Although we’ve always appreciated the benefits of attending and delivering education courses face-to-face, we realise that it’s not always practical to get a groups of people together in the same place at the same time. It can also be difficult for smaller organisations to access education courses if they don’t have enough staff members to make a bespoke course financially viable. Then there’s the interest we’ve had internationally, which again isn’t always possible to respond to as we’d like.
With all of this in mind, we’ve taken the exciting step of developing several Masters level modules and offering them as distance learning modules.
So what are you offering?
We’re offering a suite of six modules with each focusing on a different aspect of dementia studies. You can choose to study a module on a standalone basis, or combine them to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Person-Centred Dementia Studies. Additionally, one of the modules is a double module run across two semesters and will give you a Postgraduate Award in Professional Development.
What is that in terms of ‘credits’?
Five of the modules are 15 credits each. The double module is 30 credits. To get the Postgraduate Certificate you need to complete a total of 60 credits.
Can I choose any combination of modules?
You can study the modules in any order (depending on dates), but for the Postgraduate Certificate you will need to complete the mandatory module Person-Centred Leadership: the VIPS Approach.
How much will it cost?
University fees are revised annually, but the fees for the 2019/2020 academic year for UK and EU students are:
- £574 – 15 credit module (12 weeks)
- £1,148 – 30 credit module (24 weeks)
When do they start?
Two of the modules start in January 2020, with the others being phased in over the following academic year. The closing date for applications for either of the first two modules is 29th November 2019.
Can you just summarise that please?
Sure, hopefully the table below provides an overview of the modules on offer.
Ok that makes sense, but what about MDEM4002?
Well spotted. There is a seventh module but it is only available to people who are working as Admiral Nurses through Dementia UK. We don’t advertise it more widely to avoid confusion in case non-Admiral Nurses try to apply for it.
I’m interested, but I don’t have a degree. Can I still apply?
We know that many people are capable or working at Masters level, but may not already have a degree. In this case, during the application process you will need to provide some pre-course writing and evidence to make sure you can work at this level.
How is it going to work online?
By being delivered online you will be able to do each module at your own pace, studying at a time that is convenient to you. Each 15 credit module takes place over 12 weeks, and each week there will be a combination of information, activities and self-directed learning. You will engage with online lectures, videos, research literature and discussions to facilitate your independent study. Although the modules are online, you won’t be studying alone. There will be plenty of opportunities to engage with your fellow students and tutors including interactive activities and regular live seminars in a virtual classroom.
What sort of time commitment will be required?
Each week the online activities will take about two hours, plus there will be approximately 7-8 hours of independent study which you can do when it suits you. Some activities will take place at set times, and assignment deadlines will be fixed. Fortnightly live seminars will last about an hour, and will vary between modules in terms of the time and day of week they take place.
How can I find out more?
You can find out more about the individual modules by clicking on the titles below:
- Person-Centred Leadership: the VIPS Approach
- Expert Practice in Delivering Person-Centred Dementia Care
- Supporting People Living with Advanced Dementia
- Enabling Environments for People Living with Dementia
- Engagement and Empowerment in Dementia Studies
- Dementia in the Family Context
More information and useful links are also available on our website.
How do I apply?
To apply for the Postgraduate Certificate please visit https://www.worc.ac.uk/courses/person-centred-dementia-studies-pg-cert
For the Postgraduate Award you need to go to https://www.worc.ac.uk/courses/professional-development-expert-practice-in-delivering-person-centred-dementia-care-pg-award
If you’ve got any queries please feel free to contact us at dementia@worc.ac.uk or 01905 542531.
Connect with ADS on twitter @DementiaStudies and on Facebook @adsuow
Association for Dementia Studies Blog 
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