scholarships in 2024/25.
Modules
PGCert
All three modules from the following clinical module list:
- Frontiers in Ageing and Dementia (20 credits) One full week in October
- Assessment and Treatment of Dementia (20 credits) One full week in February
- Psychological and Social Perspectives of Ageing and Dementia (20 credits) One full week in June
PGDip
All three clinical modules above PLUS three modules from the following clinical and professional module options:
- Research Methods and Critical Appraisal (20 credits) – mandatory
Plus two modules from the four optional modules below:
- Frailty and Elderly Medicine (20 credits)
- Medical Anthropology (20 credits)
- Communication, Learning and Teaching in Health and Social Care (20 credits)
- Leadership and Change Management in Clinical Services (20 credits)
- Quality, Safety and Service Improvement in Clinical Services (20 credits)
MSc
- 3 PGCert and 3 PGDip modules
PLUS
- Dissertation (60 credits)
Successful completion of the course will provide specialised knowledge and expertise which will be invaluable in improving the prospect of employment in various fields and will enhance the likelihood of career progression.
An MSc in Ageing and Dementia from BSMS equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to make significant contributions in various professional settings, addressing the growing needs of ageing populations and improving dementia care worldwide. Ultimately, students will be empowered to deliver significant improvements in the quality of services provided to older people and those living with dementia. Graduates with an MSc in Ageing and Dementia from BSMS can look forward to a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors. Here are some potential career paths:
- Healthcare and Clinical Practice
Geriatric Specialist: Working in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, focusing on the care of older adults.
Dementia Care Specialist: Providing specialised care and management for individuals with dementia in healthcare facilities.
Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist: With a focus on geriatrics and dementia care, working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or community health settings.
Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist/Speech Therapist: Specialising in services for ageing populations and those with dementia. - Research and Academia
Research Scientist: Conducting research on ageing, dementia, and related fields in academic institutions, research centers, or pharmaceutical companies.
University Lecturer/Professor: Teaching and mentoring students in gerontology, dementia care, and related disciplines.
Clinical Research Coordinator: Managing and coordinating clinical trials and research projects focused on ageing and dementia. - Social Care and Community Services
Social Worker: Specialising in the support and care of older adults and individuals with dementia.
Care Home Manager: Overseeing the operations and care quality in residential facilities for older adults.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Working with non-profits or local government agencies to support ageing populations and dementia awareness initiatives. - Public Health and Policy
Public Health Advisor: Developing and implementing health policies and programs focused on ageing and dementia at local, national, or international levels.
Health Policy Analyst: Analysing and advising on policies affecting older adults and dementia care.
Programme Manager: Leading public health initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for ageing populations. - Non-Profit and Advocacy
Advocacy Specialist: Working with organisations to promote the rights and wellbeing of older adults and those with dementia.
Programme Director: Managing programmes and services aimed at supporting ageing populations and individuals with dementia.
Grant Writer/Fundraiser: Securing funding for non-profits focused on ageing and dementia research or services. - Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industries
Medical Science Liaison: Serving as a bridge between the pharmaceutical company and the medical community, focusing on products related to ageing and dementia.
Clinical Trials Manager: Overseeing the design and implementation of clinical trials for new treatments for dementia and age-related conditions.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensuring compliance with regulations for products and therapies related to ageing and dementia. - Consulting and Private Sector
Healthcare Consultant: Advising healthcare organisations on best practices for dementia care and services for ageing populations.
Ageing Services Consultant: Providing expertise to businesses and government agencies on services and products for older adults.
Dementia Care Trainer: Conducting training programmes for healthcare professionals and caregivers on dementia care best practices. - Technology and Innovation
Health Tech Developer: Working with companies developing technologies aimed at improving the lives of older adults and those with dementia.
Ageing and Dementia Specialist: Advising tech companies on user-friendly designs and solutions for older adults.
How is the course taught?
Interactive lectures are delivered by academics, practitioners and advocates from the clinical frontlines of dementia and old age psychiatry.
Each module is delivered within an intensive immersive week, with ‘breaks’ between modules during which time students focus on seminars, tutorials, assignments, research and extracurricular activities. This structure also works very well for part-time, and working students.
How is the course assessed?
Most modules are assessed by means of a 3,000-word in-depth evaluation of a topic agreed upon by the student and module leader.