Gerontological Sciences – (M.Sc.)

The ageing of the society, first noticed in the industrialised world, is now a worldwide phenomenon. Major international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation, consider the ageing population as one of the major topics that need immediate and thorough attention. People working in various domains, who come into contact with elderly persons, have felt the need to improve their knowledge of the ageing process and of the needs, limitations and potential of the elderly person.

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel has recognised this need for competent professionals and is organising since the early 1980's a specialist training in Gerontology at the master level. Initially, this training was focused upon the Belgian situation. More and more, however, it is recognised that there is a worldwide need for training in this field.

New master for international public
In 2009 the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the VUB will start with a Master in Gerontological Sciences (MaGS) that will be open for an international public of students, having already a Master degree (or equivalent knowledge; see below for the conditions of admittance), and who are working with elderly persons.

Focus on three pillars
In a one year program of 60 credits, the MaGS presents in a multidisciplinary approach, the broad spectrum of scientific aspects that is essential to understand the field of Gerontology.

The program focuses upon the classically recognised three pillars of this field:

* the bio-medical basis underlying the ageing process;
* the psychological aspects of ageing and of the elderly person; and
* the socio-economic and health policy aspects.

The training programme aspires to train students who:

* - have a theoretical foundational knowledge of the various lines of approach within gerontology as a branch of science;
* - are able to critically reflect on current gerontological issues setting out from the principles of free research;
* - have the due know-how, insights, attitudes and skills to enable them to continue to advance to assume staff-supervisory and policymaking positions at managerial level;
* - are able to conduct research in the domain of gerontology;
* - are capable of duly applying knowledge and skills which contribute to the optimisation of the quality of care for the elderly and policies for the elderly.

The training programme is academic in nature, endeavouring to teach both scientific as well as occupational knowledge, insights and skills. The training programme sooner aims to place due emphasis on the development opportunities for elderly people and the positive effects thereof for society as a whole.