2. Overview
The rapidly ageing population in Singapore, and
concomitant need for trained professionals in the
health, social and psychological services gives rise
to the imperative for a Master Programme in
Gerontology. As the needs of elder people are
specialised, dedicated attention within the training
to their characteristics as well as ageing process,
demands an interdisciplinary Gerontology programme.
UniSIM’s Master of Gerontology (MGER) is the first in
Singapore to offer a holistic training for a rewarding
career in the eldercare and silver sector.
Graduates from the programme will have acquired the
advanced knowledge and skills to be leaders and
consultants in the field of gerontology. They will be
prepared to perform challenging roles and functions
in both government and private sectors.
Unique features of the Programme:
• Enrol for any standalone course of your interest
• Exciting array of courses and team of experienced
lecturers from local and overseas contexts
• Blend of theoretical and practical teaching modes
• Flexible enrolment by individual courses for credits
• Can be completed within 2 years
• Taught on Saturdays only
Graduate Diploma
& Master of Gerontology
Fulfill
leadership roles
in the public and
private sectors
3. Structure
The structure of the programme starts with the
compulsory core courses and examinations are held
at the end of each semester. There is a break between
semesters. Elective courses are offered after the
compulsory courses are completed.
Core Courses
• Studies in Gerontology
• Lifespan Development and Psychology of Ageing
• Physiology and Healthcare
• Ageing in Multicultural Contexts
• Research on Ageing
• Social Policy in Gerontology
Students may graduate with the Graduate Diploma in
Gerontology after completing the core courses.
Elective Courses for MGER (choose four)
• Key Economic and Financial Issues
• End of Life Policies, Issues and Care
• Dementia Care: A Multidisciplinary Approach
• Management of Eldercare Services
• Programme Planning and Evaluation
• Selected Topics in Gerontology
• Internship
Master’s Dissertation required (or two elective courses
may be taken in lieu of Dissertation)
Shaping positive
attitudes and
building
purposeful
structures for
eldercare
4. Six Compulsory Courses:
• Studies in Gerontology
• Lifespan Development and
Psychology of Ageing
• Physiology and Healthcare
• Ageing in Multicultural Contexts
• Research on Ageing
• Social Policy in Gerontology
Electives (to pick 4):
• Key Economic and Financial
Issues
• End of Life Policies, Issues
and Care
• Dementia Care:
A Multidisciplinary Approach
• Management of Eldercare
Services
• Programme Planning and
Evaluation
• Selected Topics in Gerontology
• Internship*
Master’s Dissertation
or two elective courses may be
taken in lieu of Dissertation
Note:
* Internship is compulsory for those without any prior experience
in eldercare sector or silver industry.
• All courses are 5 credit units.
• One elective can be taken from Social Work/Counselling or any
other related disciplines at the Master’s level subject to the
approval by the Head of Programme.
Graduate Diploma in
Gerontology (GDGER)
Master of Gerontology
(MGER)
Enrol for any
standalone course
of your interest
Professional
Certificate
of
Attendance /
Achievement
5. Admissions
Tuition Fees
Our tuition fees are on par with those of other local universities. The amount of course fees you pay in each semester
depends on the number of courses you take in that semester. Course fees cover all study materials, classes, tutor
supervision, assignments and examinations. They do not include fees for optional textbooks and other additional
items specified by SIM University from time to time.
Please visit unisim.edu.sg for current tuition fees.
Applicants should be Singapore citizens, permanent residents or residents in Singapore.
In addition, you will need to meet these minimum requirements:
1. An undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution
2. Good communication skills (written and spoken English)
3. At least two years of work experience in related field
4. At least 21 years and above
Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo one or more interviews and/or take such written admission or other
evaluation tests as may be prescribed by SIM University from time to time.
The offer of admission is dependent on the number of places available in individual programmes. The decision of the
Admissions Committee of SIM University is final and binding. SIM University reserves the right to refuse admission and
is not obliged to offer an explanation for the non-admission of unsuccessful candidates.
Sponsorships
V.C.F. funding is available for Singaporeans and
Permanent Residents who are from NCSS member VWOs
and MSF-funded VWOs.
To apply for VCF Funding, please visit the NCSS website.
Interested VWO staff can be advised to apply for VCF
under non pre-approval on a case by case basis.
Applicants from health-related organisations should
check with their respective organisations and health
clusters for possible sponsorship.
Financial Aid
Study grants are available for students pursing
the Master of Gerontology. The study grants are
monetary in nature, and are awarded based on
financial needs. The study grant awarded can
only be used to offset the tuition fees payable by
the student. There is no bond attached to the
study grant.
Please visit unisim.edu.sg for details on financial
aid.
For more information on Graduate Diploma and Master of Gerontology, please visit unisim.edu.sg/MGER
6. Courses for Graduate Diploma in Gerontology/
Master of Gerontology
First 6 courses are compulsory for GDGER, MGER programmes and the remaining are elective courses for MGER only.
GER503 - Lifespan Development and Psychology
of Ageing
Lifespan Development and Psychology of Ageing uses
the lifespan perspective and psychological theories to
examine the ageing body and mind. Theories and
knowledge of the development of the older adults will
be combined with the issues and challenges that
accompany the late life developmental stages. The
role of gender and economic factors in shaping the
accumulative advantages and disadvantages
experienced in old age will be analysed. Students will
learn the latest assessment techniques to measure
psychological coping strategies of older persons. The
interaction of religion and personality, migration and
depression, loneliness and urban contexts will be
examined and discussed to deepen the understanding
of students on these issues.
Core Courses:
Develop a
meaningful
and rewarding
career
Course Schedule
The Master of Gerontology Programme will take 4 semesters (2 years) to complete. The Graduate Diploma in
Gerontology programme will take 2 semesters (1 year) to complete. Each semester consist of 3 courses with
examinations/End of Course Assessments at the end of each semester. Classes are scheduled on Saturdays.
GER501 - Studies in Gerontology
Studies in Gerontology takes a multidimensional
perspective to ageing and integrate key concepts and
theories of gerontology for application to the local and
international contexts. Beginning with the theoretical
foundation for understanding the individual, this course
moves on to examine the social, economic and ethical
issues and trends and effects of an ageing population,
preparing students for leadership in this field.
Discussions and debates about the current issues that
cut across disciplines will be held in the classroom e.g.
gender, intergenerational issues, active ageing,
changes in family dynamics resulting from global as
well as local social changes, ageism in private and
public spheres, and whether policies and legislation
affecting Singapore elderly and their families are
effective. A half-day field trip for those students who
have not visited an eldercare agency previously may be
organised out of the classroom time for their learning
exposure (optional).
7. GER509 - Research on Ageing
Research on Ageing provides training in research
methodology that includes both quantitative and
qualitative methods. Students will learn about the
principles of gerontological research, ethical issues
and problems inherent in researching on aged
populations. As specialists in the gerontological
sector, graduates would be required to have a good
foundation in research methods. To supplement and
complement the classroom teaching, students may
have to conduct a practical research project involving
older persons. A hands-on approach is applied to
build the confidence of the students in this field.
GER511 - Social Policy in Gerontology
Social Policy in Gerontology is concerned with macro
issues in gerontology. There are various concepts,
ideologies and welfare systems around the world and
they differ in responses to the challenges of an ageing
population. A critical analysis of the benefits and
limitations of different approaches to policy and
planning will be encouraged, so that students are
cognizant of the consequences of the choices. Health,
welfare, economic and housing policies will be given
greater focus. Singapore’s choice of social policies and
service delivery systems will be analysed, interlinking
the non-governmental and governmental service
providers. Long term impact of the policies chosen will
also be addressed.
GER505 - Physiology and Healthcare
Physiology and Healthcare highlights the importance
of universal healthcare provision in various societies,
and the individual’s responsibilities throughout the life
course in self-care. The life course perspective
is adopted in examining the consequences of lifelong
healthy lifestyle for old age. Primary, secondary and
even tertiary level healthcare provisions in a nation are
discussed in terms of their interdependence and roles.
Nutritions, addictions, behavioural responsibilities and
lifestyles and such as regular exercise and medical
insurance are discussed in the course. Students will
learn about common age-related illnesses and their
symptoms. The influence of cultural factors and family
environment as well as the social effects such as peer
pressure in relation to addictions are discussed.
Healthcare policies in Singapore are critiqued and
future challenges will be addressed.
GER507 - Ageing in Multicultural Contexts
Ageing in Multicultural Contexts aims to stimulate the
students’ knowledge and understanding of the
importance of social and cultural diversity among
ageing populations from a socio-cultural perspective.
A broad perspective is encouraged so that the
students can compare Singapore with other countries
such as Japan, USA and UK. As societies mature, the
customised approach would bear greater gains not
only for the older population, but also policy makers
and service providers in terms of savings and
economical usage of resources. Focus is placed on the
interconnections between families and the employed
caregivers who may be from other countries and
cultures. The practical component of the course
consists of training in cultural competence and small
group projects.
8. GER513 - Key Economic and Financial Issues
Key Economic and Financial Issues examine the
economics of ageing population. The impact of an
ageing population on the composition and possible
shrinking of the labour force, productivity concerns,
resources needed for upgrading of skills, and tax
burden on the working populace are addressed. The
positive effects of a mature population on consumerism,
silver industry and innovation, investment and
banking sectors will also be highlighted. Students will
be encouraged to advance their knowledge of
economic policies by comparing the social security
/financial protection frameworks of different countries
such as UK, USA, Australia, China and Singapore.
Measures to enhance the employability and active
involvement and contribution of the elderly will be
discussed. Strategies of healthcare financing in
different countries, and analysis of national solutions
to the economic challenges of an ageing population
will also be covered. At the micro level, examining the
importance of pre-retirement financial planning, risks
that accompany investments and obstacles to financial
literacy would expand the students’ academic horizon.
GER515 - End of Life Policies, Issues and Care
End of Life Policies, Issues and Care examines the
issues and challenges in the design and delivery of
end-of-life care in the context of an ageing population.
The course explores the meaning and purpose of
palliative care, tracing the history and development of
this discipline both in the global as well as in the
Singapore context. The medical, social, psychological
and spiritual dimensions are examined with due
recognition of the role of the informal e.g. family and
friends, and the formal e.g. hospice, geriatric wards
of hospitals, community-based settings. Values and
beliefs about death, afterlife, and superstitions will be
also discussed. Concepts and theories related to
bereavement, grieving and mourning in different
cultural contexts are emphasised and applied to the
Elective Courses:
local Asian context. Skills development and explorations
of suitable programme interventions for bereaved older
adults and their families conclude the course.
GER517 - Dementia Care: A Multidisciplinary
Approach
Dementia Care : a Multidisciplinary Approach focuses
on the prevalence and awareness of the implications
of dementia as an age-related disease in our society.
Students will learn about the medical as well as social
aspects of dementia, including the symptoms and
behavioural effects. The socioeconomic consequences
for the individual, the family and the society will be
discussed. Medical and functional assessment
protocol for a patient with dementia will be covered in
this course. Experts from the field will interactively
share a wide spectrum of pharmacological and
non-pharmacological interventions. Research findings
in the typologies of dementia, and relevant programmes
that can delay the progression of the disease are
included. To increase the students’ experiential
learning, an agency visit will also be organised.
Comparison of policy frameworks implemented in
different developed nations will conclude the course.
GER519 - Management of Eldercare Services
Management of Eldercare Services focuses on the
influence of financial, human and organisational forces
on eldercare services. Theory of management applied
to organisations providing eldercare services will be
examined. Various sources of public and private
funding are looked at and how the funding stream
affects the administration and delivery of services.
Issues of quality, accessibility, affordability and reach
of services are discussed in class. The management of
both the public and privately funded services will be
examined and critiqued. The implications of manpower,
financing and organisational forces are considered for
types of eldercare services, such as nursing homes,
9. home care, day care for seniors, day rehabilitation
centres, counselling and befriending services.
GER521 - Programme Planning and Evaluation
Programme Planning and Evaluation focuses on the
specialised field of programme planning and evaluation.
Planning, developing the measures, addressing the
ethical issues, asking the right questions and
anticipation of the hurdles would be discussed in
depth. Current state of the art in practical programme
evaluation will be discussed in class, with rigorous
examination of alternative programme designs,
modes of analysis and report writing. The political,
social and technical aspects of programme implementation
will be discussed in depth in class. Students may have
to conduct a small project on programme evaluation in
the community and present the study in class. A
practical approach is adopted in teaching the module
to enhance experience and confidence of students.
GER523 - Selected Topics in Gerontology
Selected Topics in Gerontology examines in-depth
different issues and topics in the field of gerontology.
The selected topics course may include :
- Community-based Gerontological Practice
- Mental Health Issues in Late Life
- Designing an Elder-friendly Living Environment
*Community-based Gerontological Practice
The module focuses on the community-based
approach towards long-term care of older people.
Care/case management in community-based settings
is provided by allied health professionals such as
social workers, nurses, occupational therapists and
physiotherapists in developing and developed countries.
The systemic and ecological perspective is applied in
the examination of a successful model of community
-based eldercare services. Concepts and models related
to case management with older adults and their
families will be discussed in the course. Challenges in
working with clients who have attempted suicide, or
have been victims of abuse, or live alone and require
daily assistance will be addressed. The advantages of
community-based gerontological practices and factors
necessary for it to succeed will be analysed.
*Mental Health Issues in Late Life
Mental health issues are a cause for concern as they
are common among older people. Gerontologists have
to be familiar with the types of mental health problems
older adults face e.g. clinical depression, and the
causes and treatments. This course will examine the
causes and consequences of a variety of mental health
problems that are common among older people. Using
case study discussions, real life examples, and videos,
the challenges facing families caring for older family
members will be illustrated. The importance of social
and clinical interventions in alleviating caregivers’
stress will be discussed, in light of the local
multicultural context.
*Designing an Elder-friendly Living Environment
This module aims to highlight the importance of an
accessible and elder-friendly environment for maximising
the quality of life of seniors. The imperative for
architects and designers of community spaces and
housing to consider the constraints of older people
and their needs is well recognised. The physical
environment can promote participation of older
people in the community and society. The course
deliberates national strategies such as promotion of
longer working careers in an ageing workforce. The
synchronisation of public ageing policies with the
design and construction of an elder-friendly housing
and community space is necessary. Concepts and
theories relevant to the idea of ageing-in-place are
discussed in an interactive learning environment in
the course. Singapore’s efforts in this arena are
compared with nations in Asia for example Japan, and
other developed countries such as UK and USA. For
their individual project, students will study a particular
environmental design that helps or hinders seniors
and they will present their project observations
and results in class.
10. GER525 - Internship
Internship focuses on the practical training of students
for leadership in the gerontological field. This 200-hour
internship provides the student with a placement at a
social/health service agency where students practise
the skills learnt in the classroom accompanied by
interactive seminars. Besides attending to clients, the
students also learn about the running of the
organisation. There will be a series of seminars in
which the students discuss issues relating to their
practicum in a group setting.
The student will be matched with a supervisor with the
relevant knowledge and skills. The attachment can be
in an eldercare agency for example a nursing home,
silver industry or a voluntary welfare agency running
programmes for well elderly. The student is required
to enter into an agreement or contract with the
supervisor at the initial stage of the attachment and
the objectives will be jointly drawn up. The evaluation
at the end of the attachment will be made using the
objectives initially stated as a guide. An honorarium
will be provided to the supervisor (about $500/-
per student).
The student may start the internship after completing
the 6 core modules and may take 2 semesters to
complete the internship. Internship is compulsory for
students without prior experience in the professional
/voluntary work with older people.
GER699 - Master’s Dissertation
Candidates have the option to complete a Master’s
Dissertation, which is equivalent to two elective
courses. Students are allowed 2 semesters to complete
and submit the dissertation. However, in view of
students opting for different elective courses with
different timing on the schedule, students opting to do
the dissertation will be allowed to begin their
dissertation at the start of the presentation of the
elective courses.
The date for submission of the dissertation will
coincide with the examination date of the last elective.
The length of the dissertation will be 10,000 words
excluding references and apppendices.
The dissertation offers each student the opportunity to
develop a project in his/her area of interest. The
student will be required to do a literature search, define
the topic specifically, choose the methodology and
then carry out the research. The dissertation is
expected to be of sufficient scientific rigour and reflect
the student’s analytical thinking and critical processing
ability. A faculty member or associate will be appointed
as an advisor or resource person for each student.
11. Contact Us
Our Office Hours:
Mondays to Fridays – 8:30am to 7:30pm
Saturdays – 9:00am to 1:00pm
Admission and Programme Enquiries:
Tel: (65) 6248 9777
Fax: (65) 6763 9077
Email: student_recruitment@unisim.edu.sg
Website: unisim.edu.sg
Facebook: facebook.com/UniSIM
Our Campus:
SIM University, 461 Clementi Road,
Singapore 599491
