PGCert, PGDip and MSc in Palliative Care: Implementing Best Practice
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MSc in Palliative Care: Implementing Best Practice program equips healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers with the skills and knowledge to design, deliver, and evaluate palliative care that meets best practices. Delivered 100% online, this program offers flexible study options and a global network of experts. Graduates are prepared for careers in clinical practice, research, and policy, making a positive impact on the care of people living with long-term conditions.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program Overview:
The MSc in Palliative Care: Implementing Best Practice program aims to equip health and social care professionals, policymakers, and researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to design, deliver, and evaluate care that facilitates best practice in palliative care and the care of people living with long-term conditions. This program is delivered 100% online, allowing students to access world-renowned research-led teaching from anywhere in the world.
Objectives:
- Develop the research and personal skills, attributes, and confidence to apply learning to the challenges of implementing evidence-based palliative care.
- Design and conduct palliative care research that makes a positive impact on patients, carers, the workforce, and policymakers.
- Collaborate with stakeholders (clinicians, managers, policymakers, and patients) to successfully operationalize research findings.
- Critically appraise the strengths and limitations of different forms of evidence.
- Understand factors such as gender, ethnicity, and disability in palliative care research and implementation.
Key Benefits:
- Develop skills in implementing evidence-based practices in palliative care and long-term conditions.
- Learn from world-renowned palliative care experts who have shaped clinical guidelines and government policy.
- Progress through qualification routes: PGCert, PGDip, and MSc.
- Build a global network of palliative care professionals.
- Study flexibility with full-time and part-time options.
- Most modules are also available as standalone CPD courses.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program curriculum focuses on developing the knowledge and skills required to design, deliver, and evaluate care that facilitates best practice in palliative care and long-term conditions.
Program Structure:
Students can choose between three qualification routes:
- Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert): Introduces students to contemporary issues in palliative care, research methods, and critical appraisal of evidence.
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip): Builds upon the PGCert foundation with more specialized learning in research methods and application of implementation science to address current and future challenges in palliative care and long-term conditions.
- Master of Science (MSc): Consolidates and builds upon learning from the PGCert and PGDip to develop student's knowledge, skills, and confidence to design and deliver a high-quality research project relevant to best practice in palliative care and long-term conditions.
Course Schedule:
The program is delivered entirely online through the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Students can participate in weekly online group discussion sessions held between 10am and 1pm (GMT).
Modules:
- Core Modules:
- Palliative Care Research and Practice
- Introduction to Implementation Science for Palliative Care and Long-Term Conditions
- Global Palliative Care Development
- Research Project / Dissertation (MSc)
- Optional Modules: (List subject to change)
- Pain Management
- Bereavement and Loss
- Communication Skills in Palliative Care
- Spiritual Care in Palliative Care
- Ethical Issues in Palliative Care
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Formative assessments include group presentations, written briefs, and poster presentations.
- Summative assessments include essays, poster presentations, protocols, oral presentations, and exams.
- MSc students also complete a 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment Criteria:
Assessments are designed to evaluate student's understanding of key concepts, critical thinking skills, and ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Online lectures
- Small group seminars (tutor-led and student-led)
- Q&A seminars with tutors and external experts
- One-to-one tutorials
- Online discussion boards
- Self-directed learning
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and passionate faculty members, including clinicians, researchers, and policymakers in the field of palliative care.
Unique Approaches:
- Integrated and holistic approach: The program weaves together key themes of equity, patient and public involvement, implementation science, and critical appraisal throughout each module. This approach enables students to develop the skills and confidence to apply their learning to various settings and contexts.
- Focus on research and implementation: The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in research and implementation science, equipping students to design, conduct, and evaluate palliative care research that makes a positive impact.
- Global perspective: The program recognizes the global challenges and diverse needs in palliative care, providing students with insights into best practices and implementation strategies across different countries and contexts.
Careers:
Career Prospects:
The program prepares graduates for a range of career paths in various settings, including:
- Clinical Practice: Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Nurse Consultant in Palliative Care, Physiotherapy Consultant, Chief Executive of a Hospice
- Research: PhD studies, Research Fellow, Research Associate
- Policy and Advocacy: Policy Advisor, Advocate for Palliative Care Services
Career Support:
The program provides students with resources and guidance to support their career development, including:
- Career advice and guidance
- Workshops and seminars on career planning and job-seeking skills
- Access to a network of alumni and professionals in the field
- Opportunities to present research findings at conferences and publications
Other:
- Program Start Date: September 2024
- Program Length: 1 year full-time, 1 to 5 years part-time, 12 weeks for CPD module
- Program Location: Online
- Program Fees: £4,240 per stage (PGCert, PGDip, MSc)
- Funding Options: Various scholarships and funding opportunities may be available.
University of York
Overview:
The University of York is a public research university located in York, England. It is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse research activities, and vibrant campus life.
Services Offered:
The university provides a wide range of services to its students, including:
Library:
Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources and study spaces.VLE:
A virtual learning environment for online course materials and communication.e:Vision:
A student portal for accessing information about courses, grades, and other university services.Directory:
A searchable directory for finding contact information for staff and students.Email:
Access to a university email account.Support Services:
A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of York offers a vibrant and inclusive campus experience. Students can expect:
Accommodation:
A range of on-campus and off-campus accommodation options.Student Life:
Opportunities to join clubs, societies, and sports teams, as well as participate in various events and activities.Campus Environment:
A safe and welcoming campus environment with green spaces and modern facilities.City of York:
Access to the historic and vibrant city of York, with its rich culture, attractions, and amenities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is renowned for its high-quality teaching and research.Research Opportunities:
Students have access to world-leading research facilities and opportunities to engage in research projects.Diverse Community:
The university boasts a diverse and international student body, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.Campus Life:
A vibrant and engaging campus life with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.Location:
Situated in the historic city of York, offering a unique and enriching experience.Academic Programs:
The University of York offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Undergraduate Courses:
A comprehensive selection of undergraduate programs in arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, and more.Postgraduate Taught Courses:
A variety of postgraduate taught programs, including master's degrees and diplomas.Postgraduate Research Courses:
Opportunities for postgraduate research leading to PhD degrees.Entry Requirements:
Academic Qualifications:
- Applicants must have a previous training in a health or social care profession (e.g. graduates of medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or social work or other allied health and social care professions).
- Applicants can also have a science degree applied to human or organisational behaviour (e.g. graduates of psychology or sociology) or have equivalent professional experience.
- Applicants must have a 2.1 degree or equivalent.
Work Experience:
- Applicants with professional experience in a relevant field may be considered for the program even if they do not meet the academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- Applicants whose first language is not English must have one of the following certifications:
- IELTS: 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component
- PTE Academic: 61, with no less than 55 in each component
- CAE and CPE (from January 2015): 176, with no less than 169 in each component
- TOEFL: 87, with a minimum of 21 in each component
- Trinity ISE: level 3 with Merit in all components
- LangCert B2 Communicator High Pass (minimum score 33/50)
- WASSCE: C5
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the accepted certifications.
Notes:
- All applications are subject to successful completion of an online interview.
- The closing date for applications is 30 June 2024.
Additional Information:
- The program is offered by the Hull York Medical School, a collaboration between the University of Hull and the University of York.
- The program is delivered 100% online.
- The program is designed for professionals working anywhere in the world who work in palliative care or the care of people living with long-term conditions.
- The program is open to students from a range of specialities, including medical clinicians, GPs, health and social care professionals, policymakers, researchers, and decision-makers at local, regional, and national levels.
- The program is designed to address the urgent need for professionals in this field to drive positive change in palliative care.
