Programme Structure

Our programme requires every student to complete a total of 30 Academic Units (AUs) inclusive of:

  • 4 courses in the common core (3 AUs each), 
  • 2 courses in the concentration core (3 AUs each), and 
  • 4 - 5 elective courses. (AUs for elective courses are either 1.5 AUs or 3 AUs)

The total number of courses you must complete depend on the electives you have taken up. Typically, students will take 10 (3 AUs each) or 11 (two 1.5 AUs & nine 3 AUs) courses in total to complete the programme. 

Each course requires 35–40 hours of instruction, unless stated otherwise.

Structure - Courses

Our programme is offered on both full-time and part-time basis and can be completed within 1 and 1.5 academic years respectively.

Typically, a full-time student is required to register 4 courses in trimester 1, 3 courses in trimester 2 and trimester 3. A part-time student is required to register 1 or 2 courses per trimester.

Each course will be taught once a week for a duration of 3 hours (3 AUs) for 13 weeks (i.e. 1 trimester). The classes may take place on weekday evenings (7pm to 10pm) and/or on Saturday morning (9am to 12pm) or afternoon (1pm to 4pm). 

All classes are conducted at NTU’s main campus/One-North campus/Novena campus. 

Trimester Calendar (subjected to changes)
The programme runs on a trimester basis. Each academic year is made up of 3 trimesters.

​​ Trimester​Month
1​ Jul - Oct
2​ Nov - Feb
3Feb - May


For details on the trimester calendar, please refer to NTU Academic Calendar.

Practicum provides an opportunity for students to gain work experience in settings of service to older people, facilitates networking with professionals in the field of ageing, and enhances career decisions and opportunities.

Our practicum partners include healthcare institutions, government agencies and voluntary welfare organisations. It is part of a student’s overall personal and professional development in gerontology education.

    The assessment for courses will be based on continuous assessment (CA). The CA component will consist of individual and group essays and projects. It may also include class participation, presentation, assignment, quiz and in-class tests.