MSc, Postgraduate Diploma
& Certificate in Palliative Care Enquiry booklet
2021
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Contents Welcome to the MSc, Postgraduate Diploma & Postgraduate Certficiate in Palliative Care
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Cicely Saunders Institute & St Christopher’s Hospice
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Learning Outcomes
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Delivery of the MSc, Postgraduate Diploma & Postgraduate Certficiate in Palliative Care
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Study Routes
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Module content:
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Research Methods & Statistics Assessment and Management of Symptoms in Advanced Diseases Applying Psychosocial, Cultural, Ethical and Spiritual Issues to Palliative and End of Life Care
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Service Development and Policy Applying Epidmeiology in Palliative Care
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Research Study Project Support during your studies
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How to apply
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Admissions Visa
English Requirement Calendar 2021
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Assessments for modules Fees
Testominals from our Alumni
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Frequently asked questions
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Contacts and events
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Welcome to the MSc, Postgraduate Diploma & Postgraduate Certificate programme in Palliative Care The King’s College London MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care is one of the world’s most acclaimed programmes in palliative care . This multi-professional course, jointly developed by King's College London and St Christopher's Hospice has supported the career development of hundreds of healthcare professionals across the globe. . The underpinning philosophy of our MSc, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate is to enable students to develop essential skills to appraise palliative care evidence , conduct high quality palliative care research, improve clinical practice, and develop palliative care services across the world. Students will gain an enhanced understanding of physical, psychosocial, spiritual and ethical issues in palliative and end of life care, and their assessment and effective management. The international and multi-professional programme provides a rich learning environment, where students from all multiple professions and cultures are enabled and facilitated to share their experiences and support each other’s learning through groupwork, seminars, online forums and classroom discussions.
The MSc Palliative Care will support students’ career development, positioning them to be the future global leaders in palliative care, and advancing the speciality.
Dr Clare Ellis-Smith
MSc Course Director & Lecturer in Palliative Care
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Cicely Saunders Institute Built in 2010, The Cicely Saunders Institute is a worldleading centre for palliative care research and an official collaborating centre of the World Health Organisation. The Institute’s breakthrough research projects not only influence clinical practice, but also have an impact on national and international policies for palliative care. The Institute’s multidisciplinary environment combines social science, psychology, therapies, nursing, medical and health services research. We’ve been developing leaders in palliative care across the world for over two decades. Helping students build on their existing knowledge and learning how to apply best practice with our faculty of experts and cutting-edge research.
Dr Eve Namisango, Uganda Testimonial
St Christopher’s Hospice The MSc programme is run in collaboration with St Christopher’s Hospice. Dame Cicely Saunders founded St Christopher’s Hospice in 1967. From its inception, St. Christopher's linked education and research to clinical care, which defined it as the first of the 'modern' hospices and a forerunner of the modern hospice movement. St. Christopher's Hospice has a national and international reputation. The mission of the Hospice is 'to promote and to provide skilled and compassionate palliative care of the highest quality’.
I really enjoyed this international course with teaching from world experts in palliative care. The modular approach allowed me to continue in my current job, and put into action the best practice that I learnt; this was the perfect blend! The course covers best practice for both resource rich and resource limited settings preparing students to deliver person-centered evidencebased care anywhere in the world.
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Learning outcomes of the MSc, Diploma and Certificate Our primary aim is to improve your ability, competence and confidence to care for patients with advanced disease, and for their families. This requires you to be able to critically evaluate evidence of the effectiveness, appropriateness and acceptability of existing interventions and services, both medical and psychosocial.
A detailed knowledge and understanding of research methods and statistics applied to palliative care.
The skills necessary to appraise existing research and develop and execute methodologically robust projects in your own work setting or country (often in collaboration with others)
An advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of palliative care, the contribution of different disciplines and biological, ethical, and cultural issues.
Enhanced skills in evidenced-based clinical practice, teaching and service development in palliative care.
The attitudes and knowledge to take palliative care forward.
100% Student Satisfaction
The MSc in palliative care is one of the highest rated programmes in the Faculty and College by students and has received this accolade two years consecutively . The survey — Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) is run in partnership between the university and Advanced Higher Education. A nation-wide survey.
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Delivery of the MSc, Diploma and Certificate programme The blended MSc, Diploma and Certificate programme in Palliative Care will combine online educational resources and opportunities for interaction online with classroom teaching. This means that you will have the option of classroom teaching, or accessing our teaching remotely to ensure that you can fully engage in your studies, no matter what the circumstances or where you are in the world. If you wish to attend the teaching sessions at the Cicely Saunders Institute, they will take place on the ground floor of the Institute, in a large seminar room with a number of breakout rooms for group work. The Institute is located next to the Weston Education Centre and King’s College Hospital on the Denmark Hill Campus, King’s College London.
Professor Fliss Murtagh, UK Testimonial
We have designed the course to fit around your commitments at home and at work. Each of our modules is delivered in two week blocks throughout the year, with time for self-directed learning in between.
You’ll be taught by academics and professionals at the cutting-edge of palliative care research and practice. We work closely with St Christopher’s Hospice to deliver the modules and we bring in experts from around the world to teach on different subjects. We want you to receive the most current thinking on all aspects of palliative care.
Since undertaking the MSc, and subsequently my PhD, I have gone on to – 16 years later – to become a Professor of Palliative Care at Hull York Medical School. The MSc was a great first step, and it led me in an unexpected direction; it helped to transform what I could achieve, and the direction of my career. 6
Study Routes for the MSc, Diploma and Certificate in Palliative Care We offer a range of qualifications in our palliative care programme, from standalone modules to an MSc. There are various modules available to suit your interests or learning needs. Research and evidence are central to every module on this course. The Cicely Saunders Institute has an extensive programme of research, and you can get involved with these larger projects. We also support you to publish the findings of your research and contribute to the evidence base. The course is flexible so you can register to study full time (1 year) or part time (2 years). That means you can study at your own pace whilst continuing to work. We also offer the option to change your registration (for example from PG Diploma to MSc) as you progress through your studies and your learning needs evolve.
Qualifications options: MSc – modules totalling 180 credits PG Diploma – modules totalling 120
credits PG Cert – modules totalling 60 cred-
its Standalone modules
Required modules MSc and PG Diploma students are required to take 4 modules, and PG Certificate students are required to take 2 modules from the following: Research Methods and Statistics in Palliative Care: (30 credits) (Compulsory for MSc and Diploma
students) Assessment and Management of Symptoms in Advanced Diseases (30 credits) Service Management and Policy (30 credits) Applying Psychosocial, Cultural, Ethical and Spiritual Issues to Palliative and End of Life Care (30
credits) Applying Epidemiology in Palliative Care (30 credits)
MSc student are also required to take: Research Study Project (60 credits) 7
Module Content Research Methods & Statistics in Palliative Care Module leads
Professor Richard Harding
Professor Wei Gao
Dr Deokhee Yi
Summary: This module aims to describe and illustrate the methods available for research in palliative care, leaving students able to understand, appraise and develop research studies. Common research methods in palliative care are reviewed, including systematic literature reviews, clinical trials, epidemiological methods, survey research design (including questionnaire design), qualitative research methods, economic analysis, and integration of methods In palliative care research. Statistical and measurement issues in palliative care are also covered including analysis of data, statistical interpretation, validity, reliability, appropriateness and responsiveness of measures. Other issues involved in designing and executing successful studies are also covered; these include hypotheses generation, protocol development, ethical issues, presentation of results, writing reports and papers, dissemination and implementation of results.
Assessment and Management of Symptoms in Advanced Diseases Module leads
Dr Sabrina Bajwah
Dr Matthew Maddocks
Summary: This module reviews the epidemiology and pathophysiology of progressive incurable illnesses, which are relevant to specialists in palliative care. It then reviews the aetiology, mechanisms and management of common symptoms in palliative care leaving participants with the skills to assess and manage symptoms and appraise new therapies appropriate to their professional group. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions are also considered. 8
Applying Psychosocial, Cultural, Ethical and Spiritual Issues to Palliative and End of Life Care Module leads
Dr Jonathan Koffman
Revd Dr Andrew Goodhead
Summary: This module focuses on the psychosocial, cultural, ethical and spiritual issues concerning patients and families/carers in palliative and end of life care. Students will become confident in relation to each element of the module and be able to communicate these skills to colleagues and practically employ them for the benefit of patients, family members and internal/external stakeholders. Students will develop confidence in communication skills, enabling complex/difficult conversations to beheld with patients and family members and communicate these to colleagues and others clearly and effectively. Recognition of cultural issues at the end of life, which draws upon issues of ethics, spirituality, communication and psychosocial needs will be integrated across the module to develop the learning for students around culture as an important driver and consideration for patient decision-making at the end of life.
Service Development and Policy Module leads
Dr Catherine Evans
Dr Katherine Sleeman
Dr Lesley Thoms
Summary: This module considers the development and management of palliative care services, drawing on international evidence underlying palliative care practice and policy. It reviews the evidence underpinning service development, the adaptation of such evidence to local needs, working within existing communities and cultures and detailed aspects of management including strategy, clinical governance and business planning. It will provide you with an overview of ways that services have developed and how this is influenced by culture, population needs, resources and national and international policies. 9
Applying Epidemiology in Palliative Care Module leads
Professor Wei Gao
Dr Deokhee Yi
Professor Irene Higginson
Summary: The module considers the application of epidemiological principles in the investigation of palliative care problems. The epidemiology of cancers and other progressive diseases will be reviewed along with the use of epidemiological approaches to study patients and family needs and to evaluate services.
Research Study Project Module leads
Dr Emeka Chukwusa
Dr Kennedy Nkhoma
Summary: The research study project is required for MSc students only. As a student, you will be expected to design and complete a substantial piece of work that provides an original contribution in the field of palliative care. You will be overseen by a Research Project Supervisor during this process. This is an important opportunity to develop your particular area of interest and have time to investigate it. The department offers a wide range of topics to choose from, which contributes to larger projects led by senior researchers. Our students have a strong track record of publishing their findings from their research study projects, in peer-reviewed scientific journals. These have included for example Lancet Infectious Diseases, British Medical Journal, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Palliative Medicine, Journal of Palliative Care, BMC Public Health and Social Science and Medicine.
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Support during your studies Every MSc, PG Diploma and PG Certificate in Palliative Care student will be allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of the course. The primary role of your tutor is to provide pastoral support and guidance throughout the course. MSc students will also be allocated a Research Project Supervisor who will guide your planning and advise you as you complete your project. Alongside your personal tutor and supervisor, the course coordinator will also be on hand to assist, and support you through your studies.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT ENGLISH SUPPORT AND STUDY SKILLS - King’s Foundations offers support to native English speakers or those with nearnative proficiency who want more academic skills training, such as in using sources effectively, presentation skills and writing critically. kcl.ac.uk/foundations
Dr Laura Tupper Satt, Chile Testimonial I learned not only about palliative care but also about different ways to see life, care and health. Meeting my peers broaden my horizon, my heart and my sense of purpose. This MSc changed my perspective and now I have the tools to help my country in order to care for patients the way they deserve.
CHAPLAINCY—The Dean’s Office and Chaplaincy are part of the pastoral provision and are available to students of all beliefs and backgrounds. King’s has chapels and quiet rooms that are open to everyone for private prayer and reflection. Male and female Muslim prayer rooms are available on all campuses. A full-time Anglican Chaplain heads the Chaplaincy, which also includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Free Church Chaplains, and two part-time Muslim Chaplain. The Rabbi to Jewish students in London works as an associate of the Chaplaincy. kcl.ac.uk/chaplaincy
KCLSU ADVICE —is independent from the university and therefore offers impartial, confidential advice relating to your rights and responsibilities as a student. kclsu.org/advice
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How to apply If you would like to apply for the MSc, PG Diploma or PG Certificate please apply online at: apply.kcl.ac.uk
Deadline for applications 23rd October for International students 23rd November for Home & EU students
Entry requirement A degree in medicine, nursing or dentistry or a 2:1 degree or equivalent in life sciences or social sciences from a UK or overseas university. A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a Masters degree with Merit or above. You should also be able to demonstrate experience of working in palliative care or palliative medicine - clinical or social care, or from a research point of view, and evidence of being able to study to the standard required.
Admissions To apply, you'll need to first of all register on our online application system "King's Apply" where you can submit your application online. Please ensure that you send in all relevant documentation with your online application. Typically this includes: •
transcripts of your previous qualifications (with official English translations if not originally in English)
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two academic references
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any English language qualifications that you have (if your first language is not English).
UK STUDENT VISA If you require a UK student visa and are applying to one of our academic preparation courses please note that we can only accept UKVI-approved IELTS tests.
English requirements To study at King’s, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies. The exception is if the university is satisfied that your previous academic record shows that you can study and be examined in the English language. Click this link to direct you to the English requirements for postgraduate courses. The level of English language you are required to demonstrate is dependent upon the programme for which you have applied. Please check carefully. 12
Calendar 2021 Module
Date
Assessment Type
Research Methods and Statistics in Palliative Care
11th – 22nd January
3,000 word assignment
Assessment and Management of Symptoms in Advanced Diseases
8th – 19th February
3,000 word assignment
Applying Psychosocial, Cultural, Ethical and Spiritual Issues to Palliative and End of Life Care
19th – 30th April
3,000 word assignment
Service Management and Policy
28th June - 9th July
3,000 word assignment
Applying Epidemiology in Palliative Care
6th – 17th September
2,500 word assignment and presentation
Research Study project
N/A
15,000 word dissertation
Fees Please find the link below which will direct you to the fees for the course: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taughtcourses/palliative-care-msc-pg-dip-pg-cert How to apply for a standalone module ? If you would like to apply for a standalone module, please apply through: https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/
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Testimonials from our Alumni Since the MSc course was established in 1998, students have included doctors in palliative medicine, general practitioners, social workers, radiographers, psychologists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, music therapists and chaplains. We have had students from all over the world too, including: UK, Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australasia.
Lucy Fettes
It was a great opportunity to meet each of course lecturers and be inspired by what they do. I feel empowered and ready for a turning point in my life regarding the field of Palliative Care. Dr Nahla Gafer
Physiotherapist & PhD student, UK
Clinical Oncologist, Sudan
I would recommend the course to anyone who wants to broaden their clinical understanding and research knowledge of palliative care. Pursuing research was Reverend Dr Andrew Goodhead never my intention but the course and lecturers inspired Chaplin, UK me to move my career in a different direction and I am now The MSc was genuinely eye openhoping to progress towards a ing. I came to understand in depth clinical academic career. the challenges and opportunities to every profession engaging in caring for people at the end of life and those who care for them.
Alejandra DomĂnguez
I can recommend joining this course. It is genuinely multiprofessional and every participant is a learner on a journey.
Doctor, Mexico Changing the way you care for your patients is sometimes hard to do, changing the way you think, act, do is even harder. I’m thankful that the past year, allowed me to think beyond the physical and helped me realised that mind, body and spirit are truly indivisible and we should treat our patients as such.
Shoko Yamada
Nurse, Japan The best part of the MSc course was to have amazing colleagues from around the world. I would like to interact with my patients and their families with love and care just like how my colleagues supported me.
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Frequently asked questions Does the multi-professional approach make a difference to the learning experience on the MSc, Diploma and Certificate? It's been increasingly argued that sound palliative care requires a multi-professional team approach, recognising that all health and social care professionals and, importantly, volunteers have vital roles to play in the care of patients and their families. It is only through a team approach that it becomes possible to fully assess patients’ and their families’ needs, supervise the application of treatment decisions, and anticipate and support the dying and grieving process. We strongly believe that learning alongside other health and social care professionals allows students to explore similarities and differences in roles, skills, knowledge and ideologies and to recognise the complementary skills and resources of different provisions. Students are also placed in a position whereby they can learn to acknowledge parity of esteem of their respective contributions to the care of patients and their carers. Lastly, we feel the multi-professional approach provides greater scope for open communication between all members of the group. This alleviates future hesitancy of single disciplines sharing knowledge with other professionals and non-professionals.
I want to attend on a part-time basis over two years. What is the best way of organising my time? If you wish to attend the MSc or Diploma on a part-time basis, we suggest you complete two modules in your first year . With two modules to complete in your second year you will have much more time to devote to your research project. There are a number of different combinations for choosing modules and we suggest you discuss this with the Course Coordinator.
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I am very interested in the MSc, Diploma and Certificate but may need financial assistance. Can you recommend any sources of funding for this programme? Here is a list of different avenues you could explore:
KCL scholarships website We recommend overseas students seeking financial support contact their nearest British Council office, which has local details of available grants. The Chevening programme for international students. Employer Nightingale foundation for nurses Postgraduate Master’s Loan (UK students)
Can I change from Diploma to MSc whilst on the course? We like to provide our students flexibility when on the course. If you are taking the Certificate or Diploma and wish to upgrade to the MSc whilst on the course, you can. Sometimes, students will leave with a Diploma, and return to the course several years later to complete their research project to gain their MSc.
Will the programme run in 2021? And what will happen if COVID-19 prevents travel? We are committed to delivering the MSc, Diploma and Certificate programme in Palliative Care for January 2021. We are actively planning to provide campus-based teaching where possible as well as online teaching and digital services to ensure that you will receive the highest quality education, no matter what the circumstances or where you are in the world. This means that you will have the option of classroom teaching, distance learning or blended learning to ensure that you can fully engage in your studies whether you are a new or current student.
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Contact details: Please do not hesitate to contact the MSc Administrator of the course if you have any queries. Please email at: mscpallcare@kcl.ac.uk If you have queries about the Admissions process, please contact: +44 (0)20 7848 7000
Events Come along to our live information and Q&A session with our MSc Course Director and students from our Alumni. The virtual event is your opportunity to meet your department and ask questions about the course. This event is designed for those interested in undertaking postgraduate studies in palliative care. This event will take place on Microsoft Teams and a link to join will be sent to you via email before the event. Check out our flyer for more details and how to sign up below: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/cicelysaunders/attachments/msc-online-event-advert-v2.pdf
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