Master in Social Gerontology

The design of this master is based on a multidisciplinary perspective of ageing, assuming this as a biopsychosocial phenomenon. keeping with the international training guidelines for the area of ageing, it also seeks to respond to the training needs felt by professionals in various national gerontological work contexts, through a demanding updating of their knowledge and skills. On the other hand, this cycle of studies intends to offer to the newly graduates the deepening of analysis, understanding and intervention skills in the different contexts and / or gerontological social responses. This Master curriculum includes a predominance of curricular units of theoretical and practical nature; the acquisition of knowledge related to professional reality; the promotion of a final work/research project in which priority is given to the insertion and intervention in a professional context.

Access is in accordance with the 2nd Cycle of Studies Academic Regulation for IPC’s courses.

The Master in Social Gerontology deepens professional skills in three areas, providing professional opportunities in the scope of: (1) community intervention in the field of Social Gerontology; (2) management of organizations, services and gerontological social resources and (3) training in the field of Social Gerontology.
These competencies can be performed in the following working contexts:
Social or private organizations providing services and direct care to the elderly population;
Local authorities and public social security services;
Social or private organizations in the area of education, leisure and senior tourism;
Public or private health structures;
Training structures in the field of aging.

Portuguese.

To be able to understand theoretical and practical frameworks, applying the knowledge produced in the definition, development and improvement of policies, programs, services or practices intended to the elderly and guided by the principle of promoting their quality of life and the development of positive social environments.
To know and apply needs assessment tools adjusted to the elderly and, according to the diagnosis, to develop and implement individualized plans towards their functional, cognitive and social optimization, actively involving older people, families, caregivers and communities.
To select and use research tools applied to the advance of the knowledge produced in the field of aging, but also to improve interventions for/ with the elderly, by evaluating and improving services, programs and policies that promote their quality of life, always bearing in mind ethical principles inherent to professional practice.

The Master Diploma in Social Gerontology grants qualification to continue studies in a PhD Degree.