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Master of Gerontology and Geriatrics

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

3 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time - Taught and Research (Mainly Taught)

The 20th century saw a remarkable revolution in longevity. This has profound consequences for every aspect of individual, community, national and international life. Every facet of humanity is involved. This is a multidisciplinary programme and is a combination of applied and theoretical knowledge. It investigates the impact of ageing on society and the impact of society on older persons. The programme was set up in 1989 by a group of international experts convened by the United Nations International Institute on Ageing, based in Malta. The Master of Gerontology and Geriatrics takes a bio-psychosocial perspective in exploring and understanding theories applied within this field. You will be provided with opportunities to develop your reflective and thinking ability, approach texts critically, and use the library resources to learn about past, ongoing, and innovative practices in gerontological and geriatric care.

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Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

a Bachelor degree obtained with at least Second Class Honours or Category II, or a professional qualification considered by the Board to be comparable to a degree, in a discipline pertaining to one of the caring professions or
a Bachelor degree obtained with at least Second Class Honours or Category II, or a professional qualification considered by the Board to be comparable to a degree deemed by the Board as relevant and adequate for the applicant to follow the Course with profit or
a Bachelor degree obtained with Third Class Honours or Category III if applicants are also in possession of other qualifications, including relevant experience, following their first cycle degree or
in exceptional cases, a professional qualification in one of the caring professions, together with at least five years' experience, which together are deemed by the Admissions Board, on the advice of the Faculty Admissions Committee, to be comparable to the level of a first degree.
Applicants in possession of the Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontology and Geriatrics may be allowed to join the research component of the Course, if they have successfully completed the Postgraduate Diploma programme with a minimum average mark of 55%.

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the .

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

GER5039	Fieldwork in Settings for Older Persons	5 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

GDM5045	Qualitative Research in Gerontology and Geriatrics	5 ECTS
GDM5046	Quantitative Research in Gerontology and Geriatrics	5 ECTS
GDM5048	Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons	5 ECTS
GDM5050	Environmental Gerontology and Assistive Technologies	5 ECTS
GER5030	Sociology of Ageing and Later Life	5 ECTS
GER5033	Biological, Physiological and Medical Issues in Old Age	5 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

GDM5047	Health Care Team Models in the Care of Older Persons	5 ECTS
GER5031	Ensuring Quality of Life in Old Age	5 ECTS
GER5035	Ageing: Psychological and Psychogeriatric Issues	5 ECTS
GER5036	Clinical Conditions and Health Care Services in Geriatric Medicine	5 ECTS
GER5037	Social Policies, Programmes and Services in the Field of Ageing	5 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

GER5043	Dissertation	30 ECTS

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Master of Gerontology and Geriatrics - M.Ger. - under the auspices of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Explain demographic trends of population ageing.
Recognise how the heterogeneity of older populations leads to unequal levels in quality of life in old age.
Apply concepts and skills related to ageing at various life stages to field experiences in gerontology and geriatrics.
List the characteristics and experiences of carers of older persons and the challenges they generally face.
Identify and define both the quantitative and qualitative research methods, subject sampling techniques, and approaches to assessing the validity and reliability of measurement instruments.
Develop a professional identity as a gerontologist or geriatrician to effectively work with an interdisciplinary team.

Knowledge and understanding

The Master of Gerontology and Geriatrics takes a bio-psychosocial perspective in exploring and understanding theories applied within this field. More specifically, to:

explain demographic trends of population ageing,

recognise how the heterogeneity of older populations leads to unequal levels in quality of life in old age,

describe theoretical frameworks to national and international accounts about current issues in ageing care,

apply principles of cultural competence regarding cohort, gender, race/ethnicity, and diverse abilities as it applies to ageing in Malta and globally,

demonstrate an awareness of the contributions different theoretical perspectives for understanding ageing care,

develop knowledge of ethical principles when evaluating social and health care practices in ageing care,

demonstrate the ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate programs for older persons based on systematic needs assessment at the individual, community, and/or agency level, using appropriate technologies,

demonstrate the ability to conduct and/or evaluate appropriate research,

develop critical knowledge on assistive technology, and its role in the care and support of older people.

b) Intellectual development

The Master of Gerontology and Geriatrics provides you with opportunities to develop your reflective and thinking ability, approach texts critically, and use the library resources to learn about past, ongoing, and innovative practices in gerontological and geriatric care. More specifically, to:

describe the experiences of older persons at key points in their journey from diagnosis to death,

apply concepts and skills related to ageing at various life stages to field experiences in gerontology and geriatrics,

analyse the diversity in the experiences of older persons and the influence of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, specific diagnosis, co-morbid conditions and other factors on their life course,

list the characteristics and experiences of carers of older persons and the challenges they generally face,

integrate intergenerational concepts into case management and program planning,

explain the multidisciplinary approach to working with older persons and their carers,

develop a professional identity as a gerontologist or geriatrician to effectively work with an interdisciplinary team

develop knowledge of relevant policy/service issues in relation to supporting/caring for older persons.

c) Key transferrable skills

The Master of Gerontology and Geriatrics provides you with the needed research skills to investigate issues within this field by enabling them to:

identify and define both the quantitative and qualitative research methods, subject sampling techniques, and approaches to assessing the validity and reliability of measurement instruments,

develop sound professional judgment based on ethical standards and expectations of the field,

evaluate policy strategies on community and long term care for older persons,

draw up a case study reports that assesses caresettings for older persons, and

demonstrate advocacy skills to participate in policy formation, implementation, and analysis on the micro- and macro- levels of ageing related issues.

d) Other skills relevant to employability and personal development

The Master of Gerontology and Geriatrics provides an opportunity for the students that come from different facets of work (nurses, medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists etc) to start developing an inter-disciplinary perspective towards ageing care. Students will gain an excellent understanding on the bio-psychosocial process of ageing as well as how policies and services for older people are developed, organised and run. You will also be able to creatively think on how they can contribute to improving service quality in ageing care.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 10,800
Yr 1: Eur 10,800 - Yr 2: NIL

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

The Master of Gerontology and Geriatrics can facilitate opportunities for an exciting career with older persons in a variety of capacities and settings, both in community and institutional settings. Successful completion of the course will provide evidence of the knowledge and expertise required by professionals working in gerontological and geriatric settings. This will be invaluable in improving the prospect of employment in the field of older care and will enhance the likelihood of career progression in established social and health care professions. Included but not limited to:

Community/social services agencies, religious organisations;
Health care and long-term care institutions;
State, and local government agencies;
retirement communities;
academic and other educational and research settings;
professional organisations and non-governmental organisations;
business and industry;
the arts and sciences.

In addition people who work and/or research in the field of gerontology and geriatrics experience great personal satisfaction from knowing they are making a true difference to older people and their carers. As an eventual graduate in gerontology and geriatrics, you can help to improve the quality of older persons lives, influence agencies and organizations serving older persons, help to change legislation and policies effecting older adults, educate the community on ageing related topics, and serve as a leader/advocate for older adults.

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