The aim of the degree programme is to educate professionals who can identify the needs of an ageing population and develop appropriate solutions. The broad expertise of a Bachelor of Social Services and Health Care is applicable not only in social and health care but also in various other fields, as ageing is a phenomenon that affects us all.
The foundation of the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology is a holistic view of humanity and an understanding of old age as a unique and valuable phase of life. Older individuals are seen as resourceful and active participants in their own lives and communities.
Programme Content
Bachelor's Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology is a University of Applied Sciences Degree in the field of Social and Health care. The scope of the degree is 210 credits and the calculated period of study is 3.5 years. The degree is based on the international and national level description of education, national strategies and quality recommendations for work with the older people, the competences of the Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology and ARENE, and multidisciplinary gerontological research.
Learning in the degree is based on the common competences of the universities of applied sciences, which are learning to learn, working life, ethics, sustainable development, internationality and multiculturalism, and proactive development (Arene 2022).
The degree program's activities and study content are guided by ethical perspectives and principles in work with older people. The curriculum of the degree addresses the future competence needs of the field.
Competences of the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology
Encounter and dialogic interaction: meeting a person with respect and engaging in constructive communication.
Gerontological expertise: a comprehensive understanding of ageing and memory work expertise.
Client-centered and holistic wellbeing: focusing on individual needs, cultural diversity and supporting functional capacity.
Client guidance and supporting living at home: emphasis on supporting older people to live at home and client guidance for older people, using the potential of digitalization and technology.
Development expertise and leadership: multidisciplinary collaboration, innovative service solutions with a focus on user-friendliness, as well as leadership and entrepreneurship skills.
Competence is built progressively throughout the studies according to the following semester themes
- Starting Points for Gerontological Competence
- The Right to Individual Ageing
- Supporting a Good Life for Older People
- Older People in the Home Environment
- Promoting Participation and Well-Being
- Person-Centered Guidance
- Bachelor of Social Services and Health Care as a Developer
Read more about the contents of the degree from Study guide!
Study Structure and Learning Methods
The programme combines on-campus contact teaching, remote learning, and work-based learning through internships in collaboration with professional partners.
Remote studies include independent learning via online platforms, reading academic literature, and completing various learning assignments both individually and in groups. Collaborative work is also carried out using digital communication tools.
Students are expected to take an active and responsible role in their own learning process and to commit fully to their studies. The programme is full-time and requires an average weekly workload of approximately 40 hours.
The number of on-campus contact days varies depending on the content of each semester. Typically, contact teaching takes place every other week in 2–3 day sessions on campus.
From the first semester onward, students receive academic guidance in accordance with their Personal Study Plan (PSP), ensuring structured and goal-oriented progress throughout the degree programme.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the programme are qualified as licensed social welfare professionals upon authorisation granted by Valvira, the Finnish National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health.
Gerontologists may find employment in a wide range of roles within the public and private sectors, as well as in NGOs and foundations. Typical job titles include coordinator, planner, instructor, entrepreneur, developer, or service provider in elderly care services.
They work in both individual and group-based client work, in multidisciplinary teams, in development and planning roles, and in supervisory positions.
Job titles may include, for example:
Geronomi, Social Counsellor, Memory Coordinator, Memory Counsellor, Memory Advisor, Senior Instructor, Client Counsellor, Family Care Advisor, Volunteer Coordinator, Service Advisor, Home Care Coordinator, Supervisor, Project Coordinator, Project Worker, Senior Advisor, Planner.
Degree Programme's Open university path studies in Finnish
Ask about the studies from the Head of the Degree Programme
Anna Puustelli-Pitkänen
Senior Lecturer
Ask from the Guidance Counsellor about applying for Bachelor's Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology
Miia Penttinen
Study counsellor