Clinical Geriatrics (MSc)
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode: Part time distance learning
Open day
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Why study this course
The MSc Clinical Geriatrics aims to equip healthcare professionals, who have a special interest in managing and leading care in older adults, with an advanced clinical knowledge of ageing in health and illness as they present in practice.
Developed with clinical practice and application in mind.
Learn through case studies that ask you to use evidence synthesis to practice and evaluate on clinical innovations, providing an applicable clinical context to the learning materials.
New and improved curriculum
Aligned to the current challenges faced by healthcare professionals caring for the older person, as well as strategies for dealing with future advances in therapy and management.
Multidisciplinary student group offering interprofessional learning and networking
Learn alongside and from other health care professionals, through debate and discussion and innovative, flexible online learning.
Reflect on your practice while enhancing your career
A professional setting allows you to spend time considering how your practice compares to the themes in each module, as well as enhancing your career progression around your current commitments.
The MSc Clinical Geriatrics aims to equip healthcare professionals, who have a special interest in managing and leading care in older adults, with an advanced clinical knowledge of ageing in health and illness as they present in practice. The programme aims to support clinicians and other health care professionals to deliver novel, transformational approaches, improving the quality of care for the older adult from theoretical and patient-based care to population-based care. By studying on this course, you will be enabled to support health teams to create system wide change with vast improvements in patient outcomes. It provides an up-to-date educational experience that fulfils the needs of healthcare services in supporting the development of outstanding care for the future within the field of geriatrics. By graduating from this programme, you will be part of responsive transformational changes within your practice, promoting continued improvement. The course is interdisciplinary, aligned to new and emerging areas of practice within the field of geriatrics and allowing you to benefit from learning alongside students from varying health care backgrounds.
The programme facilitates a process in which you can understand where current gaps lie in the care that is delivered from a systems perspective in an integrated way and you will be supported in reaching the correct diagnosis and management, addressing unmet clinical needs.
The aim of the programme is to:
- Provide a comprehensive programme of education for healthcare professionals in the field of geriatrics, aligned to key competencies within medical and health care development pathways.
- Establish a stimulating environment for research, teaching and learning about geriatrics, developing critical thinkers who are able to synthesise evidence to reflect innovatively and lead on the prevention, reduction of impact, assessment and management of conditions experienced as we age.
- Develop practitioners with life-long, adult learning principles to transform health care responding to the needs of older adults and their families, providing role models for their peers.
- Develop leadership and evaluation skills in the delivery of care.
- Encourage a culture for training of healthcare professionals by the development of a network of experienced clinical teachers.
- Develop excellent oral presentation skills
- Gain advanced competencies in peer review and scientific publishing
The course encourages critical thinking and aims to improve the understanding of geriatrics. You will be equipped not only with current factual knowledge aligned to the latest research and developments within the field of geriatrics in clinical practice but will also have the opportunity to learn about strategies aimed at considering how best to deal with future advances and challenges in therapy and management. You will be part of a programme that continues Cardiff University’s reputation as a leader in the multi-professional education of Geriatric medicine, both in Wales and worldwide.
Where you'll study
School of Medicine
We are of the largest medical schools in UK, committed to the pursuit of improved human health through education and research.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area including dietetics, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, speech and language therapy or medicine or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates. If you are uncertain whether your degree meets the criteria, please feel free to make contact and we will be able to advise further.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of recent, current or futureprofessional experience in an area of health care aligned to the older person. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
This is a master’s level programme taught part-time over 2 years:
Stage T1
This stage lasts for 18 months and consists of a selection of 20 and 10 credit modules totalling 120 credits, at Level 7. You will have the option of choosing modules that are aligned to your learning and clinical needs.
Students who have successfully completed Stage T1 will be eligible for the Postgraduate Diploma award should they exit at this stage.
Stage T2
This stage lasts 6 months and consists of the 60 credit dissertation module at Level 7 during which students complete a dissertation in a special interest area of their choice negotiated with the programme faculty and supervisor.
Students who have successfully completed Stage T2 will be eligible for the MSc award.
Students may leave the course with a Postgraduate Certificate, after successfully completing 60 credits, only where these include the award of credit for three ‘required’ modules from stage T1. Each module can also be studied on a stand-alone CPD basis to allow greater flexibility of learning tailored to individual learning requirements.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
Year one
In year one, you will gain a grounding in the core challenges faced by healthcare professionals caring for the older person. You will also develop your critical appraisal, presentation and peer review skills. There will be an opportunity to start to individualise your learning by selecting from available optional modules.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Geriatric Medicine | MET927 | 20 credits |
| Clinical Geriatrics | MET928 | 20 credits |
| Research, Statistics and Evidence Based Practice in Geriatrics | MET929 | 20 credits |
Year two
In this second year, you can select from a number of options modules to aid you in the individualisation of your learning experience. These modules align with the latest research and challenges within the field of geriatric medicine and care. This will allow you to choose learning areas that will aid you in your clinical practice. There will be a further opportunity to develop your critical appraisal, presentation, and peer review skills.
At the start of this year, it is recommended that you start to engage with the dissertation supervisor if you plan to undertake the dissertation. This will enable you to plan for the second half of the year to enable successful completion of the dissertation within the timeframe. This dissertation could take the form of a research protocol, systematic review or a service evaluation project with accompanying literature review.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | MET938 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Leadership and Health Service Management | MET930 | 20 credits |
| Dementia and mental health | MET931 | 20 credits |
| Frailty | MET932 | 20 credits |
| Stroke | MET933 | 20 credits |
| Continence | MET934 | 10 credits |
| Delirium | MET935 | 10 credits |
| Falls | MET936 | 10 credits |
| Movement Disorders | MET937 | 10 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
In the taught stages, you will complete high quality level 7 evidence-based practice assessments, which are directly relevant to your clinical practice, and you will be encouraged and supported to gain knowledge around clinical evaluation and research.
This course will be delivered entirely by distance learning and therefore you can access it from anywhere within the international healthcare professional community. This also allows for flexibility of study to suit your individual needs and support will be provided wherever possible with these. The course is delivered via Cardiff University’s virtual learning environment, Learning Central. Teaching will be delivered by a diverse, multi-professional teaching team from within the Cardiff University School of Medicine’s Centre for Medical Education (C4ME).
You will actively participate in the learning experience with a series of engaging, relevant e-learning modules. These will include, written materials, web-links, recorded lectures and a varied assessment strategy of online group work and discussions, facilitated by experienced clinicians and educators. The use of multiple approaches for you to learn will build a community of practice and enhance your collaboration with your peers and the faculty. You will be educated to a very high standard and the faculty will support you through the transition from an independent thinker and learner to a scholar and researcher. On completion of the programme you will have acquired the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the increasingly complex field of prevention and care for those living with ageing related conditions.
Students also receive regular constructive feedback throughout the course, to stimulate enthusiasm and provide support, thus ensuring that all students will have the opportunity to achieve the learning outcomes
Each 20 credit module will run for 10 weeks with the final piece of work needing to be submitted by the end of this period. Each 10 credit module will run for 5 weeks with the final piece of work needing to be submitted by the end of this period.
The consolidation day for a module will be delivered in a synchronous online tutorial, with students giving an oral presentation. This will allow all students to give and receive peer to peer feedback and personal interaction, with the session moderator. The sessions will be recorded.
How will I be assessed?
As a student, you will be assessed in a summative manner through a combination of methods including:
- Essays
- Research protocol development
- Case reports
- Business case generation
- Scientific paper production
- Production of a patient information leaflet or passport
- Generation of a root cause analysis of an adverse event
You will also be assessed in a formative manner through a combination of methods including:
- Producing and delivering presentations
- Peer review of colleagues’ work
- Generation of MCQ questions
How will I be supported?
A team of academic, administrative, learning technology and library staff are available throughout the year to support students. Each student is allocated a personal tutor and also has access to the module lead tutor for further support whenever the need arises. The module lead oversees the student’s academic performance throughout the module.
Students are expected to take part in the online schedule of activities offered by the course and this will also help them meet other students online. Students are able to discuss personal issues with their Personal Tutor and there is also a University Student Support Service.
The course content is housed on Learning Central, a platform that is designed to deliver a great student experience on-line. Engagement on the learning platform is enhanced by a number of discussion threads, from the ‘Coffee Room’ for students to get to know each other, to ‘You Said We Did’ allowing student to freely and constructively comment on how the programme runs, and threads which allow for discussion and debate around interesting topics, formative assessments and to provide forward feedback. Video conferencing and virtual face-to-face tutorials all promote engagement while the nature of the programme, being online, promotes flexibility of study.
Formative feedback will be communicated through electronic and written means to support student development and performance. Summative feedback on assessment will be delivered within the timeframe set by the University.
What are the learning outcomes of this course/programme?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will be able to do as a result of your study at Cardiff University. They will help you to understand what is expected of you.
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:
Knowledge & Understanding:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:
- Synthesise the challenges faced by healthcare services in caring for an increasingly ageing population and reflect on how these challenges can be met
- Evaluate the complementary roles of healthcare professionals, multi-disciplinary teams, researchers, health commissioners and people with conditions associated with ageing, assessing the inter-relationships between different care providers and the effectiveness of geriatric care delivery in primary, intermediate and secondary care settings.
- Evaluate the evidence pertaining to the pathology, physiology and management of the fundamental clinical conditions in clinical geriatrics (the so-called modern geriatric giants) from an evidence-based perspective reflecting on your own clinical practice and changes that may be required on innovations to improve care delivery and practice
- Critically reflect on the interplay between the medical, social, psychological, economic, demographic and societal aspects of ageing in order to provide care and management of older adults in a range of health care settings
- Analyse clinical situations involving older people with a perspective that is holistic, balanced and patient-centred
- Advocate for the ageing population in their clinical areas
- Reflect on the healthcare systems management structure consistent with a senior leadership role in a healthcare system
Intellectual Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:
- Develop a critically informed approach to searching for evidence, evaluating and grading the strength of evidence, reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence and synthesising the outcomes to inform clinically meaningful questions grounded in a robust knowledge base of research, innovation, audit and service evaluation using theoretical perspective facilitating discussion and debate with the faculty and peers.
- Approach leadership, clinical change and clinical care with a critical perspective based on your enhanced ability as a reflective practitioner who can use data, resources and guidelines in an innovative, sustainable and constructive manner.
- Formulate unbiased, research informed, patient orientated debate regarding the challenges in and possible solutions to managing those living conditions associated with ageing.
- Use a range of tools, models and cycles, based on critically reviewing strengths and weaknesses, to inform personal and work-related strategies.
Professional Practical Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:
- Master the skills needed to be a life-long learner influencing care, using valid and reliable tools to evaluate changes made.
- Navigate around Learning Central, and be familiarised with distance learning library, discussion boards, Grade Centre and Turnitin
- Reflect on safe, effective, patient-centred care with appropriate professionalism
- Peer review the work of others and provide insightful and constructive feedback
Transferable/Key Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:
- Apply professional self-awareness and self-reflection to your own professional development in ways that enhance your practice and improve patient outcomes.
- Demonstrate team-working, leadership and sound judgement in dealing systematically with complex issues.
- Demonstrate initiative, autonomy and personal responsibility in the planning and implementation of solutions in geriatric medicine.
- Plan, organise and manage coursework effectively, demonstrating independence, initiative and originality
- Communicate accurately, clearly and concisely in variety of styles, using a range of media to a wide variety of audiences
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £5,150 | None |
| Year two | £5,150 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £7,560 | £2,500 |
| Year two | £7,560 | None |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Career prospects
This Masters programme enables you to demonstrate you are taking the opportunity to develop your abilities in critical analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, finding and using evidence and in dealing with complex issues. Whilst we do not formally assess clinical skills or competencies in a face-to-face context (so the programme is not a substitute for a formal specialty training programme), studying at this level should help successful students demonstrate numerous academic skills that should be highly regarded in relation to their career development and progression. In particular, the programme offers opportunities to demonstrate the development of knowledge and skills in relation to the application of evidence-based medicine and the potential enhancement of services and governance frameworks. As such, it should provide evidence of commitment and potential that may assist you in relation to taking on greater responsibilities or perhaps seeking management, research, scholarship, or leadership roles. Many of the students undertaking this programme will be in employment. However, many healthcare roles in various disciplines require clinicians to have advanced academic training and therefore the MSc is seen as a vehicle for promotion to extended and senior roles. The involvement of leadership facilitate innovation and change within healthcare and provide transferable skills that alumni can apply in any health care setting. Specifically for applicants qualified as doctors, the curriculum is allied to the more complex competencies needed for geriatric medicine speciality training.
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
