European Master's Program in Gerontology (EuMaG): Goals, Curriculum, and Students

Abstract

The European Master's Program in Gerontology (EuMaG) started in September 2003 with support from the European Commission. The EuMaG is a modular, 2-year, part-time international training program about the aging process and its societal implications. The multidisciplinary curriculum comprises four domains of gerontology (i.e., social gerontology, psychogerontology, health gerontology, and biogerontology). Recently, a module on research and academic writing has been added to the core program. EuMaG emphasizes international comparison, focusing on current European debates concerning—among other things—policy and care for older adults. Members of several gerontology programs deliver the program across Europe. Guest lecturers from the wider EuMaG consortium are invited during the core modules. All institutes are involved in aging research, which provides ample opportunities to inform students about the latest research. Part of the standard curriculum is the Summer School, which is a collaborative endeavor of the VU-University Amsterdam and one of the partner universities of the larger European network. Since the start of EuMaG in 2003, a mix of participants with respect to age, nationality, and background has entered EuMaG. More than 100 students subscribed for (parts) of the EuMaG program. Students evaluate the EuMaG as highly informative and inspiring and appreciate the possibility to build an international network of gerontologists.