Distance learning program Applied Gerontology (M.A.) – APOLLON University of Health Care Management

Who is the Master's Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology Suitable For?

The programme is aimed at professionals from the health and social sectors who have already completed a first degree in fields such as nursing management, nursing science, or gerontology. It particularly addresses individuals who wish to take on leadership or advisory roles when working with older people or want to specialise in future-relevant tasks in ageing societies. Typical target groups are graduates from nursing- or health-related degree programmes who want to assume management responsibilities, strategic concepts in care management, or interface positions between care, counselling, and organisation. Those working in social policy or administrative fields and seeking skills to shape demographic change will also benefit from this course.

What Admission Requirements Must You Meet for the Gerontology Master’s Programme?

For admission, you need a successful Bachelor's degree from a university. Formal pathways to admission:

• Bachelor in Nursing Management (B.A.) or
• Bachelor in Nursing (B.Sc.) with the elective subject Human Resource Management
• Bachelor in Gerontology or a comparable degree in type and scope
• With other health- or nursing-related Bachelor’s degrees, you can gain access through a propaedeutic course (additional qualification). The content is based on the missing prior knowledge.

Relevant professional experience is not mandatory for admission, but it enables a deeper understanding of the course content and is often considered an advantage in applications.

You should have a strong interest in the field of ageing and social developments. Important personal requirements are:

• Social and communication skills, especially when dealing with older people and in interdisciplinary teams
• Interest in academic work as well as willingness to critically analyse subject-related literature and use it in practice
• Analytical and organisational thinking, in order to reflect on complex social, health, and legal contexts
• Self-motivation and self-management, as the distance learning course requires a high degree of self-organisation and perseverance
• Willingness to engage with ethical, economic, and legal issues

Previous experience in nursing, social work, health sciences, or in counselling older people facilitates entry, but is not always mandatory. A fundamental understanding of social and economic transformation processes in the context of ageing is helpful in this programme.

Which Content Does the Master’s in Applied Gerontology Cover?

In the Master’s programme in Applied Gerontology at APOLLON University, you will acquire a profound understanding of the ageing processes and the effects of demographic developments on our society. The curriculum combines scientific fundamentals with management knowledge and practical skills. The content is structured interdisciplinarily and is oriented towards current challenges in the health and social sectors.

• Health and social policy aspects: You will engage intensively with the impacts of demographic change on social security systems, legal frameworks (e.g. social assistance, nursing home law), and care structures.
• Physical, cognitive, and psychological changes in old age: Modules on psychology and gerontopsychology as well as prevention and mental health in old age build scientific and application-oriented knowledge.
• Management and leadership: Central modules cover communication and leadership, knowledge management, and the management of ageing workforces.
• Care management and e-health: You will learn how innovative technical solutions and counselling concepts can help elderly people gain more autonomy and participation.
• Ethics, organisation and case management: Ethical questions in care facilities, counselling services, and project management are addressed.
• Elective compulsory subjects for individual specialisations (each 8 ECTS, two selectable): Prevention and mental health in old age, sport and travel in old age, ageing and technology, living in old age, migration and global ageing, gerontopsychiatry.

Through the course of study, you will develop the ability to critically evaluate scientific findings and implement them practically, take on counselling and leadership roles, and independently design care concepts for elderly people. Ethical issues and empowerment in dealing with the target group are paramount.