• Continuing professional development (CPD)

Dementia: culture and society

CPD Level 7
Location
How to apply
How to apply
Overview

Overview

This credit-bearing continuing professional development course examines dementia in the broader context of contemporary multicultural society, as well as the lived experiences of dementia across diverse biological/ physical, and psychosocial domains.

The course focuses on key topics, including dementia patterns and trends, and beliefs and perceptions about dementia across different cultural and social groups (e.g. ethnic, LGBTQI+, young/older adult, learning disability, rural and travelling communities).

You will also look at major theoretical frameworks such as health and social care provision for people living with dementia and other long-term conditions, health and social inequalities, and work and economic security across the lifespan.

This course will provide a supportive and intellectually challenging environment within which you will develop a critical awareness of dementia in a contemporary context.

Course requirements: Evidence of study at Level 6 (Degree Level).

Cost and funding: This fee covers the full course cost.

  • Sept 24 - Aug 25 fees: £900
  • Sept 25 - Aug 26 fees: TBC

Credits: 20

An older man and woman sitting on a sofa using a tablet and laptop
Study dates and times

Study dates and times

This course is taught on day release, select a start date to see the study days:

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

  1. Critically discuss the implications of demographic dementia trends, including different types of dementia, their common causes and treatments, and how the dementia syndrome may present itself in an individual, drawing on current research in relation to debates about health and social needs and care arrangements.
  2. Examine the contribution of biopsychosocial factors to the lived experiences of people with dementia and their families, and how supporting the physical and emotional well-being of people living with dementia and family carers is central to best practice.
  3. Explore the theoretical perspectives relating to supporting the diverse needs of people with dementia and other vulnerable groups (e.g. ethnic, LGBTQI+, young/older adult, learning disability, rural and travelling communities), current cultural perceptions of ageing and dementia, and the challenges posed in developing inclusive services.
  4. Assess contemporary policy issues affecting those living with dementia, and evaluate the evidence and opportunities for strategies to maintain and enhance social engagement and meaningful activities, including those proposing changes to a known environment to maximise well-being.
  5. Evaluate and communicate plans for a social care development that aims to improve the quality of life and service experienced by people with dementia, demonstrating originality and creativity in promoting daily living that is truly person-centred.
Entry requirements

Entry requirements

We look for students who show enthusiasm and a passion for the subject through previous study or professional experience.

You should have an honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or equivalent in a related subject (such as nursing, occupational therapy, social work, psychology, or similar) and relevant work experience (such as health, social, independent, or voluntary sector care). Or you may be planning a career working in or leading dementia care services.

If you do not have a 2.2 Honours degree or international equivalent in a related subject, then we may offer you a place based on relevant work experience and training in dementia care. 

All applications are considered individually.

If you have any questions about the relevance of your qualifications or experience please contact the course leader shown in the teaching staff.

Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Dr Laura Cole has long hair and is wearing a black suit and blue top.

Dr Laura Cole

Dr Laura Cole is a Senior Lecturer and Course Lead for the MSc in Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice. She is also Co-Lead for the DEfIN-YD Project (engaging people living with young onset dementia in research).

She has a background in psychology and has worked with older people living with cognitive problems and dementia for over twenty years in various clinical, care and research settings.

Laura was co-applicant for an Alzheimer’s Society-funded study exploring the views and experiences of people living with dementia and their family carers on residential respite services. Her previous dementia care research investigated the timing of a move to a care home, continence management (or problems using the toilet) for people living at home and the effectiveness of reminiscence art groups for people living in care homes.

Laura is President Elect and Honorary Treasurer of the Geriatric and Gerontology section at the Royal Society of Medicine and a member of the editorial board for Dementia: Journal of International Social Research and Practice. She is also a member of HEDN (Higher Education for Dementia Network) and INTERDEM (a pan-European network of dementia care researchers).

Dr Laura Cole is a Senior Lecturer and Course Lead for the MSc in Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice. She is also Co-Lead for the DEfIN-YD Project (engaging people living with young onset dementia in research).

She has a background in psychology and has worked with older people living with cognitive problems and dementia for over twenty years in various clinical, care and research settings.

Laura was co-applicant for an Alzheimer’s Society-funded study exploring the views and experiences of people living with dementia and their family carers on residential respite services. Her previous dementia care research investigated the timing of a move to a care home, continence management (or problems using the toilet) for people living at home and the effectiveness of reminiscence art groups for people living in care homes.

Laura is President Elect and Honorary Treasurer of the Geriatric and Gerontology section at the Royal Society of Medicine and a member of the editorial board for Dementia: Journal of International Social Research and Practice. She is also a member of HEDN (Higher Education for Dementia Network) and INTERDEM (a pan-European network of dementia care researchers).

Study and career progression

Study and career progression

This course be taken as a standalone module or the credits can be used towards the following courses:

  • MSc Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice
  • PgCert Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice
  • PgDip Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice
How to apply

How to apply

We recommend your application is submitted to the University at least two weeks prior to the start of the course. 

After your application is accepted and you have been offered a place on the course, you will be sent information about how to enrol. You must complete enrolment before your course starts.

Apply for this course

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Contact us

For more information about our range of dementia courses, please contact Laura Cole.