ObjectivesWe aim to develop your ability to critically examine theoretical frameworks which can be integrated within your practice. Autonomous and multi-professional working allows students from differing professions to work innovatively and learn collaboratively. This provides impetus for the ongoing development of cross-sector partnerships in health and social service provision.
Entry requirementsEntrance Requirements Candidates should hold a degree or degree equivalent of a university or college recognised by the University of Stirling. A professional qualification plus relevant experience may be accepted as equivalent. Selection follows consideration of written application, interview, professional references and possible prior academic work.
Academic titleMSc in Enhanced Cancer Care Practice
Course descriptionStructure and Content
The three ‘Enhanced Care’ programmes share two core modules in first year before you choose specialist modules. Each 15-week module is SCQF level 11 with 15 or 30 credits. The dissertation is worth 60 credits, requiring a minimum of 35 weeks’ study. Each module has a study guide and opportunity for optional field visits.
The first year modules are:
Communication: Exploration and Transfer to Practice (Sep to Dec): Challenges the effectiveness of your communication with individuals and their families with differing illness profiles and health/social care needs.
Research in Practice (Feb to May): Provides a framework advancing understanding and application of research from a global, practice-based perspective and a means of assisting professionals to improve the quality of care.
The specialist modules determine the focus for the academic award:
The Context of Cancer – Its Related Science and Treatment: Advances perception and understanding of concepts that have shaped local, national and global cancer services.
Assessment and Decision-Making in Cancer
Care: Enhanced ability to assess cancer sufferers necessitates the use of strategy, awareness of multi-dimensional symptoms, application of validated tools and an understanding of how shared decision-making impacts on the implementation of effective management/intervention.
Effective Symptom Management and Supportive Cancer Care: A focus on physical, psychosocial and emotional manifestations of cancer and the supportive care needs throughout the cancer journey is reflected in the multi-professional working and the increasing role of self-care.
The Context of Death and Dying: An in-depth, critical exploration of the concepts associated with death and dying in modern society, encouraging understanding and creativity in your approaches to differing meanings, cultures, rituals and attitudes towards death and dying.
Enhancing Practice through Assessment and Management of Symptoms: You explore a multi-professional approach to assessment and management of symptoms and critically review quality of life from the perspective of the patient and family.
The Context of Living with Progressive Illness: Examines the emergence of progressive conditions as one of the
significant challenges for the future.
Identifying Need and Assessing Practice in the Management of Progressive Illness: An enhanced understanding of the role of service providers is developed through examining theoretical models of care, policy and practice.
End of Life Care for People with Dementia: Focuses on developing insight and skills for caring for people with dementia up to the point of death.
Ethics and Legal Issues: Provides the knowledge and skill necessary to critically analyse the propriety of relevant aspects of your professional practice within a legal and ethical framework.
Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness: Themes regarding adjustment to illness are reviewed as a means of improving the experiences of patients, families and carers. Loss, spirituality, anxiety, depression, family dynamics and psychotherapeutic interventions are integral components.
Dissertation: A research study which demonstrates your ability to develop and apply a range of skills, knowledge and theoretical frameworks in the development of a dissertation to support advances in your practice.
Delivery and Assessment
Blended learning approaches provide a maximum of three days campus-based teaching linked to self-directed web-based learning. You are encouraged to embed your learning within your practice, thereby advancing your critical understanding and application by completing directed activities, reading, seminars, tutorials and accessing student support online.
Career Opportunities
Completion of ‘Enhanced Care’ programmes enables development of transferable skills, optimising your ability to impact on the experience of individuals, families and service providers. The application of global and local concepts enables you to apply the knowledge from these programmes to a variety of clinical and social care settings within the UK and internationally.