After graduation
With a PhD in Gerontology you’ll have opportunities for employment in the various universities as a postdoc fellow or a senior academic staff. But there are also fascinating opportunities outside the university environment. For example, in a policy function and or in welfare and health-care services, focusing on innovation, quality, development and implementation of clinical pathways and guidelines and / or research. Or why not in one of the centres of excellence (for example, in dementia care), policy support centres, umbrella organisations or private research centres? Roles such as data analysts, and advisers, consultants, etc. are essential in running these less traditional sectors. Besides universities and scientific institutions, industry is also an increasingly important market for people with this PhD, particularly in R&D departments of large companies.
What have you learnt?
As a research master of Gerontological Sciences you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- the scientific basis of the existing gerontological theories and areas of implementation;
- the different perspectives within the gerontological sciences;
- the methodological principles inherent in the gerontological research domain;
- the ethical aspects of scientific research in the field of gerontology.
As a research master of Gerontological Sciences you can:
- conduct scientific research within the field of gerontology and / or geriatrics, apply the different methods and techniques of the gerontological research, statistically process the collected data and interpret the results and discuss them in a scientifically sound manner;
- report, present and defend (own) results - in writing and orally - in a didactic and scientifically sound manner (at the level of an article in an international peer-reviewed journal);
- draw up and defend a competitive application for (national or international) research funding;
- identify current and intercultural issues and developments regarding the elderly and care for the elderly, have an open and critical approach and can apply evidence-based, innovative elements;
- look up, critically analyse and interpret relevant scientific literature / sources;
- reflect on your own professional conduct;
- extrapolate existing gerontological theories to the wider elderly sector and contribute to the optimisation of the quality of elderly sector,
- integrate in a (inter-disciplinary) research team.
You will also have:
- a (self-) critical and scientific attitude, focused on the gerontological sciences;
- a focus on sustainability in the proposed solutions for an ageing society;
- the intercultural competences required to be able to cope - as a world citizen - with current and future challenges in the globalised and ageing society;
- acquired an attitude of lifelong learning, thereby enabling you to continue to develop on a fully independent basis and to make adjustments in the domain of gerontological sciences.
Are you aware that VUB sometimes looks for gerontologists?
That's right! You can build an exciting and meaningful career as a gerontologist here at your alma mater. As a large organisation we look for very diverse profiles.
Join our alumni community
In addition to enhancing your standing in the job market, obtaining a VUB diploma grants you access to a supportive network aimed at helping you achieve your professional goals and contribute positively to the world. Need more reasons to join? We've listed a few more below for you.
- Benefits on and off campus - A BasicFit annual subscription at half the price, student rates in the Resto... : being a former student pays off.
- Help with job applications - It is sometimes hard for young alumni to find their way on the labour market. We help you get off to a flying start.
- Networking - Join your faculty or study-programme alumni association and keep up to date with the latest networking events and developments in your field.