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The Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care is designed to support health professionals in developing the knowledge and skills needed to provide high quality palliative care for people with cancer and other life limiting conditions. Aligned with current strategic priorities in palliative and end of life care, the course enables learners to deepen their understanding and advance their practice through evidence informed, transformative learning.

Delivered fully online, the course offers flexibility for busy practitioners. Learners will complete three 20 credit modules at SCQF Level 10, each focusing on a distinct aspect of palliative care.

The course is open to all health and social care professionals working with individuals who have palliative and supportive care needs. On successful completion of all modules, learners will be awarded a Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care.

Structure, delivery, duration and outcome

Structure: The course comprises three 20-credit modules, all delivered at SCQF Level 10. One module is taken each semester, and with two semesters per academic year, learners normally complete the course over 1.5 years. On successful completion of all three modules, learners are awarded the Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care.

Delivery: Teaching is fully online and includes a mix of live, real time online sessions (where you can interact with tutors and peers) and flexible, self paced learning activities that learners can complete at a time that suits them.

Duration: The course is delivered on a part time basis over 1.5 years, enabling learners to progress through the modules at a manageable pace.

Outcome: On successful completion of three modules, learners will receive a Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment: Our online learning approach combines synchronous (live) online sessions with pre recorded lectures and guided learning activities. This blend is designed to promote flexibility while maintaining opportunities for interaction, collaboration and real time discussion.

Assessment strategies are designed to encourage deep learning and direct application to practice. Students will engage in a variety of assessment methods, which may include:

• Critical reflection on their own professional experiences
• Case based analysis to explore complex palliative care scenarios
• Tutor assessment to support ongoing development

These approaches ensure that learners can integrate new knowledge into their everyday practice, building confidence and capability in providing high quality palliative care.

You must complete the following 3 modules: 

• Caring for the Patient and Family in Palliative Care
• Anticipating and Responding to Pain and other Symptoms in People with Palliative Care Needs.
• A Person-Centred Approach to Communication in Palliative and End of Life Care

NB The modules listed here are correct at time of posting (March 2025). Please check back here for any updates.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a registered health or social care practitioner with the appropriate professional body.
• Provide evidence of relevant health or social care qualifications.
• In a role where they provide care or support to individuals with palliative care needs.

Fees

See 2026/27 Undergraduate fees

Application   

To apply, please click the ‘How to Apply’ section located earlier on this webpage.
If you require further information or support with the application process, please contact contact the Palliative Care team.

Application deadline

Semester 1 (September intake): End of August
Semester 2 (January intake): End of November
  

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2026/27 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).

September 2024 and January 2025

For further information, including application process, please contact The Palliative Care Team