Higher Diploma in Gerontology and Geriatrics
University of Malta
Information last verified July 2026
Program Overview
The Higher Diploma in Gerontology and Geriatrics is intended if you wish to expand your knowledge in the social, psychological, economic, and biological processes of ageing and later life. The Higher Diploma promises to act as a catalyst for candidates' intellectual development with regards the meeting of needs by both present and incoming cohorts of older persons. The latter stages of the life course are characterized by various transitions, as people exit from the labour market, go through various psychological and social developments in their personal and public lives, and experience multifaceted health issues and concerns. The Higher Diploma will provide you with transferable skills which will either aid them in entering ageing-related occupations, as well as advance their career progression in the field of ageing. The Higher Diploma provides a broadly based, multi-disciplinary perspective on ageing, later life, and older persons, whilst also disseminating knowledge and skills related to clinical and practical interventions with older persons. It will also sensitise you to the application of gerontological and geriatric research findings to practice. The Higher Diploma programme in Gerontology and Geriatrics is especially meant if you: Are already working with older persons and in the field of ageing. Wish to work with older persons. Wish to commence your studies in the field of gerontology and geriatrics. In many ways, the Diploma is a logical, perhaps essential response to the demographic trends currently being faced all over the five continents, including Malta: both the ageing of the population and the growth in life expectancy. The Higher Diploma in Gerontology and Geriatrics is intended if you wish to expand your knowledge in the social, psychological, economic, and biological processes of ageing and later life. The Higher Diploma promises to act as a catalyst for candidates' intellectual development with regards the meeting of needs by both present and in
Career Opportunities
As a graduate, you will be able to enter a career as a social and health care worker in residential and nursing homes, community services and non-governmental organisations, or even as an informal carer.
Program Curriculum
Year 1 Semester 1 Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) GDM1009 Ethical Issues in the Care of Older Persons 4 ECTS GDM1010 Interprofessional and Integrated Care in Old Age 8 ECTS GER1001 Principles of Social Gerontology 4 ECTS GER1002 Physiological and Medical Issues in Later Life 4 ECTS GER1008 Theoretical Issues in Ageing Policy 4 ECTS GER2010 Researching Ageing and Later Life 4 ECTS GER2024 * Field Placement in Gerontological and Geriatric Settings 12 ECTS * Work on study-unit GER2024 is expected to start in semester 1 of academic year 2025-26 (October 2025) and continues up to the end of the course. Semester 2 Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) GDM2026 Key Principles of Dementia Care 4 ECTS GDM2027 Public Speaking and Positive Interactions with Older Persons 8 ECTS GER2009 Mental Health Issues in Later Life 4 ECTS GER2011 Food and Nutrition in Later Life 4 ECTS GER2014 Social Rehabilitation in Later Life 4 ECTS GER2015 Introduction to Abuse and Neglect 4 ECTS Year 2 Semester 1 Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) GDM2025 Active Ageing Policies and Programmes 4 ECTS GDM2028 Assistive Devices for the Older Person 4 ECTS GDM2029 Gerontechnology and Digital Inclusion in Later Life 4 ECTS GER2017 Diversity and Discrimination in Later Life 4 ECTS GER2019 Educational Gerontology 4 ECTS GER2021 Legal Issues in Later Life 2 ECTS This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Higher Diploma in Gerontology and Geriatrics - H.Dip. - under the auspices of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing.
Admission Requirements
General Entry Requirements Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications Notes and any other requirements Applicants considered as “Adult Learners” (mature applicants) in terms of paragraph (c) of regulation 6 of the Admissions Regulations must be in possession of those qualifications and/or experience that would satisfy the Faculty Admissions Committee that they have reached the academic standard required to follow the Course with profit. Such applicants shall be required to submit with their application a letter written in English giving their motivation for applying for the Course together with a copy of their Curriculum Vitae (C.V.). The eligibility of such applicants shall be decided by the University Admissions Board, on the recommendation of the Faculty Admissions Committee, following an interview which will be held on a date which will be announced in due course The University Admissions Board, on the advice of the Board, may allow applicants in possession of additional qualifications and relevant experience evaluated according to the University Policy for the Recognition and Accreditation of Prior Learning (RPL) to be admitted for the Course under those conditions as the Board may impose. You are viewing the entry requirements for International applicants. Switch to Local qualifications. 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 infor
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
€2,700 (Non-EU)
About University of Malta
University of Malta
Msida, Malta
TheUniversity of Malta(Maltese:L-Università ta' Malta;UM; formerlyUOM) is apublic research universityin the towns ofMsidaandValletta, Malta. It serves as theflagshipandnational universityof...
University Profile- Start Date October
- Language English
- Duration 2 years
- Credits 90
