Ageing Sciences

Ageing Sciences

Course Type:
Master’s Programme

Programme Introduction

Among the major transformations and challenges of contemporary societies is the demographic transition, brought by the increased longevity, by the decreasing birth and death rates as a consequence of improved healthcare and living conditions. The ageing population is a global phenomenon and occupies a prominent place in political agendas and in the fields of social educational and health intervention.

The uniqueness of the ageing processes and the plurality of experiences and trajectories of those in the later stages of their life journey necessitate a broad reflection about responses and strategies for social educational and health intervention with the senior population. In all contexts, there must be competent, qualified and dedicated professionals promoting healthy ageing. This intervention requires, on one hand, the recognition of the heterogeneity of needs and requests, and on the other, an individualised approach, taking into account the specificities of each human being and the context in which they live.

This master’s programme aims to equip students with the skills to better respond to the transformations resulting from the ageing population, which holds a prominent place in political agendas and in the fields of social and health intervention. Additionally, this master’s programme seeks to promote the development of research skills and lifelong learning, which will enable the rethinking of public policies, involving multiple sectors such as health, education, social security and work, the economy, justice, territorial planning and development, housing, transport, tourism, new technologies, and culture.

Programme Coordinator

(updating)

School

Education and Social Sciences,
Health Sciences

City

Leiria

Language

Portuguese

Type

Evening

Length

2 years

Vacancies

Total: 40

  • Health Intervention: 20
  • Social and Education Intervention: 20

Notice

Edital 2026 (PT doc-Ret)

DGES certification

Objectives

Programme

The Master’s in Ageing Sciences aims to:

  1. Train professionals with an integrative vision and transformative capacity for multiprofessional and interdisciplinary intervention with the elderly population;
  2. Train professionals who promote healthier ageing by developing and applying interventions with elderly people, families, institutions, and other contexts that include elderly people;
  3. Train professionals who are capable of advancing knowledge in the field of ageing sciences through research, innovation, and development.

Specifically, this master’s aims to:

  • Promote the development of scientific, technical, relational, and ethical skills in professionals, contributing to enhancing the health, quality of life, and well-being of elderly people;
  • Deepen knowledge about the human ageing process in various dimensions from an integrated and multidisciplinary perspective;
  • Understand methods of assessment and intervention in Gerontogeriatrics;
  • Apply knowledge in the development of programmes, services, or practices, facing the challenges/constraints arising from current demographic ageing trends;
  • Develop skills for implementing interventions that promote active and healthy ageing, involving elderly people, families, caregivers, and communities;
  • Promote teamwork skills in an interdisciplinary context and with institutional partners;
  • Implement intervention plans aimed at enhancing the functionality of the elderly in various dimensions.
1. Year – Health Intervention branch
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
1S 6 35 h

CP1. Epidemiology of ageing
1.1. Normal and pathological ageing
1.2. Mortality and Morbidity
1.3. Fragility and Vulnerability
1.4. Clinical comorbidities and most frequent pathologies
1.5. elderly mental health
1.6. Dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders
CP2. Biopsychosocial changes of ageing
2.1. Biological and physiological changes
2.2. Psychological changes (emotional and cognitive)
2.3. Social changes
2.4. Functional changes
CP3. Health and ageing
3.1. Health determinants
3.2. Health promotion and disease prevention
3.3. Autonomy and independence in health
3.4. Quality of life and well-being
3.5. Active and healthy ageing
CP4. End-of-life care
4.1. Palliative care
4.2. Comfort and well-being care
4.3. Strategies for communicating bad news and managing uncertainty/hope
4.4. death and mourning
4.5. Attitudes and beliefs towards death and the end of life
4.6. Strategies to support caregivers/family members in end-of-life and death situations
1S 6 35 h

CP1. Demographic ageing and implications for human longevity
CP2 Social protection and sustainability
CP3. Ageing processes

  • Paradigms of ageing
  • Singularities and life trajectories
  • Status and social roles of the elderly
  • Adaptation to retirement and life projects
    CP4. Contemporary ageing and psychosocial repercussions
  • Ageism, gerontophobia, and social stigma
  • Contexts, agents, and processes of violence
  • Isolation and loneliness
    CP5- Social responses: evolution and innovation in support of the elderly and their families
    CP6. Social networks, families, and informal care
  • Challenges, constraints, and implications in the provision of informal care
  • Strategies and support networks for informal caregivers
1S 6 45 h

CP1 – Research designs and their phases
1.1 Conceptualization of a scientific study;
1.2 Stages of research
1.3 Techniques / Tools for Data Collection
1.4 Psychometric study of instruments
1.5 Research ethics and researcher conduct
CP2 – Evidence Based Practice
2.1 Evidence Based Practice and Decision Making
2.2 Methodologies for evidence synthesis
2.3 Systematic Literature Review
2.4 Methodological quality assessment
2.5 Systematic review Protocols
CP3 – Methods of data analysis
3.1 Descriptive/inferential statistics: Statistical Programmes
3.2 Presentation, analysis and evaluation of quantitative data
3.3 Assumptions of data analysis in qualitative research
3.4 Analysis/interpretation of findings from qualitative studies
3.5 Programmes for the Analysis of Qualitative Data
CP4 – Writing and dissemination of scientific knowledge
4.1 Writing of the scientific text and dissemination of results
4.2 Communication in Science
1S 6 40 h

CP1. Morality and ethics
1.1. Bioethical principles. Ethical, ontological and legal issues of praxis
1.2. Decision-making process: end-of-life care, euthanasia and assisted death, autonomy, consent and legal representative.
CP2 Law and Gerontology
2.1. Human rights and vulnerable groups [elderly]: international, European and national legal system 2.2. The collision of rights in the
context of the public health emergency: transparency vs. privacy and data protection; (collective) right to health vs. fundamental (individual)
freedoms
2.3. The disability regime in the Portuguese legal system: the greatest accompanied
2.4. Social security rights (protection of health and old age) and the status of the informal caregiver 2.5. Humanization of health and living
will
CP3. Ageing and social, economic, and health policies
3.1. Social policy and national and international programs in the area of ageing: social protection, (planning for) reform and economic
security.
1S 6 45 h

CP1- Communication and interpersonal relationships in the provision of geriatric care
CP2-Multidimensional evaluation of the old person – functional, nutritional, mental, social and clinical dimension.
CP3-Diagnosis of social, economic, physical and mental health, day-to-day activities and use of services.
CP4- Dimensions to be assessed in frailty and other geriatric syndromes
CP5-The importance of participatory diagnoses in geriatrics
CP6- Diagnosis and prevention and promotion of health and well-being
2S 6 45 h

CP1. Empirical Approach to Human Ageing and technology
1.1. Gerontotechnology fundamentals
1.2. Interfaces and human diversity: Accessibility, usability and universal design
1.3. Digital entanglement: Technologies and information society
1.4. Technologies for Functionality and Independence
1.5. Technologies for the (re)habilitation
1.6. Technologies for health and well-being
1.7. Technologies for care
1.8. Analysis of integrated solutions
CP2. Implementation and development of gerontotechnology
2.1. Empowerment of older people
2.2. Configuring for the elderly
2.3 User centred design – co-design
2S 5 30 h

CP1 HEALTH AND HEALTH PARADIGMS

  1. Health concepts
  2. From Prevention to Health Promotion
  3. Health Promotion: a strategic and ethical approach
    CP2. AGEING, CHRONIC DISEASES AND HEALTH INEQUALITIES
  4. The chronic diseases in the world
  5. Impact of chronic non communicable diseases in human development
  6. Principles of prevention and control of chronic diseases
  7. Models of care to chronically ill patients
  8. Rights and social co-responsibility
    CP3. EDUCATION AND HEALTH 1.
  9. health literacy
  10. Individual and community competences
  11. The health system and health literacy
  12. Obstacles to health education
  13. Theories of behavior change
  14. Education, literacy and empowerment
    CP4. EMPOWERMENT OF INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS AND OF ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITIES
  15. Health Promotion in an Empowerment perspective
  16. Social Capital and Health
  17. Social Support
  18. The importance of social cohesion
  19. Social networks
  20. Empowering a community
  21. Empowering organisations and the health system
2S 10 75 h

CP1. Adaptation to health-disease processes in elderly people
1.1 Health/disease transition
1.2 Management of disease and therapeutical regime
1.3. factors that interfere in health/disease transition: personal and social indicators of vulnerability and resilience
1.4. The family and informal caregivers in health/disease transition
CP2. Effective self-care management in the elderly
2.1 Management of self care: physical, emotional, social and spiritual
2.2 Elaboration of individual care plans
CP3. Management of complex therapeutic regimes in the old people
3.1. Therapeutic regimen as self-care
3.2 Comorbidities and symptomatic control in the elderly with chronic disease
3.3 Self management and therapeutic adherence
3.4 Pharmacotherapy in geriatrics
3.5 Reconciliation therapeutic.
CP4. Effective Therapeutic Relationships in the Elderly
2S 10 75 h

CP1. Cognition: Conceptual framework
CP1.1 Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and the impact of aging on cognition
CP1.2 Executive and cognitive functions
Cognitive decline and impact on functional capacity
CP1.4. theoretical models of cognition and learning
CP2. Methods and techniques for the evaluation of cognitive functions
CP2.1 Methodologies for cognitive assessment
CP3. Cognitive Rehabilitation of Cognitive Functions
CP3.1 Principles of cognitive rehabilitation
CP3.2 Models of intervention in cognition
CP3.3 Methods and techniques of intervention in specific neurocognitive disorders
CP4. Cognitive and Functional Rehabilitation
CP4.1 Principles of cognition and functioning
CP4.2. functions required for the execution of activities of daily living
CP4.3. cognitive-behavioral intervention in mental health
CP5. Developing cognitive rehabilitation plans
CP5.1 Definition of the problem, objectives, intervention plan, monitoring, and impact of the plan.
2. Year – Health Intervention branch
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
Annual 60

Dissertation

Students must produce a dissertation report, properly supported from a theoretical and practical point of view, under the supervision of a
professor/researcher. For the development of the investigation process it is essential:
CP1. Identification of the research problem
CP2 The construction of the theoretical support framework
CP3. Delimiting a problem and research objectives
CP4 The design of the methodology
CP5. The collection, analysis and discussion of data
CP6. Writing the final work
CP7- Presentation and discussion of results
Students must relate the contents and theoretical-practical knowledge taught in the curricular units of the 1st and 2nd semesters of the
course. In addition, each student will develop theoretical research in the scientific field in which their work is framed and will deepen their
knowledge of methodological strategies suitable for carrying out the investigation, under the guidance of their scientific advisor.

Project Work

Students must produce a report, duly supported from a theoretical and practical point of view, under the supervision of a
professor/researcher. For the development of the investigation process it is essential:
CP1. Identification of the research problem
CP2 The construction of the theoretical support framework
CP3. Delimiting a problem and research objectives
CP4 The design of the methodology
CP5. The collection, analysis and discussion of data
CP6. Writing the final work
CP7- Presentation and discussion of results
Students must mobilize the contents and theoretical-practical knowledge taught in the curricular units of the 1st and 2nd semesters of the
course. In addition, each student will develop theoretical research in the scientific field in which their work is framed and will deepen their
knowledge of methodological strategies suitable for carrying out the investigation, under the guidance of their scientific advisor.
1. Year – Social and Education Intervention branch
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
1S 6 35 h

CP1. Epidemiology of ageing
1.1. Normal and pathological ageing
1.2. Mortality and Morbidity
1.3. Fragility and Vulnerability
1.4. Clinical comorbidities and most frequent pathologies
1.5. elderly mental health
1.6. Dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders
CP2. Biopsychosocial changes of ageing
2.1. Biological and physiological changes
2.2. Psychological changes (emotional and cognitive)
2.3. Social changes
2.4. Functional changes
CP3. Health and ageing
3.1. Health determinants
3.2. Health promotion and disease prevention
3.3. Autonomy and independence in health
3.4. Quality of life and well-being
3.5. Active and healthy ageing
CP4. End-of-life care
4.1. Palliative care
4.2. Comfort and well-being care
4.3. Strategies for communicating bad news and managing uncertainty/hope
4.4. death and mourning
4.5. Attitudes and beliefs towards death and the end of life
4.6. Strategies to support caregivers/family members in end-of-life and death situations
1S 6 35 h

CP1. Demographic ageing and implications for human longevity
CP2 Social protection and sustainability
CP3. Ageing processes

  • Paradigms of ageing
  • Singularities and life trajectories
  • Status and social roles of the elderly
  • Adaptation to retirement and life projects
    CP4. Contemporary ageing and psychosocial repercussions
  • Ageism, gerontophobia, and social stigma
  • Contexts, agents, and processes of violence
  • Isolation and loneliness
    CP5- Social responses: evolution and innovation in support of the elderly and their families
    CP6. Social networks, families, and informal care
  • Challenges, constraints, and implications in the provision of informal care
  • Strategies and support networks for informal caregivers
1S 6 45 h

CP1 – Research designs and their phases
1.1 Conceptualization of a scientific study;
1.2 Stages of research
1.3 Techniques / Tools for Data Collection
1.4 Psychometric study of instruments
1.5 Research ethics and researcher conduct
CP2 – Evidence Based Practice
2.1 Evidence Based Practice and Decision Making
2.2 Methodologies for evidence synthesis
2.3 Systematic Literature Review
2.4 Methodological quality assessment
2.5 Systematic review Protocols
CP3 – Methods of data analysis
3.1 Descriptive/inferential statistics: Statistical Programmes
3.2 Presentation, analysis and evaluation of quantitative data
3.3 Assumptions of data analysis in qualitative research
3.4 Analysis/interpretation of findings from qualitative studies
3.5 Programmes for the Analysis of Qualitative Data
CP4 – Writing and dissemination of scientific knowledge
4.1 Writing of the scientific text and dissemination of results
4.2 Communication in Science
1S 6 40 h

CP1. Morality and ethics
1.1. Bioethical principles. Ethical, ontological and legal issues of praxis
1.2. Decision-making process: end-of-life care, euthanasia and assisted death, autonomy, consent and legal representative.
CP2 Law and Gerontology
2.1. Human rights and vulnerable groups [elderly]: international, European and national legal system 2.2. The collision of rights in the
context of the public health emergency: transparency vs. privacy and data protection; (collective) right to health vs. fundamental (individual)
freedoms
2.3. The disability regime in the Portuguese legal system: the greatest accompanied
2.4. Social security rights (protection of health and old age) and the status of the informal caregiver 2.5. Humanization of health and living
will
CP3. Ageing and social, economic, and health policies
3.1. Social policy and national and international programs in the area of ageing: social protection, (planning for) reform and economic
security.
1S 6 45 h

CP1- Communication and interpersonal relationships in the provision of geriatric care
CP2-Multidimensional evaluation of the old person – functional, nutritional, mental, social and clinical dimension.
CP3-Diagnosis of social, economic, physical and mental health, day-to-day activities and use of services.
CP4- Dimensions to be assessed in frailty and other geriatric syndromes
CP5-The importance of participatory diagnoses in geriatrics
CP6- Diagnosis and prevention and promotion of health and well-being
2S 6 45 h

CP1. Concepts and framing fundamentals
1.1. Lifelong education
1.2. Learning in adulthood and old age
1.3. Cognitive stimulation for adults and older people
CP2. Cognitive stimulation programs and tools for adults and older people
2.1. Cognitive training for the prevention of cognitive decline
2.2. Memory performance maintenance practices
2.3. Cognitive stimulation programs and exercises
CP3. Educational projects for adults and older people
3.1. In school context
3.2. In the community context
CP4. Intergenerational education, learning and ageing
4.1. Actors and contexts
4.2. Local, national, and international practices
2S 6 45 h

CP1 Organization and process management of customers/users
1.1 Admission and reception process
1.2 Monitoring and monitoring
1.3 Individual Care Plan (PI):
1.4 Data Protection: customers/users
CP2 Organization and management of human resources processes
2.1 Recruitment and selection
2.2 Admission and reception process
2.3 Manual of functions and reception
2.4 SWOT Analysis and Strategic Action Plan
2.5 Diagnosis of needs and training plan
2.6 Developer PI
2.7 Data Protection: human resources
CP3 Human Resources Management
3.1 Emotional intelligence
3.2 Team Leadership and Motivation
3.3 Interpersonal relationship and teamwork
3.4 Communication Processes
3.5 Conflict management
3.6 Performance Evaluation
CP4 Planning and humanization of care
4.1 Diagnosis of needs and potentialities
4.2 Person-centred approach
4.3 Socio-emotional care skills
4.4 Communicational processes and dynamics
4.5 Assistive technologies
2S 6 45 h

CP1 – Assumptions and objectives of community social intervention;
CP2 – Community social intervention with older adults;
CP3 – Ageing at home and in the community – Ageing in place;
CP4 – Communities, environments, and territories friendly to the Old People;
5 – Phases and procedures relating to the design, implementation, and evaluation of social and community intervention projects
2S 6 45 h
  1. Healthy lifestyles and health surveillance (food, physical activity, health literacy, healthy living practices)
    1.1. Physical Activity and Physical Exercise
    1.2. Functionality in the elderly
    1.3. Acute and chronic adaptations with the practice of physical activity
    1.4. Strategies for maintaining an active lifestyle throughout ageing
    1.5. Multidisciplinary action programs for an effective response in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with a sedentary
    lifestyle
  2. Animation in promoting healthy lifestyles
    2.1. Social participation, tourism and leisure
    2.2. Culture and artistic expressions
    2.3. Sports entertainment and recreation
    2.4. Activities to promote literacy and digital inclusion of older adults
    2.5. Sociocultural animation strategies in gerontological contexts
    2.6. Models and practices of integration and participation of the elderly in society
2S 6 35 h

The programmatic contents of this curricular unit will be adjusted to the thematic and methodological path courses that students intend to
develop throughout their training but, generally, will contemplate:
CP1- Presentation and analysis of investigative path and processes in the field of old age and ageing
CP2- Presentation and discussion of social intervention projects in the field of old age and ageing
CP3- Access to scientific research results and sources of information appropriate to the training path of master’s students
2. Year – Social and Education Intervention branch
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
Annual 60

Dissertation

Students must produce a dissertation report, properly supported by a theoretical and practical point of view, under the supervision of a
professor/researcher. For the development of the investigation process it is essential:
CP1. Identification of the research problem
CP2 The construction of the theoretical support framework
CP3. Delimiting a problem and research objectives
CP4. The design of the methodology
CP5. The collection, analysis, and discussion of data
CP6. Writing the final work
CP7. Presentation and discussion of results
Students must relate the contents and theoretical-practical knowledge taught in the curricular units of the 1st and 2nd semesters of the
course. In addition, each student will develop theoretical research in the scientific field in which their work is framed and will deepen their
knowledge of methodological strategies suitable for carrying out the investigation, under the guidance of their scientific advisor.

Project Work

Students must produce a report, duly supported from a theoretical and practical point of view, under the supervision of a
professor/researcher. For the development of the investigation process it is essential:
CP1. Identification of the research problem
CP2 The construction of the theoretical support framework
CP3. Delimiting a problem and research objectives
CP4 The design of the methodology
CP5. The collection, analysis and discussion of data
CP6. Writing the final work
CP7- Presentation and discussion of results
Students must mobilize the contents and theoretical-practical knowledge taught in the curricular units of the 1st and 2nd semesters of the
course. In addition, each student will develop theoretical research in the scientific field in which their work is framed and will deepen their
knowledge of methodological strategies suitable for carrying out the investigation, under the guidance of their scientific advisor.

Entry Requirements

  1. Holders of the degree of Licenciado or legal equivalent conferred by a national higher education institution in the areas of Health (area of specialization in Health Intervention), Social and Behavioral Sciences or Social Services (area of specialization in Social and Educational Intervention);
  2. Holders of a foreign higher academic degree, or legal equivalent, conferred following a 1st study cycle according to the principles of the Bologna Process by a State that adheres to this Process in the areas referred to in point 1;
  3. Holders of a foreign higher academic degree, recognized by the Conselho Técnico-Científico (CTC) of Escola Superior de Saúde (ESSLei) and Escola Superior de Educação e Ciências Sociais (ESECS) of the Polytechnic of Leiria, fulfilling the objectives of the degree in the areas mentioned in section 1;
  4. Holders of academic, scientific or professional curricula recognized by the ESSLei or ESECS CTC as attesting the capacity to carry out the study cycle;
  5. Students who are in the final stages of completing their bachelor’s degree in the required fields of study for entry into the course and who declare this fact in their application.

International Student
All information related to the  international student application should be consulted on our International Students webpage.

Accreditation

State: Accredited
N. years of accreditation: 3
Publication date: 22-02-2024
Accreditation A3ES

More Information

Contacts
E-mail: studywithus@ipleiria.pt

Application Fee

60€

Enrolment Fee

General contingent: 50€
International student contingent: 100€

Tuition Fee

General contingent: 1140€
International student contingent: 3000€

Online Application

Use the button bellow to start your application.

How to apply