Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care

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This M.Sc. in Palliative Care is open to a wide range of professionals who have experience in delivering a palliative care approach within practice within the last two years. The aim of this inter-disciplinary course is to provide an opportunity for students to develop a comprehensive academic and evidence based approach to their practice and to critically explore and critique palliative care service provision. For the duration of the course| students need to be employed in an area where the principles of palliative care are operationalised when caring for individuals with life threatening illness and their families.

Practice is an integral component to the MSc Palliative Care course and as such, students are required to engage in critical analysis of their practice in relation to applying the principles of Ethics and Law, Research, Pain and Symptom Management and Psycho Social Care. Students engaging in this course will concurrently be providing care to persons with Palliative Care needs and their families, at their usual (or base) clinical site. In addition, and in order to expand on students' knowledge and experience in Palliative Care, a total of one hundred and twenty hours of supernumerary clinical placements will be established with the co-operation of clinical sites within and beyond St Francis Hospice services. The difference in client caseload that each site offers will further enhance the richness of clinical exposure for the student and challenge their ability to adapt their clinical skills to match a variety of client groups. These placements will take place across a variety of clinical placement sites and may include:

* Specialist Palliative Care
* Paediatric Palliative Care
* Palliative Care of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and/or dementia.

2 years part-time.
The programme commences with one full study week and continues with one to two days contact per week, for the academic year. In addition, a blended learning approach is utilised in the delivery of theoretical content, including lectures, group discussion, WebCT and self directed learning. Students undertake a total of one hundred and twenty hours of supernumerary clinical placements, in various care settings, relevant to the speciality of palliative care. The assessment process used is a combination of written and practical assignments.

Year one of the part-time taught masters course starts with a full week on Monday 16th September 2013 and continues with classes on the following Thursdays until 12 December 2013. There is a break then before it recommences on 16 January 2014 and continues on Thursdays until the end of March or early April. There is some web-based learning involved.

Attendance in Year 2 of M.Sc. courses involves attending a selection of workshops run from September to March. (The last workshop is actually on 26 February 2014.) These workshops are designed to support students as they progress through the various stages of their final year dissertation. Students will be free to attend any of the workshops on offer. At the end of Year 2, M.Sc. students will produce a dissertation on a chosen subject related to their field of study.

Teaching of the clinical specialist modules takes places on clinical sites for the most part.

Programme requirements for the Palliative Care postgraduate programmes at the University of Dublin include a combination of academic prerequisites, professional experience, and language proficiency. Applicants are typically required to hold a relevant undergraduate degree in fields such as medicine, nursing, social work, or other healthcare disciplines from a recognized institution. In some cases, candidates with substantial professional experience in palliative care or hospice settings may be considered favorably even if they do not hold a formal academic qualification in health sciences.

Proficiency in English is mandatory; applicants must demonstrate this through recognized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL if their first language is not English. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0, is generally required to ensure students can engage effectively with the course material and participate in discussions. Additionally, relevant professional experience in palliative or end-of-life care is highly desirable and may be considered during application review. This experience helps demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to and understanding of palliative care principles, which are core to the programme.

Applicants are also expected to submit a personal statement outlining their motivation for pursuing advanced study in palliative care, their career goals, and how the programme aligns with their professional development. References from academic or professional referees who can attest to the applicant’s suitability for postgraduate study are typically required. In some cases, an interview process may be part of the selection procedure to better assess applicants’ commitment and readiness for postgraduate study.

The university encourages applications from healthcare professionals intending to enhance their clinical skills, leadership qualities, and research capabilities in palliative care. The programme is designed for both full-time students and working professionals, with flexible learning options that may include part-time or blended formats. Candidates should also meet any additional programme-specific requirements outlined by the university, which may include submission of a CV or portfolio that details relevant experience and training.

Overall, the admission criteria aim to select motivated, qualified candidates with a strong foundation and a clear interest in advancing palliative care practice. The university’s standards ensure students are well-prepared to benefit from the academic rigor of the programme and to contribute effectively to the field of palliative and end-of-life care after graduation.

The financing of the Palliative Care programme at the University of Dublin is structured to accommodate a wide range of students, including Irish residents, EU/EEA students, and international applicants. The programme fees are set annually and are publicly available on the university’s official website, allowing prospective students to plan their financial arrangements accordingly. Tuition fees for the programme depend on the student’s residency status and are subject to periodic adjustments by the university’s administration. Irish and EU/EEA students benefit from relatively lower fees compared to international students, reflecting government subsidies and support structures aimed at fostering local and regional healthcare development.

Funding options for students include direct payment of tuition, with options for installment plans in some cases to ease the financial burden. The university also offers scholarship opportunities, bursaries, and grants to eligible students, which are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific demographic criteria, such as healthcare professionals returning for postgraduate specialization. Furthermore, students may access external funding sources, including government loan schemes, private educational loans, or sponsorship programs from healthcare organizations and charities committed to advancing palliative care education.

The university provides comprehensive guidance to prospective applicants on financial planning, including detailed information on costs, deadlines for scholarship applications, and advice on accessing financial aid. Additionally, some students enrolled in the programme may qualify for work-study arrangements or part-time employment opportunities within the university or affiliated healthcare facilities, helping to offset tuition expenses. International students are advised to explore their home country’s funding mechanisms and bilateral exchange agreements that might support their study abroad. Overall, the university endeavours to make the Palliative Care programme accessible and affordable by offering multiple financing pathways and supporting students through tailored financial aid options, ensuring that aspiring healthcare professionals can pursue advanced training in palliative care without insurmountable financial barriers.

The University of Dublin offers comprehensive programmes in Palliative Care designed to equip healthcare professionals with specialized skills and knowledge to improve the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses. These programmes typically focus on developing expertise in symptom management, ethical issues, communication skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for effective palliative care delivery. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, often including clinical placements, case studies, and research components to ensure students are well-prepared for real-world scenarios.

Students enrolled in these programmes gain a thorough understanding of pain management, psychosocial support, spiritual care, and end-of-life decision-making processes. The courses may be tailored for various healthcare disciplines, including nursing, medicine, social work, and allied health professions, enabling interdisciplinary learning. The programme structure may include part-time and full-time options, catering to working professionals seeking to enhance their qualifications while maintaining their employment commitments.

These programmes also incorporate the latest evidence-based practices and guidelines in palliative care, aligning with national and international standards. Graduates of the programme are expected to demonstrate advanced competencies that allow them to lead and support palliative care teams, influence policy development, and improve patient outcomes at individual and community levels. Upon completion, students often receive a postgraduate qualification, such as a diploma or master's degree in Palliative Care.

The University of Dublin prides itself on offering accessible, high-quality education with experienced faculty members who are experts in the field. The programmes may include online learning components, interactive seminars, and workshops to foster active engagement and practical learning. Overall, the programme aims to prepare healthcare professionals to deliver compassionate, patient-centered palliative care that respects the dignity and wishes of those they serve.