Palliative and End of Life Care

Postgraduate Certificate

Course Details

Course Code	GA_SPELC_E09
Level	9
Duration	1 semester
Credits	30
Method of Delivery	Blended
Campus Locations	Mayo
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

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Course Overview

This postgraduate programme in Palliative Care equips graduates with advanced knowledge and competencies to lead and innovate in the delivery of palliative care both nationally and internationally. The curriculum emphasizes the critical importance of clinical expertise, integrated service delivery, patient-centered support, and family engagement throughout palliative and end-of-life care.

Designed for healthcare professionals actively involved in palliative and end-of-life practice, this comprehensive suite of modules fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based approaches to care. The programme aligns closely with the new National HSE Adult Palliative Care Policy (2024), ensuring graduates are prepared to contribute to policy implementation and best practice standards.

Programme Highlights

Aligned with National HSE Adult Palliative Care Policy (2024)
Comprehensive Curriculum: Focus on clinical excellence, service integration, patient and family-centered care.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Designed for professionals across healthcare disciplines.
Flexible Learning: Modules tailored for those actively engaged in practice.

Key Benefits for Students

Advanced Clinical Expertise: Apply evidence-based care strategies.
Leadership Development: Drive service improvements and policy implementation.
Global Perspective: Expand career opportunities nationally and internationally.
Patient & Family-Centered Care: Enhance holistic support skills.
Career Advancement: Prepare for specialist, leadership, education, and research roles.

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Principles of Palliative and End of Life Care The aim of this module is to enable learners to critically review, discuss and debate current strategies and developments within palliative and end of life care. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically evaluate the principles of palliative care and EOL care. 2. Critically assess the palliative care services nationally and internationally. 3. Critically discuss the core competencies of palliative care and their application to practice. 4. Demonstrate a wider strategic understanding of palliative care within the multidisciplinary settings. 5. Critically appreciate the central role of the person and their family within palliative and end of life care. 6. Critically appreciate the impact of life limiting conditions on the person and the family.	10	Mandatory
1	Psychosocial, Ethical and Spiritual Care This module aims to develop health and social care professional's competence, knowledge, skills and critical thinking regarding the psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of palliative care Learning Outcomes 1. Enhance the students knowledge and understanding of the psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and ethical aspects of care within a palliative care context. 2. Critically examine the development of sensitivities, skills and communications in the provision of holistic care within the social, cultural and organisational context. 3. Critically analyse the role of the interdisciplinary teams and the role of disciplinary specific contributions to the end of life care team. 4. Critically analyse theories of grief and loss/death and dying. 5. Critically analyse strategies for self-care (staff).	10	Mandatory
1	Effective Symptom Management in Life Limiting Conditions This module will develop competencies of holistic and effective management of common symptoms in adult life limiting conditions. It will enable professionals to offer best possible quality of service to the person, carer and extended family group. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of common symptoms in adult life limiting conditions. 2. Evaluate the effective management of common symptoms through a person centred and evidence based approach. 3. Appraise relevant international, national and local guidelines in symptom management. 4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of Palliative Care emergencies.	10	Elective
1	Reflective Practice The aim of this module is to enable the learner to develop competency in practice of reflective thinking and writing as a method of increasing, enhancing and promoting continued professional development and self care in professional practice. This module also aims to equip the learner with the skills of critical self awareness, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and conclusion. Learners will enhance their competences related to theories of reflective practice and critically appraise the role of reflection in professional practice using a critical research approach. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically analyse the meaning of reflection and reflective practice within professional practice. 2. Critically analyse the main theories and models of contemporary reflective practice. 3. Critically distinguish the skills requiredfor effective reflective practice. 4. Critically differentiate the contemporary debates related to reflective practice such as assessment and facilitation of reflective practice. 5. Critically understand and demonstrate the skills of reflective writing. 6. Critically appreciate the role of education for the reflective practitioner.	10	Elective
1	End of Life Care for the Person with Dementia This module is aims at offering the learner the opportunity to develop competencies pertaining to Dementia and End of Life Care for the person and families affected. Learners will enhance their critical understanding and appreciation of the effects and impact of dementia on the person and their loved ones. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the challenges of having a family member with dementia. 2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the complex processes involved in cognitive impairment, memory loss and overall deterioration in functional ability for the person with dementia. 3. Demonstrate critical understanding and practical application for communicating effectively with a person with dementia and their families in planning end of life care. 4. Apply an evidence based approach to carrying out a holistic assessment of a person with dementia. 5. Critically appraise the ethical and legal issues that arise when caring for a person with dementia at end of life, particularly for advanced care planning. 6. Critically appraise the international, national and local guidelines relevant to dementia care in Ireland.	10	Elective

Recommended Study Hours per week

Students can expect to allow for 6-8 hours of study per week.

Examination and Assessment

Continuous assessment methods are utilised which may consist of presentations, assignments, debates, discussions & book reviews.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

There are 4 on campus workshops in the semester which run over 1.5 days. Attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Studying online has been a unique and rewarding experience. One of the most helpful aspects was the flexibility it offered. I have progressed from RGN to CNS by gaining successfully the educational requirements to do so from ATU. ATU has allowed me to become aware and develop invaluable qualities such as hard work, reliability and exceptional communication, planning and organisational skills and clinical expertise, for that I am forever grateful.
Margaret Kelly , Clinical Nurse Specialist

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Download a prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for undertaking this programme are:

Honours Degree (H2.2) in any health or social care discipline or recognised cognate professional qualiﬁcation.
A minimum of one year’s experience in delivering a palliative care approach within practice within the last two years.
Be employed for the duration of the course in an area where the principles of palliative care are operationalized when caring for individuals with life threatening illness and their families. An example of such may be; Acute Hospitals, community hospitals, care homes, private practice, hospice and community health centers.
Applicants other than nurses, must be employed in a practice area which allows interaction with patients who have palliative/end of life care needs and, where appropriate, be registered with their respective professional body.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants may use RPL as a means of accessing the programme. They can also use RPL to gain exemptions. RPL can either be certiﬁed or experiential.

ATU Mayo will assess individual applicants on a case-by-case basis, in line with the RPL Policy. RPL application is via the www.myexperience.ie website.

For Registered Nurses Only

An additional checklist needs to be completed by the applicant’s Director of Nursing.

This checklist relates to mentoring support within the practice placement module and organisation support for the applicant.

Click here for the Certificate/PG Dip/Masters in Palliative and End of Life Care checklist.

It is an essential requirement that this checklist is completed.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €2,400

Further information on fees

Professional Accreditation

This programme is Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) accredited.

Careers

Having completed this programme graduates will have developed enhanced contextual, cultural and professional insights into palliative and end of life care and will be equipped with a set of skills that will have a direct impact in the quality of care oﬀered to persons and families in need of palliative and end of life care in your work area. These roles vary across the spectrum of health and social care.

Graduates of this programme will advance their career prospects in terms of promotion eligibility and post-graduate training. This may be in areas of management, practice development and/or specialist clinical areas such as palliative care.

On completion of the programme, registered nurses who meet the criteria may be eligible to apply for clinical nurse specialist in palliative care.

Further Information

Who Should Apply?

This is programme designed for professionals working in areas that cater for people in palliative and/or end of life care. This includes doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, counsellors, social workers, nurses, psychologists, managers and healthcare assistants.