female carer looking after an elderly male

Dementia Studies

Dementia studies

Dementia stands as a worldwide priority, recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the most significant health and social challenge of the 21st century.

With approximately 55 million individuals affected globally, the increasing prevalence of dementia significantly influences both societal dynamics and economic considerations.

Our dementia degree and research-based courses promote applied and critical thinking around theoretical and practice-based issues related to diverse aspects of dementia research and care.

Explore The Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory (GIAM), UWL's flagship institute which delivers multidisciplinary applied research and education.

Additionally, find out more about our courses below, discover our range of Continuing Professional Development (CPDs), and learn about the range of potential jobs for Dementia Studies graduates.

The Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory

The Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory delivers research and education into how the quality of life can be improved for people living with dementia.

An old couple on a bench by the sea

Dementia Studies postgraduate degree courses

Dementia Studies research degrees

Course videos

Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice is an interdisciplinary course that offers cutting-edge knowledge about dementia and developments in care and service provision.

Find out more in our MSc Dementia Studies course video.

Continuing Professional Development (CPDs)

Firstly, what is a CPD course? A CPD courses offer working professionals the opportunity to develop and enhance their personal and professional skills.

Our Level 7 CPD courses examine dementia in the broader context of contemporary multicultural society, as well as the lived experiences of dementia across diverse biological/ physical, and psychosocial domains.

Dementia policy and influences in practice
Dementia: culture and society
Evidence-based approaches to dementia in health and social care
Global perspectives in dementia
Leadership and innovation in dementia care
Research methods in dementia
Smiling students in a lecture room

Where a Dementia Studies course can take you

two female hands writing notes down in the ipad with the laptop open in the front

Successful completion of the dementia course will provide health and social care professionals with specialist knowledge and leadership skills in dementia care.

This expertise can help improve employment prospects and enhance the likelihood of career progression in dementia-related services.

In addition, for students interested in developing a research career or conducting further study, we have a doctoral programme and offer PhDs in Ageing Research and Dementia Studies - see above. Doctoral study at UWL will help you develop the skills you need to work as a successful researcher.

Additional information

  • Visiting academics

    We have also curated a distinguished group of visiting professors and guest lecturers on our team profiles page, who have been carefully chosen to deliver cutting edge evidence-based education to students. Our existing student feedback has been particularly enthusiastic about the variety of topics and calibre of lectures delivered.

  • Teaching team

    The GIAM postgraduate education team includes:

    All academic staff members within GIAM are actively involved in postgraduate education and contribute to the teaching and supervision of students.  

  • Teaching methods, assignments, and research supervision

    The MSc Dementia Studies course has two intakes, generally in February and October. Standalone modules can also be taken as individual Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses.

    We deliver research informed education, that draws on GIAM research and publications to ensure our teaching reflects the current evidence-base for health and social care practice. Course modules are designed to offer authentic assessments that reflect ‘real world’ activities and skills required by practitioners and professionals working with older people. Examples include writing a blog, designing an infographic, and presenting a ‘dragon’s den’ style pitch.

    Postgraduate research students are actively provided with good quality supervision and academic support. We achieve this by matching students with supervisors who have relevant experience or knowledge of existing evidence, methods, and developments in your chosen research area.