Key points
• Study both modules to gain a postgraduate certificate qualification or take as part of a masters programme.
• Critically evaluate your own communication skills.
• Explore current evidence regarding effective communication.
• Learn using flexible teaching resources such as e-learning, alongside individual study days.

Take your communication skills in clinical practice to an advanced level on this distance learning course. The course is split into two modules and you study advanced communication skills in practice and advanced communication and information in supportive care.

These modules have a direct impact on developing communication skills in your own clinical practice. They can be studied as a stand alone qualification or as part of a masters programme.

Advanced communication skills in practice
You critically explore the current evidence that supports the principles and practice of effective communication, counselling and information provision.

Your studies during this module take place through face-to-face and e-learning. This allows you to
• apply new knowledge and skills
• critically reflect and gain feedback on your performance
• discuss these with peers and tutors

You study via the Internet in your own time but you must be able to attend the university for the taught parts of the course. We provide full instructions and support before and during the module.

During the taught days, you share experiences and learning with peers from various professions and clinical settings. These sessions are problem solving and role play exercises supported by lecturers and clinicians, who are specialists in advanced communication skills. The structure of the study days follows the advanced communication skills endorsed by the Department of Health, with the addition of an assessment component.

You also benefit from tutor-supported online discussions, often on challenging issues, that guide your learning and allow you to share views with other students.

For the assessment you submit a portfolio of learning showing how you critically evaluated your applied advanced communication skills and knowledge during a simulated client interview. You must also evaluate your own development in clinical practice. As part of the assessment you design an insightful and reasoned plan showing how you will develop your future practice.

Advanced communication and information in supportive care
This module enables critical self-reflection of your communication skills and supports the development of a personal action plan for your future practice. The patient experience is considered carefully and you explore the impact of communication on patients and carers, understanding of the role of advanced communication and information in managing the unique problems faced by people living with cancer and other chronic illnesses.

By addressing the cognitive, behavioural and emotional aspects of communication you focus on developing key skills and strategies for dealing with situations through effective face-to-face communication between practitioners and patients/carers. You also explore information needs, relating to the ability to assess information on its quality, level of complexity, timing, patient-centredness and currency.

For this module we supply a wide range of online resources and material including • PowerPoint presentations • links to websites • case scenarios (practice and patient/user based).

The module leader provides support via tutorials, discussion boards, email or telephone contact.

For the assessment, you take a critical look at your own communication skills. This includes developing an action plan for practice. You also write an in-depth review on one area advanced communication skills, counselling approaches or information provision.

Study individual modules
You can study individual modules from this course and gain academic credit towards a qualification. Visit our continuing professional development website for more information.

Related courses

• MSc/PgDip/PgCert Radiotherapy and Oncology (Distance learning)