Breast Cancer
Everything you need to know
- Start date: September 2026
- End date: December 2026
- Module leader: Heather Drury-Smith
- Level: 7
- Credits: 15
Introduction
This module provides a detailed exploration of breast cancer, including tumour biology, diagnostics, treatment, and survivorship. You will develop evidence-informed, ethical, and holistic strategies to enhance patient care, addressing physical, psychological, and quality-of-life needs across diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up.
Who is this course/module for?
- Qualified healthcare professionals working in oncology, radiotherapy, supportive or palliative care.
- Allied health professionals seeking to enhance knowledge of breast cancer care.
- Practitioners aiming to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based, person-centred, and holistic approaches.
- Professionals interested in survivorship, follow-up care, and integrating ethical, clinical, and psychosocial considerations into practice.
What you’ll learn
Explore breast cancer through contemporary research, evidence-based practice, and ethical considerations. Critically appraise treatment modalities, survivorship strategies, and supportive interventions to inform professional judgement and advance patient-centred care.
Skills you’ll gain
Critically evaluate breast cancer biology, diagnostics, and treatment approaches.
Apply evidence-based, ethical, and holistic care strategies across the patient journey.
Assess the physical, psychological, and quality-of-life impact of breast cancer and its treatment.
Integrate survivorship planning, supportive interventions, and long-term follow-up into patient care.
Synthesise research findings and communicate effectively to professional and academic audiences.
How you’ll learn
This online module blends self-directed study with live and recorded webinars, interactive activities, and formative tasks. You will engage with evidence-based materials, clinical examples, and patient perspectives, collaborating with peers and tutors. Learning is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and directly applicable to your professional practice.
Fees and Funding for 2026/27
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £915 EU / International students: £930 - The University cannot sponsor a Student Visa for CPD modules. However, if you already have permission to study in the UK, you can apply. If you’re unsure whether your visa allows this, please contact the International Experience Team at hallamhelp@shu.ac.uk to discuss your options. |
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| How to apply |
You can apply for this module using our online admissions form. After you have registered or logged in, select the module title under "Please choose your first module". |
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Entry requirements
Applicants are normally expected to hold a science or healthcare degree or professional qualification in a relevant subject, such as Radiotherapy & Oncology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Speech & Language Therapy, Nursing, or Exercise Medicine. Equivalent academic or professional qualifications will also be considered, including evidence of CPD, leadership, service development, research, or publications. Applicants should usually have at least 12 months’ professional experience supporting people living with or beyond cancer. If English is not your first language, you must have an English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill) and access to reliable IT. Recognition of prior learning may be considered for relevant Level 7 credits.
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
Synchronous online learning (distance learning). Take part in live, timetabled online sessions using tools like video calls and virtual classrooms. You’ll learn in real time with tutors and other students, with no need to attend campus for teaching or assessments.
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
This module does not have a specific timetable of study days and times, that you are expected to attend. Your tutor will direct you through a series of learning resources and activities, including non-live discussions and live webinars. The latter will be recorded for people who cannot join the live sessions. If you would like to know the times for the live sessions in advance, you can request this from the module leader anytime from 17th August 2026.
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Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Written Assignment
Successful completion of this module will earn you 15 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Heather Drury-Smith - h.drury-smith@shu.ac.uk