Queen's University Belfast United Kingdom

Palliative Care PgDip

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode Online
Level Postgraduate
Degree Postgraduate Diploma
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Palliative Care Postgraduate Diploma at Queen's University Belfast is designed for social workers seeking to enhance their expertise in supporting individuals with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses and their caregivers. You will explore critical areas such as evidence-informed practice, advanced care planning, and ethical considerations within palliative care. This programme addresses the growing need for specialised skills in this compassionate field, equipping you to make a significant difference in complex care situations. It is ideal for qualified social workers aiming to deepen their understanding and application of palliative care principles.

This online, part-time Postgraduate Diploma is studied over two years, allowing you to balance professional development with your current commitments. Your learning journey will involve engaging with core modules covering principles of palliative care, enhanced assessment, and ethical and legal frameworks, alongside opportunities to appraise and apply evidence to practice. You will develop advanced communication and care planning skills essential for this specialised area. Upon completion, you will graduate with a qualification aligned with the Specialist Award in Social Work, prepared for advanced roles in palliative care settings across various service user groups and geographical locations.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This postgraduate diploma in Palliative Care equips students with essential skills for advanced practice. The curriculum focuses on evidence-informed practice, leadership, and research, alongside in-depth exploration of care planning, intervention, and communication strategies within palliative care. Students will also engage with the ethical and legal considerations pertinent to this specialized field, building a strong foundation in the principles of palliative care and illness.

1 Year 1

Evidence informed practice and leadership Compulsory
Identifying and appraising evidence to inform practice and developing research
Care planning and intervention in palliative care Compulsory
Ethics and Law in Palliative Care Compulsory
Enhanced assessment, care planning and communication in palliative care Compulsory
Principles of palliative care and illness Compulsory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,725.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,725.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 41,451.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 785.00 - USD 1,416.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,833.00 - USD 7,249.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 4,833.00
Estimated Total USD 9,667.00 - USD 15,304.00

Living cost estimates are based on Belfast Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

89%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising TechnologyBrand ManagementCreative & ContentCreative Production & Project ManagementDigital MarketingMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMental Health & CounselingPerformance & Growth MarketingRehabilitation & PhysiotherapySocial Media & Community Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

NHS

Why Study Palliative Care PgDip at Queen's University Belfast

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Queen's University Belfast in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Palliative Care PgDip at Queen's University Belfast

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks if enrolled in diploma courses. No separate work permit is required, but part-time students cannot work.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you can submit scores from tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Specific score requirements vary by test, so be sure to check the details closely.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Some job titles for graduates include palliative care social worker, hospice social worker, community mental health worker, and case manager.

What will I actually study in this course?

This diploma focuses on training social workers engaged in palliative care for those with life-limiting illnesses and supporting informal caregivers. It also addresses the needs of social workers in various settings, including mental health and older people's services.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The next intake for the Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care is in September 2025. This program occurs every two years, so be sure to plan accordingly.
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