Master in Gerontology

Program Presentation

Gerontology is a high priority area attracting interest from different disciplines. That is why both broad and specific training has become a major demand for all professionals who work with the aging. This is especially true these days when gerontology constitutes one of the main sources of employment, nationally and internationally.

Gerontology is the study of aging processes and of individuals as they go from childhood to the later stages in life. It includes the study of physical, social, and mental changes in older people, and the investigation of the changes in society resulting from the increasing aging population.

Older people are very different amongst one another. As one gets older the needs, resources and capabilities vary. The field of aging is very diverse and therefore offers many employment opportunities. The increasing number of elderly people is a social tendency and is a cause of the need for professionals with technical knowledge in aging.

Finally, we can include the high demand that training in Gerontology continues to enjoy.

This Master will not only allow one to specialize in Gerontology, but it also provides an important way of practicing in the field of Gerontology, allowing its contents, methodology and tools to train the professional to cover the high demand in Gerontology training.

Especialidades

Who is the programme for?

The clear and diverse curricular designof the Master's Degree in Gerontology is intended for:

Licensed professionals in Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Sociology, Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Social-cultural organizers, Economy, Law.
Other interested Licensed / Graduate professionals.

The Master's Degree in Gerontology program is an ideal complement to enrich undergraduate or postgraduate training for anyone interested in specializing in geriatric subjects.

Diploma

Successful completion of the Program will enable you to be awarded the degree in Master in Gerontology.

After successfully completing the Program, the student will receive the degree as awarded by the University where they have enrolled.

Program Structure

The credit structure of the Master in Gerontology program is shown in the following table. It should be noted that the duration is merely indicative, as the methodology followed integrates the knowledge and skills to be acquired in each part through integrative exercises of knowledge acquisition and internalization of project practices:

	CREDITS^a
Block 1: Compulsory module	45
Block 2: Elective module	25
Block 3: Practicum^c and Master’s Degree Final Project	20
TOTAL	90

a. The equivalence in credits may vary according to the university where he/she has enrolled. One (1) ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit is equivalent to 10 + 15 hours. If the student is enrolled in a university that does not belong to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the relation between credits - hours may vary.

Duration

La Master in Gerontology tiene 90 créditos. La duración de la Master in Gerontology es de 12 to 24 months. En este período de tiempo, el alumno tiene que haber superado con éxito todas las actividades evaluadas y aprobado el Proyecto Final.

Objectives

General objective

To learn the basic processes of leadership, management and quality control of geriatric centers as well as acquiring a global vision of the different factors related to gerontology.

Specific objectives

Getting an overview of the different aspects related to gerontology.
Identifying the main clinical manifestations of geriatric syndromes for an adequate diagnostic characterization of the pathological processes in the field of aging.
Designing intervention programs aimed at older people who are sick, by selecting the phases, the objectives, procedures and the most appropriate instruments according to the characteristics of the problem and the context.
Planning programs of social and environmental intervention that help to improve the quality of life of older people.
Creating interdisciplinary strategic plans to be implemented in the health context.
Planning the foundations of food and nutrition as part of the strategy of comprehensive care of the elderly people to decrease the morbidity and premature mortality and improve quality of life.
Adapting the social and ethical implications of the intervention with older people and respecting and defending the rights of older people in all areas.
Knowing, selecting and applying the present architectural features, which are ideal for the everyday life of the elderly, as well as recognizing the variety of technologies and technical aids available for older people with disabilities.
Planning and advising the different types of home help social programs aimed at older people, teleservice, community services, informal support and sociocultural animation programs.
Knowing and applying the positive communication skills for intervention with healthy and sick older people from the perspective of aid relationship - counselling as a model that enables communication in gerontological intervention.

Career Opportunities

Some Career Opportunities for the Master’s Degree in Gerontology are the following:

Professionals who wish to specialize in topics pertaining older adults.
Professionals who act as advisors or consultants on issues of economic management, architectural or legal centers for the elderly.
Community Social Services staff.
Geriatric Clinical Evaluator.
Workers in Residential Centers for the Elderly.
Collaborators in Elderly Associations (Alzheimer's disease, etc.)
Teacher for Seniors.
Collaborator in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) for the elderly.

Study Plan

The Master's Degree in Gerontology has a curricular structure based on 3 training blocks seeking to place the student in a real framework according to a continuous specialized knowledge on this topic. The blocks are:

BLOCK 1: COMPULSORY MODULE

The block 1 allows you to know and understand all the complexity in relation to the field of Gerontology from its theoretical, conceptual and historical foundations, until its organizational implementation and intervention.

The corresponding subjects and credits of the program are shown in the following table:

BLOCK 1: COMPULSORY MODULE
	SUBJECTS	CREDITS
1	Introduction to Gerontology	4
2	Biopsychosocial Aspects of Aging	6
3	Planning of Gerontological Programs	5
4	Food and Nutrition for the Elderly	5
5	Geriatrics, Major Geriatric Syndromes and Dementias	6
6	Bioethics and Legal Aspects for the Elderly	4
7	Architecture and Technical Aids for the Elderly	4
8	Communication Skills of the Gerontologist	5
9	Scientific Research Methodolgy	6
TOTAL		45

BLOCK 2: ELECTIVE MODULE

The block 2 offers the students the opportunity to specialize within its gerontological approach, in an area of specific intervention: they can choose to specialize in the subject of the quality of life, health or social intervention, health management and care, and palliative care.

The objective of the subjects is ensuring that students acquire an overall idea of Gerontology and that they are able to master the basic techniques of evaluation, diagnosis, intervention in processes of aging, and also that they have a vision of multidisciplinarity in the gerontological assistance in each context of the intervention.

BLOCK 2: ELECTIVE MODULES
MODULE	SUBJECTS	CREDITS
Elective module 2.1 Intervention in Quality of Life of Elderly People	Intervention Programs for the Elderly	5
	Geriatric Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy	5
	Physical Activity in Elderly People	5
	Health Policies and Social Protection	6
	Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety	4
Elective module 2.2 Social Intervention	Health Policies and Social Protection	6
	Intervention Programs for the Elderly	5
	Geriatric Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy	5
	The Economics of Health	4
	Health Management Tools	5
Elective module 2.3 Health Intervention	Intervention Programs for the Elderly	5
	Geriatric Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy	5
	Health Management Tools	5
	Healthcare Planning	4
	Management of Health Services	6
Elective module 2.4 Home Care and Management	Health Policies and Social Protection	6
	Home care	4
	Health Management Tools	5
	Geriatric Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy	5
	Intervention Programs for the Elderly	5
Elective module 2.5 Palliative Care	Intervention Programs for the Elderly	5
	Geriatric Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy	5
	Symptom Controls in Palliative Care	6
	The Duel: the Experience of Loss in Elderly People	4
	Health Management Tools	5

BLOCK 3: PRACTICUM AND MASTER'S DEGREE FINAL PROJECT

The last part of the Master's Degree is aimed at the realization of the Master’s Degree Final Project or Thesis and elective internship, which can be started prior to the end of the 1st Part: Subjects of the compulsory and elective module.

The objective of the development of the MDFP is to present a complete document that shows the total development of the proposed project, including the possibility of its practical implementation in accordance with the guidelines and details of the presented Master’s Degree Final Project or Thesis.

The Project must be a contribution to some of the studied fields or to their relationship, both theoretical and applied in accordance with the doctrines, theories and related disciplines.

In the same way, the practicum must also correspond to the effective implementation of the skills acquired over the previous theoretical-practical blocks.

Note: The contents of the academic program may be subject to slight modifications, depending on the updates or the improvements made.

Management

Academic Direction

Dr. Maurizio Antonio Battino. Biochemist researcher and professor at the School of Specialization in Food Science. Professor at the Polytechnic University of Marche. Scientific Director in the European University of the Atlantic.
Dr. Irma Domínguez Azpíroz. PhD in Education (in process). International Master's Degree in Nutrition and Applied Dietetics from the University of León. Master’s Degree in Physical Activity: Training and Sports Management from the UNINI. Degree in Nutrition and Applied Dietetics from the University of León. International Academic Coordinator of the Health and Nutrition Area of the Iberoamerican University Foundation.

Teaching staff and Authors

Dr. Antonio Illana Conde. Lawyer and Judge of the Motril Court in Granada. Coordinator of the Master's Degree in Social Gerontology of Granada.
Dr. Antonio Martínez Maroto. Doctorate in Law. Head of the Gerontological Plan Area of IMSERSO. Coordinator of the Ethics and Legislation Group of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology.
Dr. Antonio Martos Martín. Doctor by the University of Granada. Professor at the University of Granada and the University of Malaga.
Dr. Arturo Xose Pereiro. Doctor in Psychology from the University of Santiago de Compostela. Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela.
Dr. David Padilla Góngora. Professor of Developmental and Educational Psychology at the University of Almeria.
Dr. Diego Gómez. Doctorate in International Public Health from the University of Lisbon. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
Dr. Fidel Ortiz Ordaz. Doctor in Economic Sciences. Master's Degree in Management from the University of Havana. Researcher and Business Consultant "Hermanos Saíz" University of Pinar del Río.
Dr. Luis Olivera Madge. Doctor of Dental Surgery. Resident Professor of the Specialty of Orthodontics and Maxillary Orthopedics of the Scientific University of the South.
Dr. Pedro Zayas. Doctor in Psychological Sciences. Assistant Professor and Researcher of the Center for Business Management Studies of the University of Holguín.
Dr. Ricardo Almeida. Doctor in Education Nurse. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
Dr. Roberto Silva Piñeiro. Doctor by the University of Santiago de Compostela. Professor of physical activity for children and gerontology at the University of Vigo.
Dr. Alejandra María Corona Romero. Doctor in Public Health Sciences from the University of Guadalajara. Professor and researcher.
Dr. Amélia Cristina Stein. Doctorate in Sport and Physical Activity Sciences, University of León. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
Dr. Assumpció Roset Elías. Doctor in Pharmacy. Coordinator of the Health Education Program at the Department of Education of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
Dr. Carmen Moreno Lorite. Doctorate in International Mediterranean Studies from the Autonomous University of Madrid. Master in International Cooperation for Development and Humanitarian Action and Couselling. Head of the projects and research department and professor at the San Camilo-Center for the Humanization of Health in Madrid.
Dr. Carmen Sánchez Carazo. Doctor in Medicine and specialist in Preventive Medicine and Public Health from the University of Comillas.
Dr. Clícia Jatahy Peixoto. Doctor in Psychogerontology. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University and the International University of Valencia.
Dr. Consuelo del Moral Ávila. Architect and professor in the Department of Architectural Constructions and Director of the Universal Accessibility Area of the University of Granada.
Dr. Divka Inge Rojic Becker. D. in Neurosciences from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Researcher in the group of memory enhancement and retrieval in the Department of Psychobiology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
Dr. Gema Torres Luque. D. in Sports Science. Master's Degree in High Performance Sports. Professor coordinator of the Didactic Area of Corporal Expression at the University of Jaén.
Dr. María del Pino Sánchez Hernández. D. in Gerontology and Postgraduate Professor at the University of Granada.
Dr. María Dolores García Olalla. Doctorate in Psychology by the Rovira i Virgili University. Collaborating Professor at the Rovira i Virgili University.
Dr. Misericordia Camps Llauradó. Doctor in Psychology. Researcher and professor at the Rovira i Virgili University.
Dr. Montserrat Celdrán Castro. Interuniversity Doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Barcelona. Associate Professor, Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona.
Dr. Montserrat González Gómez. D. in Public Health Sciences from the University Center of Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara. Professor at the University of Guadalajara. Professor at Institute of Graduate Studies and Sciences S.C. Professor at University of Valle de Mexico.
Dr. Nuria Garatachea. Doctor of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. Professor from the University of Saragossa.
Dr. Ramona Rubio Herrera. D. in Psychology from the Central University of Barcelona. Professor of Gerontology at the University of Granada.
Dr. Silvia Quer. Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Health. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
Dr. Susana Martínez. Doctor in Biology from the University of León. Professor at the University of León and the European University of the Atlantic.
Dr. (c) Lucibel Vásquez. D. candidate in Psychosocial Intervention. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
Dr. (c) Rosana Oddone. D. candidate in the Doctorate in Projects at the International Iberoamerican University. Master's Degree in Design, Management and Project Management from the University of León. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
Dr. Vivian Lipari. Doctorate in Projects. Master's Degree in Public Health by the University of Chile and student of the Master's in Health Services Administration by the Federico Villarreal University, Peru. Graduate in Instructional Design for Online Education from the Andrés Bello University. Academic coordinator of the Public Health and Health Management Area and professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
Dr. (c) Leandro Maroto Gomez. Doctoral candidate in Palliative Care at the Rey Juan Carlos University. Head of the Palliative Care Unit of the Segovia Health Area.
M. Dayro Gutiérrez Bejarano. Master in Epidemiology and Medical Specialist in Family and Community Medicine in Segovia. Clinical Practice and Teaching Experience in Palliative Care.
M. Gustavo Saleme. Master in Human Resources in Organizations at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Degree in Psychology from the National University of Tucumán.
M. Laura Martín. Master in International Health and Cooperation and Expert in Communication and Digital Marketing in Health. Food Quality Consultant/Auditor. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
M. Núria Fustier García. Master's Degree in the Management and Direction of Local Administration. Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Barcelona.
M. Stefanía Carvajal. Master in the Strategic Management of Health Organizations. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
M. Verónica Lopes. Master in Community Nursing and Public Health by the Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal - Escola Superior de Saúde, Setúbal, Portugal. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
M. Anabel Pérez. Master in Applied Social Gerontology. Degree in Pedagogy from the University of Barcelona.
M. Cristina Muñoz Alustiza. Master's Degree in Palliative Care, Couselling, Nursing Home Management and Services for the Elderly. Responsible for Training and Quality at the Camillian Center for the Humanization of Health.
M. Helia Silva Bustos. Magister and Medical Specialist in Public Health, University of Chile. Professor and academic coordinator of Public Health courses in Chile. Researcher in the Occupational Health Area.
M. Juan Manuel Diminich. Master's Degree in Occupational Risk Prevention with specialties in Hygiene, Ergonomics, and Psychosociology. Surgeon from San Martin de Porres University. Specialist in Medical Auditing. Occupational Health Superintendent - Minera Chinalco, Peru.
M. María Eugenia Delvaux. Master in International Nutrition and Dietetics. Professor at the International Iberoamerican University.
M. Pilar Rodríguez Rodríguez. Diploma in Social Gerontology and expert in Social Research and Planning from the Complutense University of Madrid. President of the Foundation of Pillars for Personal Autonomy.
Lic. Cecilia Edineth Camero Zavaleta. Medical Doctor. Clinical Practice and Teaching Experience in Palliative Care.
Lic. Elena Jiménez Gómez. Licensed Psychologist. Professor of the University School of Nursing "La Paz" at the Autonomous University of Madrid.
Lic. Gloria Arbonés Vilá. Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Barcelona. Community Pharmacist
Lic. José María Corella. Specialist Dentist in Orthodontics and Dento Maxillary Orthopedics. Member of the Colombian Society of Orthodontics and World Federation of Orthodontists.
Lic. Niurka Y. Cabrera. Specialist in Telecommunications and Business Leadership.
Lic. Ricardo Filipio Borges. Medical Doctor. Clinical Practice and Teaching Experience in Palliative Care.
Lic. Mª Carmen Santiago Trapero. Licensed in Nursing. Clinical Practice and Teaching Experience in Palliative Care.
Lic. María Nuria Sanchis Luis. Nursing Degree. Palliative Care Home Support Team of Segovia. Clinical Practice and Teaching Experience in Palliative Care.
Sra. María Luján Japón Belmonte. Director of Projects and Institutional Relations of Asisttel, Servicios Asistenciales S.A.
Sr. Enrique Arrieta Antón. Diploma in Health and Alzheimer's Disease Care. Member of the ethics committee at the Segovia Rural Health Center. Palliative care researcher. Associate Professor at IE University.