Advanced Master of Science in Gerontological Sciences 
The Master in Gerontological Sciences offers a broad spectrum of scientific aspects, in a multidisciplinary approach, that is essential to understand the field of Gerontology. The program focuses on the classically recognised three pillars of this field:
- The bio-medical basis underlying the ageing process
- The psychological aspects of ageing and of the elderly person
- The socio-economic and health policy aspects
The Master in Gerontological Sciences has the following objectives:
- To teach students the theoretical knowledge of the various aspects of Gerontology
- Starting from the principles of 'free inquiry', to promote critical reflection on current gerontological problems
- To form students who are able to perform research in one of the domains of the
gerontological sciences
Course Outline & Programme
Number of ECTS: 60
Number of years: 1 (possibility to spread over 2 years)
Campus: Jette, Life Sciences campus
Language: English
The ageing of the society, first noticed in the industrialised world, is now a worldwide phenomenon. Major international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation, consider the ageing population as one of the major topics that need immediate and thorough attention. People working in various domains, who come into contact with elderly persons, have felt the need to improve their knowledge of the ageing process and of the needs, limitations and potential of the elderly person.
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel has recognised this need for competent professionals and organises a specialist training in Gerontology at the master level since the early 1980's. Initially, this training was focused upon the Belgian situation. More and more, however, it is recognised that there is a worldwide need for training in this field.
New master for international public
In 2009 the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the VUB will start with a Master in Gerontological Sciences (MaGS) that will be open for an international public of students, having already a Master degree (or equivalent knowledge; see below for the conditions of admittance), and who are working with elderly persons.
The Program (60 ECTS)
- Biological Gerontology (1st semester, 9 ECTS)
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods in Gerontology (1st semester, 6 ECTS)
- Demography and ageing (1st semester, 3 ECTS)
- Psychological Gerontology (2nd semester, 9 ECTS)
- Comprehensive gerontological assessment (2nd semester, 6 ECTS)
- Ethics related to ageing (2nd semester, 3 ECTS)
- Social Gerontology (1st + 2nd semester , 9 ECTS)
- Master thesis (1st + 2nd semester 15 ECTS)
Admission requirements
The MaGS is accessible for:
Students already possessing a Master degree, obtained at an officially recognized university. This Master diploma should refer to a discipline for which Gerontology can make a substantial contribution.
In some cases, students having a professional bachelor degree can be accepted, provided,
- They can document a relevant professional experience in a domain for which gerontological information can be useful
- They can demonstrate having the knowledge necessary to follow the MaGS. Specifically, attestation is required for Statistics at the graduate level.
If you are not a native English speaker, you have to demonstrate that you have sufficient knowledge of the English language in order to attend the lectures.Top
Competences Acquired
Upon finishing, the graduate in Gerontological Sciences
- Knows and understands present-day gerontological theories and their fields of application, and are able to read the scientific literature in a critical and independent way
- Masters theories and application fields of the various domains of Gerontology and is able to apply them in a critical manner, specifically as a researcher
- Is able to interpret and evaluate scientific and policy reports
- Develops a scientific attitude specifically towards the gerontological sciences: being able to contribute to the gerontological research and/or to to perform gerontological research independently in at least one of the domains of Gerontology
- Is able to reflect scientifically and to analyse gerontological problems;
- Is able to report independently on his own research, practice or study of the literature.
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Career Opportunities
The ageing of the society is now a worldwide phenomenon. Several international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation, consider ageing as one of the major topics that need immediate and thorough attention. (www.who.int/ageing)
People working in various domains, who come into contact with elderly persons, have felt the need to improve their knowledge of the ageing process and of the needs, limitations and the potential of the elderly person. We distinguish three professional roles:
- The gerontologist as scientist, researcher
- The gerontologist as expert and innovator in gerontological aspects of health and needs of the elderly person
- The gerontologist as communicator at the micro-, meso- and macro level.Top
Applications
Applications for registration have to be addressed to the coordinator of Gerontology (mags@vub.ac.be) together with a full CV, and have to arrive at last by April 1st.
See http://www.vub.ac.be/english/infofor/prospectivestudents/howenroll.html for all information concerning the application forms and registration fee.
Our Student Service
Students at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel are not just mere numbers. A lot of attention goes to making sure that you can study in the best possible situation. There are numerous staff members ready to assist you and give advice on all topics related to student life: practical information, medical assistance and finance, study planning, sports and culture, health, transport, housing and food, etc.
For all kinds of help, advice and support, visit the web pages of ‘Student Facilities’.
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More information
Gerontology (MaGS)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy
Laarbeeklaan 103
B-1090 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: +32 2 477 4208
Fax: +32 2 477 6364
Contact: mags@vub.ac.be
- Check out the website of Gerontological Sciences (http://www.vub.ac.be/GERO)
- An overview of all Master and Postgraduate programmes taught in English at the VUB can be found in the brochure Student (on top) of the world (970 KB)