The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare professionals who are committed to developing specialist expertise in palliative and end-of-life care. This programme is not intended for fresh candidates but is specifically aimed at experienced practitioners who wish to enhance their career opportunities, expand their clinical knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The course equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and challenges within palliative medicine. It addresses key areas such as advanced symptom management, holistic patient care, communication strategies, ethical considerations, and leadership in multidisciplinary healthcare settings. By integrating evidence-based practice with real-world application, the programme empowers learners to deliver compassionate, patient-centred care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses.
This qualification is ideal for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and contribute meaningfully to healthcare systems and communities. It also supports learners in building the clinical decision-making, leadership, and research skills essential for advancing within senior professional roles.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure that teaching is delivered by competent and highly qualified staff, supported by the appropriate academic resources, learning materials, and facilities. Maintaining high standards of training provision is essential to ensure learner success and to prepare professionals who can respond effectively to the growing demand for palliative and supportive care services worldwide.
The PgDPM therefore stands as a valuable opportunity for professionals committed to excellence in palliative medicine, enabling them to make a lasting impact in both clinical practice and healthcare leadership.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27212- 1 | Advanced Principles of Palliative Medicine and End-of-Life Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27212-2 | Clinical Assessment, Symptom Control, and Pain Management | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27212-3 | Psychosocial, Spiritual, and Cultural Dimensions of Palliative Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27212-4 | Communication Skills, Counselling, and Family Support in Palliative Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27212-5 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Palliative Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27212-6 | Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Palliative Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM):
- Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment.
- Educational Background: A relevant Level 5 qualification or equivalent in medicine, nursing, healthcare, or a related discipline is required.
- Experience: Applicants should have practical experience working in healthcare, ideally in settings involving patient care, chronic illness management, or end-of-life care.
- Language Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate a good command of the English language, both written and spoken, to engage effectively with course materials, clinical terminology, and academic assessments.
- Commitment to CPD: As this qualification contributes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), learners must show a commitment to lifelong learning, professional growth, and applying evidence-based practices.
- Access to Required Resources: Learners must have reliable access to digital learning tools, academic resources, and healthcare practice settings where knowledge and skills can be applied.
These entry requirements ensure that learners undertaking this diploma have the right foundation, clinical experience, and professional commitment to succeed in the field of palliative medicine while enhancing their career opportunities and contributing to high-quality patient care.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM):
Advanced Principles of Palliative Medicine and End-of-Life Care
- Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the philosophy, scope, and principles of palliative medicine
- Apply evidence-based approaches to end-of-life care across diverse healthcare settings
- Evaluate holistic care models that address physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs
- Analyse ethical and clinical challenges associated with end-of-life decision-making
Clinical Assessment, Symptom Control, and Pain Management
- Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments in palliative care patients
- Apply advanced techniques for managing pain and complex symptoms
- Evaluate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for symptom relief
- Develop personalised care plans to improve quality of life for patients
Psychosocial, Spiritual, and Cultural Dimensions of Palliative Care
- Assess the psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients and their families
- Apply culturally sensitive approaches to palliative and end-of-life care
- Integrate multidisciplinary strategies to address emotional, social, and cultural issues
- Promote inclusive and holistic patient-centred care
Communication Skills, Counselling, and Family Support in Palliative Medicine
- Demonstrate advanced communication skills in sensitive and complex clinical situations
- Provide effective counselling and psychological support for patients and families
- Manage difficult conversations involving prognosis, treatment choices, and end-of-life care
- Collaborate with families and caregivers to enhance support and shared decision-making
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Palliative Care
- Critically evaluate research and evidence relevant to palliative medicine
- Apply evidence-based practice to clinical decision-making in complex care scenarios
- Undertake independent research projects to advance knowledge in palliative care
- Integrate ethical, clinical, and scientific considerations into patient management
Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Palliative Medicine
- Demonstrate professional accountability and ethical decision-making in palliative care
- Apply leadership skills to manage palliative care teams and healthcare services
- Evaluate legal, ethical, and policy frameworks relevant to end-of-life care
- Promote professional development, reflective practice, and continuous improvement
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine is designed for healthcare professionals who are already working in clinical or supportive care environments and wish to specialise in palliative and end-of-life care. This course is suitable for:
- Doctors, nurses, and allied health practitioners seeking advanced knowledge in symptom management and patient-centred palliative care
- Healthcare professionals working in hospices, hospitals, community care, or home-based palliative services
- Clinical leaders and managers aiming to enhance their skills in service delivery, team leadership, and policy implementation within palliative care settings
- Professionals looking to improve communication, counselling, and family support competencies in end-of-life care
- Practitioners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and aiming to advance their career prospects in palliative medicine
This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates. It targets experienced practitioners who wish to deepen their expertise, contribute to high-quality palliative care, and develop leadership and research skills to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Palliative Medicine must demonstrate the ability to provide high-quality, professional, and learner-focused training. To ensure compliance with international standards and support learner success, centres are required to meet the following criteria:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff: Tutors, trainers, and assessors must hold recognised qualifications and have substantial professional experience in palliative medicine, healthcare, or related disciplines. Staff should be capable of delivering evidence-based, advanced instruction and providing guidance for applied clinical practice.
- Learning and Teaching Resources: Centres must provide access to up-to-date learning materials, clinical guidelines, digital platforms, and academic references. Facilities should support independent study, collaborative learning, and applied clinical research activities.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance: Robust systems must be in place to conduct fair and consistent assessments, provide constructive feedback, and ensure academic integrity. Centres must adhere to QualCert policies for monitoring and quality assurance.
- Support Services: Learners should have access to academic guidance, pastoral support, and administrative services to facilitate their study and professional development.
- Health and Safety: Centres must ensure a safe, supportive, and accessible environment for learners, staff, and visiting clinical practitioners.
- Compliance and Continuous Improvement: Centres are expected to maintain compliance with QualCert regulations and continually update training methods, resources, and staff development initiatives to ensure high standards of delivery.
Meeting these requirements ensures that learners are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies necessary to excel in palliative medicine and contribute effectively to patient care and healthcare leadership.