Why study this course?
The PGCert in The Psychology of Dementia Care is a part-time online course run by the School of Psychology and Neuroscience. The programme will provide students with the theoretical background to the psychology of dementia care.
Highlights
- The structure of the programme is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing students to take one, two or all three of the modules, which you may pay for one at a time (the Postgraduate Certificate requires the completion of all three).
- Students are encouraged to question current practice and to apply psychological theory to their own working situation.
- The online format allows students to attain the Postgraduate Certificate remotely and at their own pace.
Teaching
Delivered online through Moodle, the University's online teaching and learning system.
Resources
Independent study in a supportive online framework with access to journal articles, videos, and a student forum.
Assessment
Through coursework submitted online. No final exam.
Support
You can contact the programme coordinator throughout the course.
Modules
Each module typically comprises:
- 200 notional hours of learning time delivered online
- 100% coursework assessment
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
What it will lead to
Careers
Graduates from the online programme entered or continued their work in a variety of occupations, including:
- clinical services development manager
- community care officer
- deputy nurse manager
- occupational therapist
- podiatrist
- speech and language therapist
- senior social worker
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage of your career you are at. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
The Careers Centre also offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students in building their networks and developing skills to create their own successful careers.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute offers peer mentoring and an extensive suite of courses to support your academic and professional skills development.
Further your education
Some graduates go on to pursue further education through taught postgraduate courses in Psychology or a PhD research degree.
Why St Andrews?
Wherever you are, you can take St Andrews with you. Online Masters at the University of St Andrews combine all the benefits of studying at one of the world's oldest and best universities, with all the advantages of flexible, personalised learning.
The inclusive culture in the School encourages a crossflow of ideas while providing the depth and breadth necessary to pursue scientific programmes at an international level. The School has active links with other Schools and Departments within the University, with other UK universities and with research institutions throughout the world.
Further information on the School's research groups and centres can be found on the research pages.
Alumni
As a graduate of St Andrews, you become part of a prestigious and globally connected alumni community. This lifelong membership offers access to career services, networking opportunities, and exclusive resources. Engaging with the University's worldwide alumni network ensures you remain connected to St Andrews, no matter where your career takes you.
Learn while you earn
This flexible and fully online programme means you can study alongside your current work commitments and achieve a postgraduate qualification from one of the top-ranked universities in the UK, without moving country.
Entry requirements
The School will accept one of the following as appropriate entry qualifications:
- A 2:1 Honours undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline.
- Accredited prior learning: a professional qualification in social work, nursing, occupational therapy or similar.
- Experiential prior learning: substantial relevant work experience in a related discipline and at least three year's practical experience in the field.
If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- personal statement (500 words) (only if applying for Scottish Funding Council funding)
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
Online only: £2,900
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 10 April 2025
