Master’s Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology

Name of the Degree Programme

Master’s Degree in Applied Gerontology

Field of study

Health and welfare
The classification of the educational field is based on the international ISCED classification used by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Specialisations

There are no lines of specialization in this degree programme.

Qualification awarded

Graduates are eligible for positions which require a Master's degree.
Successful graduates will be awarded a Master’s Degree with one of the following titles: Fysioterapeutti or Registered Physiotherapist (Master of Health Care); Geroromi or Elderly Care Expert (Master of Social Services and Health Care ); Sairaanhoitaja or Registered Nurse (Master of Health Care), Sosionomi (Master of Social Services); Terveydenhoitaja or Registered Public Health Nurse (Master of Health Care).

Level of qualification

The degree programme leads to a higher education degree which is a second cycle Master-level degree in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). According to the eight-level classification of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) the degree represents level 7.
The description of the level of the Degree is included in the Statute, at
http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2017/20170120

Specific admission requirements

Applicants must have a first cycle (Bachelor’s) degree in physiotherapy, elderly care, nursing, social services or public health nursing, completed in Finland or another country. They must also have two years of work experience in the field.

Eligibility for studies at a university of applied sciences is stipulated in the Universities of Applied Sciences Act 932/2014.
The selection criteria are specified in the data of the Degree Programme at www.opintopolku.fi and www.seamk.fi/haku
On the websites, application and instructions are in Finnish language for the degree programmes taught in Finnish.

Qualification requirements and regulations (incl. graduation requirements)

Please see the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

Please see the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.
Link

Structure of the studies

In accordance with the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, the studies of a Degree Programme consist of advanced professional studies, free elective studies, and a final project/thesis.
Studies consist of altogether 90 study credits (ECTS)

Finally there is 10 study credits of studies to be chosen freely. Within freely chosen studies and in Master’s thesis, the student can focus on her/his own special areas of interest.

Learning outcomes

The degree provides expertise in applied gerontology, where the aim is to deepen the evidence-based knowledge on areas that are related to aging societies, promotion of health and well-being in older adults and services in the field of gerontology. The focus will be on creating age-friendly societies. The degree supports sustainable development by supporting active participation of older adults and by promoting health and well-being among older populations.
Within freely chosen studies and in Master’s thesis, the student can focus on her/his own special areas of interest.

Profile of the programme

The degree includes courses related to several areas in the field of applied gerontology. Courses include topics such as creating age-friendly societies, promoting health and well-being of older adults and management and leadership in the field of gerontology. Close collaboration with the working life and several stakeholders is a key element during the studies. After completing the degree, students are qualified to work in different sectors (public, private, third) where expertise in ageing is needed.

Generic and subject specifc competences

Competences are broad combinations of know-how that consist of knowledge, attitudes and skills. Competences represent the potential to manage assignments and tasks that are part of the social welfare professionals.
General competences consist of skills that are shared in various degree programs. However, they have different levels of importance in differing tasks and positions. General competences are the building stones of employment, working life cooperation and development as a professional. The general competences are, according to Rectors' Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, the following: skills in learning, ethical issues, working life, innovation and international activities. In addition to that, in Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences two additional competences are skills in entrepreneurship and quality control.
I Master’s degree program of Applied Gerontology essential are the knowledge over interdisciplinary issues in gerontology, development and research as well as management and leadership.

Pedagogical approach and learning environment

A variety of pedagogical practices are used, specifically defined for each course. Multimodal learning methods are used in the degree programme. The pedagogical approach is defined for each study module separately. A central principle is however the combination of practise and theory.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (RPL)

The arrangements are based on the general RPL guidelines established at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences. The contact person of the RPL (AHOT in Finnish) in the DP in Applied Gerontology is Head of the Degree Programme.
All students are expected to write a Master’s Thesis, which is not subject to the RPL practice.

The RPL procedure means the identification and recognition of the student’s previously acquired learning. The student has the opportunity to apply for the recognition of their competencies if the competencies correspond to the learning goals of the Degree Programme. The identification and recognition practices are presented in the RPL Instruction of SeAMK. It specifies how recognition of competencies is applied for, how the application is processed, and how the student is informed of it.

Work-based learning and work placements

The Degree Programme doesn’t include practical training.

Occupational profiles

Upon completion of the degree programme students will be qualified to work in expert positions in the field of aging and gerontology. Their competence will focus on ability to develop and manage age-friendly society and practices in the field of elder care. The graduates may work in development and managerial positions, as consultants, experts, entrepreneurs or in first-line management in the public, private or third sector.

Internationalization

Objectives: to encourage and motivate students and to promote and facilitate their mobility and internationalisation at home and to promote staff’s international opportunities.
Forms: Students’ international study trips, intensive programmes (IP) and conferences as part of free-choice studies; use of international literature, staff participation in international collaboration, conferences and IPs with students together.

Access to further studies

The degree provides possibility to apply for doctoral studies.

Graduation requirements

The requirements for graduation can be found on the Intranet and in the Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

Mode of study

This programme is a part of our adult education. Students attend part-time and teaching takes place through various modes.

Head of degree programme

Anne-Maria Aho
e-mail: anne-maria.aho(a)seamk.fi
Phone: +358 (0)40 830 4173

Katri Turunen
e-mail: katri.turunen(a)seamk.fi
Phone: +358 (0)40 830 1264

Student counsellor

Essi Hauta
e-mail: essi.hauta(a)seamk.fi
Phone: +358 (0)40 830 1262

Coordination of Practical Training

Practical training is not included in the degree program.

Coordination of international mobility

Tiina Välimäki, 040-830 4127, tiina.valimaki(at)seamk.fi, Coordinator, Outgoing student exchanges to Europe

Maria Loukola, 040-830 2240, maria.loukola(at)seamk.fi, Coordinator, Incoming and outgoing student exchanges outside Europe

Student services

Tel. +358 20 124 5055, studentservices@seamk.fi