Postgraduate study
Source: https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/palliativecare/ Parent: https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/
Palliative Care MSc/PgDip/PgCert: Online distance learning
Watch our latest webinar to find out more about this programme.
This programme is for professionals caring for patients with life-threatening or incurable illness. Students will expand, enhance and develop their knowledge through reviewing a broad range of published literature related to Palliative Care. There is a focus on non-malignant disease, frailty and multi-morbidity to reflect the changing patient demographic. Students will further develop their skills in critical analysis of core concepts along with symptom control, leadership, communication and holistic care. Students’ expertise will be enhanced by projects that will take place in their own clinical environment. This part-time online programme will support graduates in becoming clinical and academic leaders in the field of Palliative Care with a qualification from a world top 100 university.
- Online distance learning
- Academic contact: mvls-palliativecare@glasgow.ac.uk
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Teaching start: September
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Online
- MSc: 36 months part‑time
- PgDip: 24 months part‑time
- PgCert: 12 months part‑time
Why this programme
- Emphasis on learning embedded in clinical practice
- Areas covered include symptom-control, communication skills, patient-centred care, leadership and effectiveness.
- Taught by a team of clinicians with a wide range of clinical and educational experience, delivered as an online distance learning programme.
- Delivered by experts in the field of palliative care using a multi-modal teaching approach which includes lectures, seminars, and online forums.
- Tailored for students to reflect on implementing knowledge and skills in their own workplace in the UK or internationally.
- Assessments are geared to acquiring work, academic and leadership skills and confidence to help students grow in their roles.
Watch Dr Paul Keeley and Dr Joanna Prentice, the programme directors tell you more.
Video: Palliative Care Programme
Watch our graduates tell you about their experiences of the programme.
Video: Palliative Care Graduates
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Why study online?
- Flexible learning can be done at any time to fit in with other commitments. Speak to us about flexible learning options.
- Most communication is via discussion boards or Microsoft Teams so you can reply at a time that suits you, fitting in with time zones and work commitments.
- We record live sessions in case you can’t make it.
- Your learning can be accessed on your computer, laptop, tablet or phone via the internet. Find out more about the remote resources available at Glasgow Anywhere.
- We provide software to assist you, such as Office 365.
- Your MVLS Digital Education Team provides support with technology issues by email or video chat.
- Flexible payment options are available. You don't have to pay everything upfront.
- Be part of a global community of learners.
- Connect with your fellow students and tutors through our virtual learning environment where you will have access to a multitude of learning resources.
- You do not need to have experience of studying online, you will be guided on how to access and use all of our online resources.
- Access Library e-resources remotely at any time. This includes an extensive catalogue of e-books and journals, searchable from the Library homepage
Programme structure
The programme is taken over three years by online distance learning with exit points at:
- PgCert - (60 credits, year 1 courses)
- PgDip - (120 credits, years 1 & 2 courses)
- MSc - (180 credits, years 1 & 2 courses plus dissertation,three years in total)
The programme is delivered online and consists of core courses as detailed below.
Learning is exclusively via a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE) with emphasis on the research and governance principles which underpin contemporary practice, as well as leadership and management skills.
The MSc/PGDip courses in year 1 are designed to introduce the skills required to complete the course and apply evidence-based practice.
Students will also start the in depth exploration of core clinical subjects in palliative care and begin to produce independent pieces for submission online.
In year 2, MSc/PGDip students will further enhance their knowledge of core subjects and be introduced to leadership and management principles as well as clinical governance and quality improvement in palliative care.
In year 3, MSc/PGDip students will write a dissertation around a topic of their choice allowing them to use the skills of academic enquiry learned.
Core courses
Year 1
Year 2
- Advanced Communication and Ethics
- Clinical Leadership and Effectiveness
- Research Methods for Palliative Care
Year 3
- Palliative Care Dissertation (MSc students only)
Programme alteration or discontinuation\ The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
The programme forms a strong basis for a career in palliative care for nursing, medicine or allied healthcare professionals (AHPs) by following the major learning themes for the above specialist areas.
It also will become part of the essential requirements for Band 7 and above specialists in palliative care.
For medical candidates, the convenors of the programme will ensure the programme reflects GMC credentialing and will provide an academic underpinning for trainees in palliative care and a foundation for those seeking to further their skills in research, leadership and quality improvement.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2026-27
MSc
UK / EU / International:
- £15,000 (total cost)
You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits
PgDip
UK / EU / International:
- £10,000 (total cost)
You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits
PgCert
UK / EU / International:
- £5,000 (total cost)
You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits.
Fees for students funded by the NHS or UK social care organisations or UK health and social care partnership (HSCP)
- £11,943 (total cost for MSc)
- £7,962 (total cost for PgDip)
- £3,981 (total cost for PgCert)
- £1,327 per 20 credits
Fee status
Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Funding opportunities
UK Study Online Scholarship
The UK Study Online scholarship is open to UK, EU and international students taking online undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Please see UK Study Online for more details.
The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
Entry requirements
2.2 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacology, Physiology, or other Allied Health degrees.
We may sometimes accept degrees at 3rd/Pass or non-UK equivalent.
Applicants must have relevant clinical experience.
English language requirements
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme:
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
- Online PTE not accepted for entry
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic/ Academic Online
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 65
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II
- Two subtests at 96 or higher, and two subtests at 80 or higher
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Kaplan Test of English
- Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of their final year at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 and 3+1 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final year of study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS);
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University;
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
More information on our Pre-sessional courses.
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- ST Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
Computer requirements for studying online
Broadband internet connection
- 3 mbps or higher
Internet Browsers
Our online learning platform Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser. This includes:
Desktop:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari
- Edge
- Internet Explorer
Mobile:
- MobileSafari
- Google Chrome
For the best experience and optimum security, we recommend that you keep your browser up to date.
Javascript needs to be enabled within your browser
Please note: legacy browsers with known compatibility issues with Moodle 3.3 are:
- Internet Explorer 10 and below
- Safari 7 and below
Computer specifications
- Processor: 2GHz**
- Operating system (minimum):
- Microsoft Windows Vista service pack 1
- Windows 7
- Mac OS X v10.4.11+
- Memory: 3GB of RAM or more
- Hard disk: 300GB
- Sound card and microphone
- Speakers or headphones
- Monitor and video card with 1024x768 display or higher
Mobile device specifications
- iOS: latest (Apple Safari & Google Chrome)
- Android: 4.4+ with latest Google Chrome
Other software
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Media player e.g. Windows Media Player or VLC
- Word processing software (that outputs to the following file types for marking online: .doc, .docx, .html, .txt, .rft, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .pps, .hwp)
- Anti-virus software
Advised hardware / software
- Microsoft Office 2010
- Headset (ideally with a USB connector)
- Webcam
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.
Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- One reference letter on headed paper
- Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.
Application deadlines
- Applications for this online programme will be accepted up until it starts.
More information about this programme
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Related links
- Taught degree programmes A‑Z
- How to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
- Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z
- How to apply for a postgraduate research degree
- Fees and funding
- Erasmus Mundus