Study Guide

Descriptions

After completing the studies of Gerontological expertise, the student can work in management as well as in expert and development tasks and is able to evaluate the needs of the elderly and take into account the perspective of their relatives. She/he can apply the gerontological knowledge base to her/his work. She/he can influence on the modernisation of age and memory-friendly living environments as well as on the development of the services for the elderly. She/he knows the social, health and well-being services of the elderly and is familiar with the laws that regulate them.

The central content of studies: (knowledge base of gerontology, ageing, health and well-being), future operating environments, knowledge management in the production of health and well-being services, customer oriented service development (service systems, development of elderly care), ethical thinking in gerontological care

Students have the opportunity to complete part of their studies outside Finland at higher education institutions with which Turku University of Applied Sciences has signed a co-operation agreement. Students can also engage in internationalisation by participating in intensive events organised by international networks, as well as in international conferences and projects. Some studies can be implemented in English.

The aim of the research group is to promote leadership, the evaluation and development of the social welfare and health care system through multidisciplinary expertise. The focus areas are knowledge-based management, customer-focused operational models and new solutions at interfaces, high-quality care and services for senior citizens, competence and expertise in the modern and increasingly multicultural operational environment and, additionally, higher education, employment and career paths.

Objective

After completing the programme, the student is able to:
· work independently as a leader, expert and developer in different environments of social work with the elderly
· assess the knowledge base of gerontology science
· evaluate the mechanisms influencing ageing
· identify social welfare and health care services of the elderly and know the legislation regulating them
· identify the opportunities for developing an age- and memory-friendly residential and living environment
· use evidence-based information to renew and develop human-centred services for the elderly in different contexts

Development

From a pedagogical perspective, teaching is based on a socio-cultural learning concept and on innovation-boosting learning and development practices by using innovation pedagogy. The students are encouraged to engage in active, critical thinking, to deepen their field-specific competence and to systematically build their fundamental knowledge of development. It is possible to complete the studies while working full-time. On average, there are two contact days per a month. Teaching is carried out utilising innovative teaching and learning methods (Innopeda). The studies contain both contact and distance learning. Part of the studies are conducted online and in multidisciplinary environments. The studies include independent work and working in multidisciplinary teams. The development tasks from the working life are utilised

Further information

The objectives for the skills levels in a Master’s degree are based on the legislation on universities of applied sciences and the European Qualification Framework (EQF). The level corresponding to a Master’s degree is level 7. Assessment focuses on competence and its development. The assessment criteria for each course are described in its implementation plan. The course assessment methods vary according to the objectives of the study module. Assessment may focus on the outcome (for instance, a report or a seminar presentation), on the process (the student’s own activity and actions during the course) or on both. Students receive regular feedback on their performance from their teachers. Peer- and self-assessment as well as client company feedback on performance are also utilised. The degree assessment framework is used as the basis for the assessment. The prerequisite for the approval of the study module is completing the parts belonging to it according to the curriculum. The studies that have been passed are graded on a scale from 1 to 5 or approved or completed.