Overview

The MSc (Palliative Care) is a part-time, blended learning programme, which includes a clinical placement. The programme runs over three years from first registration for the Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care. With the approval of the Programme Team the programme can be completed over two years.

Notes: 

• Entry to the programme is only via the Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care. All students will be registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care in the first instance.
• Any student wishing to complete the MSc (Palliative Care) in the same academic year as the Postgraduate Diploma (Year 2) must discuss this with the Programme Director before the end of June in the previous academic year. Such requests may be granted in exceptional circumstances following consideration by the programme team.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Year 1
Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care		30
Year 2
Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care		30
Year 3
Students take 30 credits as follows:
Core Modules
IP6012	Dissertation in Palliative Care	30
Total Credits		90

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for MSc (Palliative Care) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Evaluate models and settings of palliative care within healthcare systems.
  
• Critically appraise the available literature in palliative care relevant to their discipline and interdisciplinary teamwork.
  
• Act as innovators, leaders and facilitators in palliative care and contribute to practice development and best practice.
  
• Plan, execute and disseminate research and/or quality improvement initiatives in the area of palliative care.
  
• Reflect on the role of members of the interdisciplinary palliative care team, focussing on the commonalities and the unique discipline perspectives of each member.
  
• Apply comprehensive and well-assimilated knowledge and critical skills to clinically and ethically challenging situations that arise in relation to palliative care.
  
• Synthesise issues for the development of intervention/service responses appropriate to the needs of individuals, families and practitioners in palliative care.
  
• Recognise the importance of collaboration with healthcare professionals from a wide range of disciplines when providing care to people with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses .
  
• Adopt an ethical, person-centred approach to caring for people with palliative care needs and their families.