Introduction
The Postgraduate Certificate in The Psychology of Dementia Care focuses on the practical application of psychological theory in dementia care and is intended for professional care staff and management who provide services to people with dementia.
Course information
The PG Cert in The Psychology of Dementia Care is a part-time distance learning course run by the School of Psychology and Neuroscience with start dates in January and September. The programme will provide students with a theoretical background to the psychology of dementia care.
Highlights
The structure of the programme is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing students to take one, two or all three of the modules, which you may pay for one at a time (the Postgraduate Certificate requires the completion of all three).
Students are encouraged to question current practice and to apply psychological theory to their own working situation.
The distance learning format allows students to attain the Postgraduate Certificate remotely and at their own pace.
Teaching format
The course is delivered online via Moodle, the University's online teaching and learning system. Students will engage with independent study in a supportive online framework and have access to lecture slides, case studies, journal articles, videos and a student forum to facilitate your studies. The programme coordinator will be available for contact throughout the course.
The programme comprises three modules; students may take these modules individually but must complete all three to achieve the certification. The modules are assessed through coursework submitted online; there is no final exam for the course.
University tutors are available for support via email and telephone.
Modules
Each module typically comprises:
200 notional hours of learning time delivered by distance learning
100% coursework assessment.
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2020–2021 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2021 entry.
Compulsory modules
The Psychosocial Impact of Dementia: an introduction to the psychosocial impact of dementia on individuals with a diagnosis and those who care for them.
The Care of Individuals with Dementia: introduces several psychological models of dementia care and explores the psychological needs of individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Implementing Effective Care: provides a theoretical and evidence-based background to equip students with strategies that will allow them to plan, change, measure and maintain an effective practice in their workplaces.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2021 entry.
Conferences and events
The School of Psychology and Neuroscience hosts a weekly seminar programme typically held in the Old Library of the Psychology Building. These seminars include public lectures, open School discussions and papers presented by a variety of guest lecturers from the UK and abroad. Following the seminar, a wine reception is held in the staff common room.
The School also hosts an annual Jeeves Lecture as part of its seminar programme. The lectures are given by eminent psychologists and neuroscientists. Staff, students and members of the public are welcome at this lecture.
Funding
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.
Entry requirements
The School will accept one of the following as appropriate entry qualifications:
A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline.
Accredited prior learning: a professional qualification in social work, nursing, occupational therapy or similar.
Experiential prior learning: substantial relevant work experience in a related discipline and at least three year's practical experience in the field.
If you studied your first degree outside the UK, check the international entry requirements.
English language proficiency.
The qualifications listed are indicative of minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
CV or résumé
Personal statement (500 words) - only applicable if applying for Scottish Funding Council funding
Sample of academic written work (2,000 words)
Two original signed academic references
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language).
After the PG Cert
Further study
Some graduates go on to pursue further education through taught postgraduate courses in Psychology or a PhD research degree.
Careers
Graduates from the distance learning programme entered or continued their work in a variety of occupations, including:
Clinical services development manager
Community care officer
Deputy nurse manager
Occupational therapist
Podiatrist
Speech and language therapist
Senior social worker.
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.
