Admissions open for NTU’s new Master’s in applied gerontology
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) will be launching a Master of Science programme in applied gerontology, with its first intake starting classes in late July.
The graduate programme — designed for students preparing for a career in ageing-related fields or professionals who are working as service providers in these fields — is offered by NTU’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Associate Professor Xiao Hong, the programme director, said that there have been “increased concerns” about the current and future supply of professionals prepared to serve the diverse needs of older Singaporeans and there is room for more professionals in the gerontology sector, given the rapidly ageing population here.
“Singapore is one of the world’s fastest-ageing societies. Its changing population structure and long-term demographic shifts have enormous impact on every aspect of our lives,” she said.
The course — which can take up to 25 students in this year’s cohort — is also Singapore’s first such programme in applied gerontology, with an interdisciplinary Asia-focused curriculum that is grounded in theory and practice, allowing students to structure their studies based on their needs. And students will have to complete a practicum, where they may get to work with voluntary welfare organisations or in the healthcare sector.
Prof Alan Chan (picture), dean of NTU’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, said, “The practicum is a very important component of this programme. We believe graduates of this programme will readily find employment in clinical and care-providing settings, as well as in policy-making settings.”
Students may take a full-time or part-time programme, with classes conducted on weekday evenings and Saturdays, NTU said.
They can also choose to take course modules in leadership and policy engagement or in clinical practice and care management, among others.
Commenting on the potential career options that graduates would have, Assoc Prof Xiao said that they may take on jobs in “a wide array” of industries, including healthcare, care management and public governance.
“The continued growth of the older adult population in the coming years will escalate the demand in virtually every career area for employees with gerontological knowledge and skills,” she added.
Those interested should apply online via NTU’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences by Feb 28. ALFRED CHUA
