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Dementia: International Experience, Policy and Practice (Online Distance Learning)

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MSc Dementia: International Experience, Policy and Practice (Online Distance Learning) - 2 Years (Part-time)

PgCert Dementia: International Experience, Policy and Practice (Online Distance Learning) - 9 Months (Part-time)

PgDip Dementia: International Experience, Policy and Practice (Online Distance Learning) - 21 Months (Part-time)

Information on fees & costs

Individual programme fees are linked above. For detailed information on fee status, policies, payment and funding opportunities see:

Contact information: MSc Secretary
Phone: +44 (0) 131 650 3890
Email: dementia@ed.ac.uk; Heather Wilkinson (Programme Director)
Phone: 0131 651 3925
Email: h.wilkinson@ed.ac.uk; Address: The School of Health in Social Science
Medical School (Doorway 6)
Teviot Place
Edinburgh
EH8 9AG

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in nursing, social work or an allied health profession

Experience of providing support for people with dementia

Access to a computer with Internet connection

If the applicant's first language is not English an IELTS minimum score of 6.5 is required.

Participants with strong professional experience but lower qualifications may be considered subject to evidence of academic ability and at the discretion of the Programme Director

International students

All applicants must meet our general entry and language requirements. Detailed advice for international students is available here:

Programme description

The MSc in Dementia: International Experience, Policy and Practice is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence of staff when supporting people who have dementia and their carers. The MSc programme has been developed by putting the experience of the person with dementia at the forefront, recognising the importance of policy and of making direct links from learning to practice. You are supported to share experience and to transfer learning to your own environment. You will be enabled to:

Develop an understanding of the impact of dementia around the world.
Develop cross cultural knowledge of dementia.
Understand the experiences of people with dementia.
Develop a critical perspective of the assets and abilities of people with dementia
Gain new research based perspectives on the provision of dementia care and support internationally.
Develop leadership skills and confidence to implement dementia services or strategies locally.
Understand the changes associated with dementia and the importance of individualised interventions and approaches.

Programme structure

The courses in this programme are all part-time, online and are studied using distance learning. You are expected to study independently and to engage online with fellow students from around the world and with your tutor.

The methods of assessment will vary between courses. Most courses require an end of course essay which will vary in length (usually 40% of the overall grade).

You may be required to contribute to a discussion forum (usually 20%).

Additionally you will be assessed on one other aspect of elearning during each course. This will vary between courses and may be an online presentation, literature review, group project or development of an e-portfolio (usually 40%). You will have a tutor for each course and will have contact via email, telephone or webcam.

You will experience a high level of tutor contact and interaction during this programme due to its on-line nature. This includes the opportunity to specialise in areas chosen by you that are specifically relevant to your workplace or environment.

For the dissertation you are expected to conduct research relevant to dementia care or service development in your own context before producing a 12,000 word dissertation (85%) and a research poster (15%).

Learning outcomes

The programme will enable you to demonstrate:

Critical evaluation of dementia care on a global scale.
Knowledge of approaches to assessment, interventions and service delivery.
Reflective skills and practice relating to the care of people with dementia.
The transfer of learning and knowledge to your practice setting.
Increased confidence in developing and leading dementia services in your organisation.
Critical thinking with the ability to source, challenge and share research and literature.
Skills in working on-line collaboratively with students from around the world.

Funding

Please see Scholarships and Student Funding Services for information about funding opportunities:

Scholarships and Student Funding Services

Further Information

This article was published on Apr 25, 2013