Palliative and End of Life Care in Oncology
Everything you need to know
- Start date: September 2027
- End date: December 2027
- Module leader: Dr Heather Drury-Smith
- Level: 7
- Credits: 30
Introduction
This module develops advanced understanding of palliative and end-of-life care in oncology.
You will critically examine holistic care needs, ethical and cultural considerations, and psychosocial factors, synthesise research and policy, and reflect on current practice. Emphasis is placed on proposing evidence-informed improvements to enhance outcomes for patients, families, and health systems.
Who is this course/module for?
- Qualified healthcare and allied health professionals working with patients with advanced cancer or in palliative care.
- Practitioners seeking to critically appraise holistic, ethical, cultural, and psychosocial aspects of palliative oncology.
- Professionals aiming to synthesise research and evidence to inform reflective practice, policy, and service improvements in palliative and end-of-life care.
- Those looking to enhance knowledge of care planning, supportive frameworks, and strategies to optimise outcomes for patients, families, and healthcare systems in palliative oncology settings.
What you’ll learn
Develop advanced knowledge of palliative and end-of-life oncology care. Synthesise current research and guidelines to inform reflective, evidence-based strategies, propose service improvements, and enhance outcomes for patients with advanced cancer, their families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Skills you’ll gain
Critically appraise holistic palliative and end-of-life care needs in patients with advanced cancer.
Evaluate ethical, cultural, and psychosocial considerations in palliative oncology practice.
Synthesise research, policy, and evidence to propose reflective, practice-informed improvements in oncology care.
Develop advanced analytical and critical thinking skills relevant to end-of-life decision-making and service development.
Apply reflective practice to enhance outcomes for patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams in palliative oncology.
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: £1,825 EU / International students: £1,860 - 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.
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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 30 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Dr Heather Drury-Smith - h.drury-smith@shu.ac.uk or contact the student experience team: