MSc Ageing, Frailty, and Dementia
New course - coming soon
Ageing, Frailty, and Dementia are complex health challenges that are faced by older adults in our society. As the global population ages, the prevalence of these interconnected issues increases, necessitating informed approaches to care that address the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of an individual.
As part of this proposed MSc, we will explore, using case study examples, how we can critically evaluate care practices and lead sustainable change. We will also review recent research that has informed evidence-based health and social care practices across the three areas of Ageing, Frailty, and Dementia. This master's-level programme of study not only draws from the rich experience and frameworks within Scotland’s renowned health and social care systems but also incorporates global perspectives, making it relevant to students from around the world.
Given the universal challenges of an ageing population, this course appeals to an international market, equipping professionals to address these issues in a variety of cultural and healthcare settings. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of best practices that can be adapted and implemented across different regions, fostering an inclusive and globally informed approach to care. This enables graduates to make meaningful contributions in their own countries, improving quality of life and promoting dignity and well-being for older adults worldwide.
RESEARCH DEGREES
We welcome applications for research degrees (PhD, MPhil, MRes) from potential students from any discipline interested in studying topics related to supporting the health, care and wellbeing of people affected by dementia. This includes understanding the experiences and ways to support people affected by dementia, from early onset dementia through to those at the advanced stage of the illness. When research students join the Centre they benefit from a vibrant and inclusive community of dementia scholars.
We have full time and part time students. All are undertaking research degrees in applied dementia research or dementia care research. All are exploring the positive ways we can support those affected by dementia throughout the illness.
If you are interested in applying for a Research Degree with the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice please contact rhoda.macrae@uws.ac.uk or visit the UWS Doctoral College website.
Professional Development
Our educational offerings include masterclasses and bespoke CPD aligned to the skilled and enhanced levels of the Scottish Government's Promoting Excellence Framework. These programmes are designed and delivered by our team of award winning dementia educators and practice experts. Please speak with us and we will do our best to support your dementia education needs.
Our Educational Approach
We have a ‘way of working’ that permeates our learning and teaching about dementia; you could say this is our signature educational approach. We call this Care Empathia, learning through knowledge (the head), feeling (the heart) and doing (the hand). At the core of this, we take a trauma-informed approach that acknowledges and responds to the profound emotional, psychological, and social impacts of dementia on individuals, families, and communities.
Care Empathia is an organising principle, forming the foundation of our learning and teaching from short sessions to degree programmes. It influences what we teach, how we teach, and what is learned. This strong foundation creates the conditions to deepen understanding, connection, practical actions and solutions. By adopting a trauma-informed approach, we ensure that our teaching environment is safe, empowering, and inclusive, promoting a sense of trust and connection for all learners. These conditions allow participants to deepen their understanding, forge meaningful connections, and implement practical actions and solutions. A learner will leave the briefest session with something they can do immediately to make a difference.
Care Empathia is rooted in values and human rights and shared with our partners in Alzheimer Scotland. In the early days of our partnership, we recognised kindred spirits in one another. The more we talked and taught together, the more we realised that we did something special. Our successful joint learning programmes created strong emotions, (laughter and tears), knowledge and deep practice change. Conversations about what we do, culminated in naming what we do: Care Empathia.
Last updated: 29/04/2025