Social Gerontology

1ST YEAR

2ND YEAR

* ELECTIVE COURSES

3RD YEAR

CHANGES TO THE STUDY PROGRAM

The doctoral study program was revised starting with the 2024/25 academic year. The changes apply to students enrolling in the first year of the Social Gerontology doctoral program from the 2024/25 academic year onward. Students who enrolled in the program in 2023/24 or earlier will be able to complete the study program under the old curriculum up to and including 2025/26. After this date, students must submit an application to the Committee for Academic Affairs, where it will be reviewed for each individual which additional obligations must be completed under the new study program.

Description of changes for the 1st year

In the 1st year, the content of the compulsory courses Modeling the Management of Diversity and Research Competencies and Social Construction of Aging is merged into the course Social Gerontology, which now carries 15 ECTS instead of 10 ECTS. The course Strategies and Management in Addressing Gerontological Challenges (15 ECTS) is added, as well as Individual Research Work 1 (5 ECTS). The course Research Methods comprises 15 ECTS (instead of 10 ECTS).

Description of changes for the 2nd year

In the 2nd year, two new courses were introduced: Individual Research Work 2 - IRD 2 and Individual Research Work 3 - IRD 3. The compulsory second-year courses Gerontological and Anthropological Analyses and Interpretations, Older Adults, Family and Social Network, and Strategies for the Development of Gerontological Issues are no longer offered, or their content has been incorporated into the courses Social Gerontology and Strategies and Management in Addressing Gerontological Challenges in the first year. The course Seminar for the Preparation and Development of the Doctoral Dissertation - SIPDD is, as part of the revision, delivered in the 2nd year (in 2023/24 it was delivered in the 3rd year). The course retains its existing content and ECTS value. The elective component is reduced from 30 ECTS to 25 ECTS.

Description of changes for the 3rd year

In the third year, two new courses are added: Defense of the Doctoral Dissertation (10 ECTS) and Individual Research Work 4 (10 ECTS). Preparation and development of the doctoral dissertation is now valued at 40 ECTS (previously 45 ECTS). The course Seminar for the Preparation and Development of the Doctoral Dissertation - SIPDD is, as part of the revision, delivered in the 2nd year (in 2023/24 it was delivered in the 3rd year).

Elective courses

New elective courses have been accredited and will start being delivered in the 2024/25 academic year:

• Social Infrastructure in Demographic and Gerontological Perspectives

• Sociological Aspects of Environmental Gerontology

• Qualitative Research Methods

• Contemporary Approaches to Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

• Cognitive Aging

• Behavioral Aspects of Aging

Starting with 2024/25, the following elective courses will no longer be offered:

• Demographic and Gerontological Perspectives

• Gerontological Processes and Gender

• Creative Forms of Teamwork

• Health Aspects of Aging

• Medicalization of Aging

• Crisis Management in SG

• Volunteering for Intergenerational Coexistence

• Forms of Assistance in Palliative Care

• Writing Scientific Texts

• Organization of Leisure Time

OLD CURRICULUM

SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY - 1ST YEAR

SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY - 2ND YEAR

SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY - 3RD YEAR

International connectivity
The programme enables collaboration with global research groups, academics, and institutions, expanding professional networks and encouraging the exchange of knowledge.

Interdisciplinary knowledge
It connects the fields of sociology, psychology, economics, politics, and healthcare, enabling a comprehensive approach to the challenges of ageing.

Development of research skills
The programme emphasizes the acquisition of practical research skills, including data analysis and policy design to improve the lives of older adults.

Expansion of professional networks
It enables networking with researchers and experts from various sectors, strengthening impact in the field of social gerontology.

Innovative approaches
Emphasis is placed on developing new policies and solutions for the social inclusion of older adults and improving their quality of life.

Flexibility and adaptability
The programme offers a flexible learning environment that allows a focus on individual research topics and close collaboration with mentors.

Doctoral studies in social gerontology open up a wide range of career opportunities in fields where knowledge about ageing is essential for the development of socially responsible and sustainable solutions.

Employment opportunities include:

Academic and research institutions
At universities and research centres engaged in researching ageing, social challenges related to older adults, and the development of new policies and practices.

Government and public institutions
In ministries and public agencies that design and implement policies in the fields of ageing, social protection, health, and equality for older adults.

Healthcare sector
In hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, or other healthcare institutions, where they develop programmes to improve the quality of life of older adults.

Social work and counselling
In social services, counselling centres, and organisations that provide support to older adults, whether in institutional settings or in the community.

International and non-governmental organisations
In the development and implementation of strategies to support ageing populations, especially in the global context and in developing countries.

Policy and consulting
As an adviser on the development of policies and legislation focused on an ageing society, whether for governments or organisations working in this field.

Businesses and industry
In companies developing innovative technologies, products, or services for the older population, such as geriatric care, ageing technologies, and similar solutions.