Explore rewarding career paths in dementia care, from healthcare and social work to policy and advocacy.
Dementia care needs skilled professionals who are ready to make an impact. Whether you’re a healthcare worker aiming to deepen your expertise, a social care professional expanding your role, or a volunteer transitioning into paid work, this field offers diverse and rewarding opportunities.
You might choose to work directly with individuals, shape policies, or contribute to research and advocacy. Some roles may require additional training beyond an MSc in Dementia, particularly in clinical settings. However, this degree provides a strong foundation for career growth and leadership.
This guide will help you explore your options and understand how an MSc in Dementia can support your professional development.
Overview of dementia care jobs
Dementia care jobs cover many specialisms, from residential care to clinical roles, social work, occupational therapy, and memory clinics. Each role focuses on improving the lives of individuals with dementia.
No matter your focus—medical, psychological, or social—your goal is the same: enhancing quality of life while promoting dignity and independence.
Explore your career possibilities below.
Types of dementia care jobs
Dementia care careers involve direct support, research, and advocacy. Each role plays a key part in dementia management and caregiver support.
Clinical and healthcare roles
Examples: Dementia Nurse, Geriatrician, Occupational Therapist
What you’ll do: As a Dementia Nurse, you will provide specialised care in hospitals, care homes, and community settings. You will manage symptoms, offer palliative care, and support caregivers emotionally. Geriatricians diagnose and treat dementia and other age-related conditions. Occupational Therapists help individuals maintain independence by adapting daily tasks to their changing abilities.
How an MSc in Dementia helps: This programme deepens your understanding of dementia care, symptom management, and ethical considerations. Some roles require additional medical training.
Social work and social care positions
Examples: Social Worker, Dementia Support Worker, Care Home Manager
What you’ll do: Social Workers coordinate services like care in a person’s home, respite care and support groups. Dementia Support Workers provide emotional and practical assistance, connecting individuals with community resources. Care Home Managers oversee staff and ensure high standards of care in residential settings whilst maintaining compliance with regulations.
How an MSc in Dementia helps: This degree strengthens your expertise in policy implementation, leadership, and ethical dementia care. Some positions, like Registered Social Worker, require an additional qualification.
Policy and advocacy positions
Examples: Dementia Policy Advisor, Advocacy Officer, Public Health Campaign Manager
What you’ll do: As a Dementia Policy Advisor, you will work with government bodies to improve dementia care policies. Advocacy Officers promote the rights of those with dementia, raise awareness, and push for better support services. Public Health Campaign Managers design initiatives to educate communities on dementia and early detection.
How an MSc in Dementia helps: This programme equips you with insights into dementia care policy and ethics. Advanced roles may require additional qualifications in public health and/or policy.
Transitioning from volunteer to professional
If you’re currently a volunteer, you can turn your experience into a paid career. Roles like Dementia Support Worker or Policy Advisor offer clear progression paths. Building on your hands-on knowledge allows you to contribute more effectively to dementia care, research, and advocacy.
How an MSc in Dementia helps you specialise
The Hull Online MSc in Dementia helps you advance in dementia care, whether you're in health, social work, or social care. This flexible part-time degree lets you balance your studies with existing commitments.
This programme takes a person-centred approach, shaped by the experiences of individuals with dementia, their families, and supporters. Taught by leading experts, the programme is built upon a human rights framework, helping you uphold dignity and promote quality of life for those with dementia.
To enrol, you must currently work or volunteer in a role that involves direct contact with people with dementia.
