MSc/PgDip/PgCert Palliative Care (Advancing Practice in) at Queen Margaret University

Programme overview

A fully online MSc/PgDip/PgCert in partnership with St Columba's Hospice Care for registered practitioners wanting to advance palliative care practice, covering pain and symptom management, psychological, social and spiritual aspects, and communication skills.

Faculty: School of Health Sciences | Department: Nursing and Paramedic Science | Duration: 2-5 years part-time (fully online) | Intake: September 2027; January 2028 | Study mode: part-time | Location: Musselburgh (Edinburgh), Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include Advancing Practice in Complex Pain and Symptoms in Palliative Care, Communication with People Living with Life-limiting Illness, Fundamentals of Advancing Practice, Methods of Enquiry, Assessing and Planning Care for Persons, People and Populations, Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (40 credits) and an optional module, with a dissertation for the MSc.

Career pathways

Prepares health and social care practitioners with advanced palliative care knowledge, critical understanding and leadership skills for the growing demand in this area.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Honours degree or equivalent in a health or care-related subject, and being a registered health or social care professional currently working with people living with life-limiting illness and palliative care needs. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with no component below 6.0; as the course is fully online the University cannot sponsor international students on a student visa. The Advancing Competencies and Advancing Portfolio core modules require learners to be working in the relevant area of practice with the support of a line manager and workplace mentor. Application deadline: typically December for a January start and August for a September start.

Intake: September 2027 / January 2028

Duration: 2-5 years part-time (fully online)

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