Loss, Grief and Bereavement
Everything you need to know
- Start date: September 2026
- End date: December 2026
- Module leader: Dr Heather Drury-Smith
- Level: 7
- Credits: 15
Introduction
This module provides a multidisciplinary exploration of loss, grief, and bereavement across health and social care contexts.
You will critically examine traditional and contemporary grief models, cultural and societal influences, and evidence-based interventions. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice, practitioner self-care, and organisational strategies to compassionately support individuals, families, and teams experiencing loss and grief.
Who is this course/module for?
- Qualified healthcare and social care professionals working with patients, families, or teams experiencing grief and loss.
- Allied health, nursing, and support staff seeking to enhance knowledge of bereavement theory and practice.
- Practitioners aiming to deliver evidence-informed, culturally sensitive, and compassionate care.
- Professionals interested in reflective practice, practitioner self-care, and organisational strategies for supporting grief across diverse settings.
What you’ll learn
Develop the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate grief and bereavement theories, synthesise multidisciplinary research, and apply evidence-based, compassionate strategies. Reflect on current practice to support individuals, families, and teams, address complex grief challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement and professional development in diverse health and social care settings.
Skills you’ll gain
Critically evaluate grief and bereavement theories and models across diverse contexts.
Apply evidence-based strategies to support individuals, families, and teams experiencing loss.
Reflect on current practice to improve care and inform professional development.
Deliver culturally sensitive, compassionate, and ethically informed grief support.
Integrate research and reflective insight into practical, real-world health and social care settings.
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. |
|---|---|
| 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". |
-
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. 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.
-
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.
-
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 Dr Heather Drury-Smith - h.drury-smith@shu.ac.uk