Fundamentals of Supportive Oncology & Personalised Care
Everything you need to know
- Start date: September 2026
- End date: December 2026
- Module leader: Cath Holborn
- Level: 7
- Credits: 15
Introduction
This module provides an introduction to supportive oncology and personalised care.
You will explore the consequences of cancer and its treatment, principles of holistic assessment, self-management support, and patient-centred approaches. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice, understanding the evidence base, and developing foundational skills to enhance supportive care across the cancer pathway.
Who is this course/module for?
- Healthcare and allied health professionals working with people affected by cancer.
- Practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding of supportive oncology and personalised care.
- Professionals wanting to develop foundational knowledge of patient-centred assessment, self-management, and evidence-informed supportive care.
What you’ll learn
Gain foundational knowledge of supportive oncology and personalised care. Explore the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual consequences of cancer, principles of holistic assessment, patient empowerment, and self-management. Reflect on professional roles and the evidence base to enhance supportive care and improve outcomes across the cancer pathway.
Skills you’ll gain
Describe the impact of cancer and its treatment on holistic wellbeing.
Apply principles of supportive oncology and personalised care.
Identify strategies to support patient empowerment and self-management.
Reflect on professional roles and contributions in supportive care delivery.
Critically engage with evidence to inform foundational supportive care practice.
How you’ll learn
This online module combines self-directed study with live and recorded webinars, reflective tasks, and formative activities. You will explore supportive oncology principles, critically engage with the evidence base, and reflect on your professional practice in a flexible, interactive learning environment.
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:
Distance learning (fully online, independent study). Delivered entirely online through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), with no live sessions. Students study independently using guided materials and activities, with online academic support available to help them stay on track.
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:
- Coursework
Successful completion of this module will earn you 15 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Cath Holborn - c.holborn@shu.ac.uk or contact the student experience team: