Gerontology and Ageing Studies

Entry requirements

Applicants for the PhD programme would normally have, or be studying for a Master’s degree, while our MPhil programme requires a first or upper second degree in a discipline related to the proposed research project, or a relevant, approved postgraduate qualification. In some cases, there may be opportunities for MPhil students to continue their studies as a PhD student.

If English is not your first language you will need an acceptable pass in an approved English Language qualification to make sure you get the full benefit from studying at Swansea. We consider a wide range of qualifications, including the Swansea University English Test, the British Council IELTS test (with a score of at least 6.5 in each component).

Months of entry

January, April, July, October

Course content

Understanding and addressing the complex issues around ageing has never been more important. In the UK over the last 25 years, the number of people aged 65 and over has increased by more than 1.5 million and globally the population aged 60 and over is growing faster than all younger age groups.

Our internationally renowned Centre for Innovative Ageing (CIA) is the largest gerontology research centre in Wales and one of the largest in the UK, providing the ideal base for your postgraduate research. The CIA is also home to the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CADR), a multi-disciplinary research centre addressing internationally important questions in ageing and dementia.

The most recent Research Excellence Framework in 2014–2021 ranked us 3rd in the UK for our research outputs. Our PhD programme also forms part of the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre for Wales, a pan-Wales collaboration to train top-level social scientists.

We have extensive research expertise covering the influence of the natural and built environment on an ageing population, and care provision for the older person across such areas as social care, health care, residential care, palliative care, chronic conditions, and falls and their prevention.

Information for international students

Since its foundation in 1920, Swansea University has embraced opportunities to think globally. The vibrant mix of nationalities and cultures on campus greatly enriches our learning and teaching environment. We understand the type of support our international students need to help them settle into student life in a new country.

Fees and funding

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out more about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page: www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships