Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care is a part-time, blended learning programme, which includes a clinical placement. The programme runs over two academic years (18 months) from first registration for the Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care.

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.
• In accordance with UCC's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, a student who has successfully completed modules for Continuous Professional Development within the Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care programme, may apply for exemptions for modules taken within the previous five years.

Progression to the MSc in Palliative Care (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

Following successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care, a student may progress to the MSc (Palliative Care), with exemptions granted for modules already taken in the Postgraduate Certificate and the Postgraduate Diploma within the previous 5 years.

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
Students take 30 credits as follows - all listed core modules (20 credits)and 10 credits of elective modules: 1, 2
Core Modules
IP6011	Clinical Practicum in Palliative Care	5
MH6032	Effective Communication in Healthcare 3	5
MH6014	Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals	10
or SS6819	Social Research: Methodology and Ethics
Elective Modules 4
Students take modules to the value of 10 credits from the following:		10
CG6016	Advanced Issues in Dementia Care (10) 5
IP6009	Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects of Palliative Care (5)
IP6010	Care of the Dying Patient, Grief and Bereavement (10)
IP6013	Pharmacotherapeutics in Palliative Care (5)
MH6016	Advance Care Planning (5) 5
NU6053	Professional, Ethical, and Legal Decision-making in Practice (5)
Total Credits		60

¹

Modules previously completed as part of the Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care cannot be taken again for the Postgraduate Diploma.

²

The choice of modules is subject to the approval of the Programme Director.

³

Students who have already completed MH6032 for the Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care will take a 5-credit module from the list of electives instead.

⁴

It may be that not all modules listed above will be offered each year.

⁵

Students can take MH6016 or CG6016 but not both.

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

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

• Incorporate evidence-based palliative care practice and quality improvement into their everyday work.
  
• Critically discuss the processes involved in planning care and choosing appropriate goals for patients with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses.
  
• Critically appraise the available literature relating to their discipline and palliative care.
  
• Adopt an ethical, person-centred approach to caring for people with palliative care needs and their families.
  
• Reflect on the opportunities and challenges of interdisciplinary team working.
  
• Demonstrate an appreciation of the social, cultural, religious and political contexts in which palliative care is delivered.
  
• Reflect on how to build resilience and engage in self-support as a healthcare professional.
  
• Engage in reflective practice to promote professional development.
  
• 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.