Palliative care and hospice medicine are vital areas of healthcare, focusing on improving quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses and supporting their families. The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (PgDPCHM) has been carefully designed to meet international professional standards, equipping healthcare practitioners with advanced skills, knowledge, and competencies required to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care in palliative and hospice settings.
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (PgDPCHM) provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, practices, and ethical aspects of palliative care. QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (PgDPCHM) is ideal for healthcare professionals who wish to specialise in end-of-life care and ensure that patients receive holistic support that encompasses physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing.
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (PgDPCHM) covers advanced concepts in symptom management, communication, ethical decision-making, and multidisciplinary team approaches in hospice medicine. The qualification is structured to meet the academic and clinical demands of modern healthcare systems, ensuring learners gain both theoretical understanding and practical application in their professional practice.
The diploma is open to both local and international learners who meet the entry requirements. Healthcare organisations may also nominate staff members for enrolment to strengthen their palliative and hospice services.
Graduates of the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine can progress to doctoral-level study or advanced research opportunities. They are also well-placed to assume senior clinical, leadership, or academic roles in palliative care and hospice medicine globally.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (PgDPCHM):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (PgDPCHM), 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 |
| QC27230- 1 | Advanced Principles of Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27230-2 | Symptom Management and Pain Control in Life-Limiting Illnesses | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27230-3 | Psychosocial, Spiritual, and Cultural Dimensions of End-of-Life Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27230-4 | Communication Skills, Ethics, and Shared Decision-Making | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27230-5 | Palliative Care in Special Populations and Diverse Settings | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27230-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Palliative Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (PgDPCHM):
Minimum Age:
- Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background:
- A recognised undergraduate degree in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, or an Allied Health discipline from an accredited institution is required.
- Applicants with equivalent professional qualifications may also be considered.
Experience:
- Relevant clinical or healthcare practice experience is highly recommended. This may include work in hospitals, community health services, hospices, or related healthcare fields.
- Candidates with leadership or specialist responsibilities in palliative or end-of-life care will be given preference.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English. This can be evidenced through:
- Completion of previous education in English, or
- A recognised English language qualification (such as IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for international applicants.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine (PgDPCHM):
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine
- Analyse the philosophy, principles, and models of palliative and hospice medicine
- Critically evaluate global approaches to end-of-life care and their application in local healthcare settings
- Apply advanced theoretical frameworks to clinical practice in palliative care
- Integrate holistic, patient-centred approaches into the planning and delivery of care
Unit 2: Symptom Management and Pain Control in Life-Limiting Illnesses
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of pain assessment and evidence-based management strategies
- Apply pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for symptom control
- Develop complex care plans for managing multiple co-existing symptoms in terminal illness
- Critically evaluate emerging therapies and interventions in palliative medicine
Unit 3: Psychosocial, Spiritual, and Cultural Dimensions of End-of-Life Care
- Assess the psychosocial and emotional needs of patients and families during end-of-life care
- Integrate cultural and spiritual perspectives into palliative care practice
- Apply counselling and supportive communication strategies in emotionally complex situations
- Promote dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity in all aspects of care delivery
Unit 4: Communication Skills, Ethics, and Shared Decision-Making
- Demonstrate advanced communication skills in sensitive and end-of-life discussions
- Apply ethical frameworks to decision-making in complex clinical cases
- Facilitate shared decision-making between patients, families, and healthcare teams
- Critically appraise legal and ethical issues in palliative and hospice medicine
Unit 5: Palliative Care in Special Populations and Diverse Settings
- Evaluate the unique palliative care needs of children, older adults, and patients with non-malignant conditions
- Adapt palliative approaches for different healthcare settings including community, hospice, and acute care
- Design care strategies tailored to vulnerable populations and marginalised groups
- Critically analyse global health perspectives on palliative care delivery in resource-limited settings
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Palliative Medicine
- Critically appraise research methodologies relevant to palliative care practice
- Apply evidence-based findings to improve patient outcomes and service delivery
- Demonstrate leadership skills in managing multidisciplinary palliative care teams
- Design and implement quality improvement or research projects in hospice and palliative medicine
The Course is ideal for ;
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine is designed for healthcare professionals and practitioners who wish to specialise in advanced palliative and end-of-life care. It is ideally suited for:
- Medical doctors seeking to develop expertise in palliative and hospice medicine
- Registered nurses working in oncology, geriatric care, community health, or palliative care settings
- Allied health professionals, such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers, who play a role in patient support and symptom management
- Healthcare managers and leaders aiming to strengthen palliative care services within hospitals, hospices, and community organisations
- Professionals interested in research, policy-making, and academic roles in palliative and hospice medicine
- International healthcare practitioners who wish to enhance their knowledge and gain a qualification aligned with UK and global professional standards
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure they have the appropriate facilities, resources, and staffing in place to support high-quality teaching and learning. The following requirements apply:
- Staffing
- Tutors and assessors must hold a recognised postgraduate qualification in medicine, nursing, or an allied health profession.
- Staff should demonstrate expertise in palliative care, hospice medicine, or related clinical practice.
- Assessors must have relevant teaching and assessment experience at Level 7 or higher.
- Facilities
- Suitable classrooms, lecture spaces, and seminar rooms with appropriate learning technology.
- Access to clinical or simulated environments where practical skills can be demonstrated and assessed.
- Facilities that comply with health and safety regulations and provide a professional learning environment.
- Learning Resources
- Access to current textbooks, journals, and digital resources covering palliative care, hospice medicine, ethics, and research.
- Online learning platforms or virtual learning environments (VLEs) to support distance and blended learning.
- Research databases and evidence-based practice tools for learners undertaking independent study and projects.
- Quality Assurance
- Systems in place to ensure the reliability and consistency of assessment decisions.
- Internal verification processes to maintain standards across all units.
- Regular professional development for tutors and assessors to keep teaching aligned with international standards in palliative medicine.
- Learner Support
- Academic guidance and pastoral support for learners throughout the programme.
- Access to counselling or wellbeing services to support learners dealing with sensitive subject matter.
- Clear policies on equality, diversity, and inclusion to ensure all learners are supported fairly.