ObjectivesTraditionally, palliative and end of life care has focused on the care of cancer patients and educational provision has reflected this.
Palliative and end of life care are now recognised as global public health priorities, with relevance for all settings of care and for all those affected by serious life-limiting disease.
This modular course, hosted by the Sue Ryder Care Centre for Palliative and End of Life Studies, provides a flexible and innovative programme of study in contemporary practice, policy and research in this area.
This is an innovative new programme, which aims to explore multi-professional perspectives on practice and policy in palliative and end of life care in a variety of contexts.
You will advance your knowledge, attitudes and skills relating to critical reflection and synthesis, problem solving, leadership and research through a programme of in depth study.
Academic titleMSc Palliative and End of Life Studies
Course descriptionKey facts
This course is hosted by the Sue Ryder Care Centre for Palliative and End of Life Studies and sits at the cutting-edge of contemporary research and practice in this area.
We are the largest School of Nursing in the UK
We have 300 academic and support staff and over 3,500 students
We are rated as one of the top three places to study nursing in the Guardian’s University Guide 2008
We achieved the best possible outcome in all categories in the last independent assessment of our teaching
Course Content
This is a modular course, which aims to enable you to:
develop advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles, practice and policies of palliative and end-of-life care within diverse cultures and contexts
contribute to the development of palliative and end-of-life care in all settings of care and all life-limiting illnesses
critically reflect on clinical practice and policy, enhancing professional leadership skills and advancing palliative and end-of-life care
develop skills in critical appraisal of existing research, and in the design and execution of rigorous research, audit and practice development projects
You will undertake the core modules listed below (worth 120 credits in total):
Principles of Palliative and End of Life Practice
Policy, Psychosocial and Ethical Perspectives in Palliative and End of Life Care
Evidence for Health and Social Care
Choose one module from:
Project Proposal
Evaluation Research Methods
Principles of Systematic Review
Choose one module from:
Research, Design and Practice
Professional Development for Clinical Leadership (from 2008)
Choose two modules from:
Contemporary Issues in Long Term Conditions
Advanced Pain and Symptom Management
Palliative and End of Life Care in Childhood and in Transition to Adulthood
Please note that all module details are subject to change.
Finally, you will undertake a 60-credit dissertation in a subject related to Palliative and End of Life Studies. This is your opportunity to complete a major piece of independent research under the supervision of an experienced member of academic staff.
Course Structure
The MSc in Palliative and End of Life Studies is taught on a full-time basis over one year or part-time over two years.
The course comprises 180 credits, split across 120 credits’ worth of core and optional modules and a 60-credit dissertation.
We also offer a Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative and End of Life Studies, as well as individual modules on a stand alone basis. These options may be suitable for those who cannot commit to a longer course of study, or who have specific development needs.