PgCert; PgDip; MSc PALLIATIVE AND END OF LIFE CARE

Overview

This course is jointly delivered by London South Bank University and Saint Francis Hospice and has been designed to enable health and social care professionals to enhance care provided to patients and families facing physical, psychosocial and spiritual issues associated with life-limiting illness.

It is based on the core competencies in palliative care identified by the European Association for Palliative Care. It is also congruent with core competences and principles for health and social care professionals working with adults at the end of life and aligns with DH and HEE priorities for workforce development in palliative and end of life care. It reflects the multi-professional nature of palliative care and health and social care professionals are given the opportunity to learn together; therefore, student learning is facilitated by a multi-professional teaching team using a Blended Learning Approach with a particular emphasis on linking theory to practice.

The course offers flexibility where students can choose to undertake the course on full time or part time basis. In addition, the course offers a choice of module from the CPPD portfolio to suits student’s personal and professional needs.

LSBU Nursing & Midwifery graduates are the highest paid amongst all London Modern university graduates, and fifth highest in the UK one year after graduating (DfE LEO data 2022)

We're ranked 2nd amongst London competitors for Graduate Prospects in Nursing (Complete University Guide 2023).

For specific enquiries - please contact Bridget Moss and Isabel Richmond. The telephone contact for both is 01708 758646

For MSc Full time and Part time Mode, Year 2 and 3 are at Southwark but Year 1 is at Havering/ Saint Francis Hospice.

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
ModePgCert full-time Duration1 year Start dateSeptember Application code4875 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeMSc full-time Duration3 years Start dateSeptember Application code4874 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePgDip full-time Duration1 year Start dateSeptember Application code5182 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePgDip part-time Duration2 years Start dateSeptember Application code5183 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeMSc part-time Duration3 years Start dateSeptember Application code5184 Application method Direct to LSBU

Location

London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.

If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.

Entry Level Requirements

Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

In order to be considered for entry to the course applicants will be required to have the following qualifications and experience:

  • A degree in nursing, medicine or dentistry, or a degree in life sciences or social sciences with a classification of 2:2 or above from a UK or an overseas university. However, applicants with significant clinical experience at a senior level with evidence of a minimum 80 undergraduate degree level credits (at least 15 credits of which has been completed within the past 2 years) will also be considered
  • Applicants must be registered with a recognised professional body as appropriate
  • Full-time and international applicants must demonstrate that they have had at least 6 months work experience in a relevant setting prior to their enrolment on the course.
  • For students whose first language is not English, one of the following is also required:
    A first degree from a UK university or an overseas institution recognised by the university as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language; for example, institutions in Canada, Australia, USA, etc.
    Or Possession of IELTS score of at least 6.5 across all four domains or its equivalent for students whose first language is not English
  • It is desirable that applicants are employed within an appropriate health or social care environment during their study, with access to appropriate clinical support and supervision for the development of knowledge and skills at an advanced level.

Missing English and Maths qualifications?

If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

United Kingdom

£7710

Tuition fees for home students

International

£12400

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

  • Part-time

    part-time

    MSc Palliative and End of Life Care (St Francis Hospice) (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3855 International fee: £6200
    AOS/LSBU code: 5184 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £10868
    International: £18600

    PgDip Palliative and End of Life Care (St Francis Hospice) (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3855 International fee: £6200
    AOS/LSBU code: 5183 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £7710
    International: £12400

    MSc Palliative and End of Life Care (St Francis Hospice) (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3855 International fee: £6200
    AOS/LSBU code: 5184 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £10868
    International: £18600

    PgDip Palliative and End of Life Care (St Francis Hospice) (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3855 International fee: £6200
    AOS/LSBU code: 5183 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £7710
    International: £12400

    MSc Palliative and End of Life Care (St Francis Hospice) (PT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3158 International fee: £6200
    AOS/LSBU code: 5184 Session code: 3PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £10868
    International: £18600
  • Full-time

    full-time

    PgCert Palliative and End of Life Care (St Francis Hospice) (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3855 International fee: £6200
    AOS/LSBU code: 4875 Session code: 1FS00

    MSc Palliative and End of Life Care (St Francis Hospice) (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £7710 International fee: £12400
    AOS/LSBU code: 4874 Session code: 1FS00

    PgDip Palliative and End of Life Care (St Francis Hospice) (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £7710 International fee: £12400
    AOS/LSBU code: 5182 Session code: 1FS00

    MSc Palliative and End of Life Care (St Francis Hospice) (FT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3158 International fee: £6200
    AOS/LSBU code: 4874 Session code: 2FS00

Speak with your employer/Trust regarding professional development funding that may be available to you.

International students

International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

Home

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
Mode PgCert full-time Duration 1 year Start date September Application code 4875 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode MSc full-time Duration 3 years Start date September Application code 4874 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode PgDip full-time Duration 1 year Start date September Application code 5182 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode PgDip part-time Duration 2 years Start date September Application code 5183 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode MSc part-time Duration 3 years Start date September Application code 5184 Application method Direct to LSBU

Some compulsory skills sessions may take place in the evening.

Year 1

  • Palliative approaches to pain and symptom management
    This module focuses on key principles in relation to assessment, management and treatment of pain and other symptoms using a palliative care approach. It reviews the aetiology, mechanism, assessment and treatment of common and difficult symptoms in palliative care. It develops knowledge and skills in assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing and evaluating evidence based interventions related to pain and symptom management.
  • Psychosocial, ethical and spiritual aspects of palliative care practice
    This module focuses on developing an in-depth understanding of the psychosocial, ethical and spiritual issues encountered by patients with life-limiting illness and their families/carers. By undertaking this module, you'll have the opportunity to explore areas related to Psychosocial distress and therapeutic responses; spiritual care; cultural competence; ethical and legal dilemmas; communication skills; grief, loss, and bereavement, and professional burnout relevant to palliative care practice.
  • End of life care: Dementia and other non-malignant conditions
    This module will examine the ways in which the scope of palliative care can be extended to improve the quality of life and death of people with dementia and other non-malignant diseases. Traditional and innovative interventions will be considered, including non-pharmacological approaches to managing behavioural, psychological and physical symptoms.

Year 2

  • Innovation for excellence - Leading service change
    This module explores key factors which together enable professionals to begin to critically reflect upon their current service and to design and implement innovations and changes in health and social care services. You'll be able to explore theories and models of leadership and contemporary healthcare leadership models to develop understanding of the role of leadership in delivering a high quality service. You'll critically reflect upon your own strengths and areas for development in relation to leading and inspiring colleagues and team members, and be introduced to the concepts of evaluating innovations.
  • Research in health and social care
    The purpose of this module is to consolidate and extend knowledge of research approaches and methods and enhance the ability to be a critical user of research evidence. The module examines philosophical and theoretical perspectives underpinning health and social care research approaches including exploration of research design and key aspects of data gathering and interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The module will develop practical skills for identifying, critical reviewing and synthesising research evidence relevant to professional practice.

A choice of level 7 modules from the CPPD prospectus relevant to the overarching award title.

Year 3

  • Dissertation
    This module provides the opportunity to undertake original enquiry in a chosen area of professional practice. Through the preparatory learning set you'll be able to consolidate and extend your knowledge and understanding of research and evaluation design and associated methods of enquiry. You'll be supported to develop the practical skills necessary to plan and carry out your chosen project. The preparatory learning set will address ethical and governance issues and processes relevant to the project.

The course utilises a variety of assessment strategies that have been designed to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of palliative care practice and to respond to the learning needs of students from different clinical backgrounds; in addition, ensuring that all the learning outcomes are met.

The postgraduate certificate in Palliative and End of Life Care comprises a range of assessment methods including; problem based case-scenario multiple choice question exam, case study assignment and oral presentation.

The postgraduate diploma in Palliative and End of Life Care comprises a research methods module, which is assessed by a research critique, enabling students to develop practical skills for identifying, critically reviewing and synthesising research evidence relevant to palliative care practice.

The MSc Palliative and End of Life Care comprises of a dissertation module, enabling students to consolidate and extend their understanding of research and evaluation design or of systematic literature review.

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

  • Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
  • Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
  • LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required to provide high quality palliative and end of life care, participants will be well positioned to assume advanced clinical, education and leadership roles in a variety of clinical settings nationally and internationally.

Teaching and Assessment

A Blended Learning Approach approach is used, meaning student learning is facilitated through a combination of face to face teaching and delivery of content via digital and online media. It allows for a greater variety and flexibility than a traditional classroom set up and responds to the learning needs of modern learners. For example, a classroom lecture may be accompanied by online discussion forums or other online activities where students have the opportunity to interact and share experiences and knowledge with some element of student control over time, place and space.

Students will be supported to develop their academic skills and be able to work at level 7. This will be facilitated through tutorials, workshops and feedback from formative assessments. Skills for learning team will provide a workshop at the beginning of each semester on critical thinking, academic writing and use of grammar. Students can access additional support through the student centre as needed. The module leader and teaching team will provide tutorials on assessments and review draft work of students as needed. Assessment feedback will also provide guidance that will assist further academic development.

Each student will be assigned a named academic contact as a personal tutor who will be selected from the course team. The personal tutors will provide academic guidance and pastoral support across the programme of study and review wider academic progress. Formal meeting will be scheduled once every academic year to facilitate progress, review and provide academic feedback. Additional meetings can be arranged as required.

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Contact information

Course Enquiries - UK

Tel: 0207 815 7500

International team enquiry

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7815 6189