MSc in Palliative Medicine/MSc in Palliative Care
The MSc draws on the knowledge and skill-base you will have developed in the Postgraduate Diploma, with the specific intention of expanding your understanding of scientific method and critical appraisal. The principles of reflective practice and reflective learning remain as relevant now as earlier, although the MSc reinforces this self-directed approach with appropriate tutor and supervisor support.
You will be expected to undertake a research project in your own workplace so there is limited direct-contact learning and less reliance on website material than in the Postgraduate Diploma.
Further information is provided below. However, this is for general guidance alone and you should refer to the relevant documentation (e.g. schedule of assessment, programme regulations, etc), which is accessible from your Home Page on this website, for more detailed guidance.
How does the MSc differ from the Postgraduate Diploma?
The MSc has been designed to respond to the needs of students who wish to pursue an academic dimension to their clinical practice and who have already completed the Postgraduate Diploma.
You will be asked to design, execute and report a methodologically sound research project, which will constitute a dissertation of up to 20,000 words. This will provide evidence of your ability to merge your research knowledge with clinical practice.
Typically, the majority of the project work will take place in your own normal working environment.
What support can I expect?
The course tutor/co-ordinator will act as a primary source of information, advice and support. Their aim is to provide you with easy access to guidance on course work and study skills. The tutor will endeavour to respond rapidly to your needs and advise on organization and planning of your studies and any aspect of the course which has proven problematic. The tutor can act as liaison with other members of the academic staff to resolve issues particular to a specialist area or part of the formal teaching programme.
You will also be supported by an academic supervisor, to give specific advice on your project work. We will appoint a supervisor with suitable experience, based upon your need and the research topic under consideration. Wherever possible, a supervisor who understands and supports the proposed research work, and is geographically close to you, will be appointed. You will be asked to identify someone locally who may be suitable.
We also encourage you both to receive mentorship from earlier graduates of the programme and to establish a regional network within your current student cohort.
Can I be exempt from certain modules in the Diploma, or be able to join the programme directly at MSc?
Normally, no. The principal entry route to MSc is by successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma. However, the University has a process review applications for Advanced Standing if you have completed a postgraduate diploma in Palliative care / medicine at other educational institutions that may be equivalent to our Postgraduate Diploma. Please contact us, if you wish to be considered for entry via this route, prior to your application, or you require further information.
If you have completed accredited modules in palliative care that you feel may be equivalent to part of the Diploma in Palliative medicine / care, the University has a procedure to consider Accreditation for Prior Learning gained from other educational institutions, but we do not presently recognise experiential learning. If you wish to apply for an APL exemption, please contact us prior to your application. There will be a fee incurred for this process.
IIs the MSc open to all professions?
From September 2008 the Diploma in Palliative Care was developed for nurses and pharmacists. All healthcare professionals successfully completing the Postgraduate Diploma will be able to apply and be considered for the MSc. Previously the MSc has been open only to doctors. However, students completing the MSc have been from a range of specialties other than palliative care, including general practice, oncology, surgery and paediatrics.
How is the MSc delivered?
The educational resources are accessed through the password-secure personal web space allocated to you as a student, supported by two residential teaching blocks. Students correspond with tutors by e-mail and, occasionally, by audio and/or video teleconference.
Is there a qualification available at the end of MSc?
Yes. The MSc forms the final part of the two part pathway programme and leads to the Master in Science (MSc) qualification in Palliative Medicine (for doctors (MSc Pallmed (Cardiff)) or Palliative Care (for nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals (MSC Pallcare (Cardiff)).
Is the programme still based on clinical practice?
Yes. Your research project should be based on an aspect of clinical care that is of interest to you and relevant to your normal palliative care practice. It will, necessarily, be more focussed than the clinically-based activities that you encountered in the Diploma.
Do you recognise prior learning?
There are no exemptions from the dissertation at MSc.
However, if you believe that you have completed a recognised programme of learning equivalent to the Postgraduate Diploma as a whole, and you are a registered healthcare professional, you may be eligible for direct entry to the MSc.
How long does the MSc take to complete?
The MSc involves a significant piece of original research in a palliative care environment. It is expected that you will complete your research and dissertation within two years of commencing the MSc.
In any case, you must complete the MSc not more than 5 years after beginning the pathway.
Who is the educational programme run by?
The Education Department for Palliative Medicine forms part of the Department of Oncology & Palliative Medicine at the School of Medicine in Cardiff University.
Lecturers and tutors are drawn from different departments within the School of Medicine at Cardiff University and its distributed clinical schools, plus specialists in palliative care from throughout the UK. All are recognised by the University as “Honorary Teaching Associates”.
Who are the tutors on the programme?
Programme Director
Professor the Baroness Finlay of Llandaff FRCP FRCGP is the Programme Director. She is Professor of Palliative Medicine at Cardiff University and Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.
The Postgraduate Diploma Tutors are:
Dr Nikki Pease. Nikki completed the Diploma in 2000 and the MSc in 2003. She is a Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Cardiff University.
Dr Joanne Hayes. Jo completed the Diploma in 1999 and the MSc in 2003. She is a Consultant in Palliative Medicine, The Medical Director at Marie Curie Hospice, Holme Tower Penarth and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Cardiff University.
Mrs. Julie Rowlands. Julie completed her BSc in Palliative Care in 2003 and her MSc in advanced nursing practice in 2009. She works as Macmillan Palliative Care Lead Nurse for Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff and is an Honorary Lecturer at Cardiff University.
Helen Way. Helen completed her BSc in specialist palliative care nursing and is currently completing her MSc in advanced nursing practice in palliative care and applied education. She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in teaching and learning in higher education and works as an Advanced Practitioner in palliative care at Velindre Cancer centre and Honorary Lecturer at Cardiff University.
Dr Margred Capel. Margred completed the Diploma in 2004 and the MSc in 2006. She is a Consultant in Palliative Medicine at George Thomas Hospice Care in Cardiff.
Dr Dylan Harris. Dylan completed the Diploma in 2007 and completed his MSc in 2010. He works as a Consultant in Cwm Taf NHS trust and Hospice of the Valleys.
The Paediatric Diploma Tutor is:
Dr Joanne Griffiths. Jo completed her Diploma in 2003 (paediatric option) and is a Consultant in Paediatrics in Swansea.
The MSc Tutor is:
Dr Emma Mason. Emma is a Consultant in Acute & General Medicine at Bridgend hospital. She is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Cardiff University.
Who are the external examiners?
The external examiners hold their post for a 3 year session. They are currently: -
Dr Miriam Johnson MB ChB (Hons) MRCGP, FRCP, MD.
Senior Lecturer in Palliative Medicine, Hull York Medical School. Honorary Consultant St Catherine's Hospice, Scarborough and Acute NHS Trust, Scarborough, UK
Dr James Gilbert MB ChB FRCP ILTM.
Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Royal Devon and Exeter Healthcare Trust and Medical Director, Hospiscare, Exeter and District Hospice, UK
Dr Paul Keely MB ChB MRCGP
Honorary Senior Lecturer Glasgow University, UK. Consultant Palliative Physician, Glasgow Royal Infirmary UK.
Dr. Dilini Rajapakse MBBS, MRCP CH, Dip Pall Med (paeds)
Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London.
Ms Helen Walsh RGN, RM, RHV, MSc.
Tutor in Nursing at Swansea University.
Dr Rob George BA, MB, BCHIR, MA, MRCP MD, FRCP.
Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
What are the residential teaching blocks for?
Two residential teaching blocks are offered to ensure that your project is carefully planned and to provide you with core knowledge regarding research methodology and critical appraisal.
The first, 5-day, residential teaching block is designed to give you a sound basic knowledge of both research methodologies and critical appraisal skills. Interactive and problem-based teaching techniques are employed to enhance the learning opportunities for both individuals and the group as a whole.
The second, 2-day, residential teaching block is held later.
This reviews the progress that you have made in completing your data collection
and provides you with support for writing up of the dissertation, including
the effective presentation of your data.
The initial 5 day teaching block is compulsory, and the second 2 day teaching
block is strongly recommended.
What are the overall aims of the MSc?
Palliative medicine is a growing specialty with an expanding remit. Underpinning its practice is an emerging research base and a realisation of the need to incorporate sound evidence into clinical decision-making. The MSc has been developed to meet that need.
The MSc aims to develop your core knowledge of research methods and measurement tools, and to enhance your critical appraisal skills. You will use this knowledge to merge research practice with your clinical experience through a process of critical evaluation and reflective practice. It will be evidenced by your ability to effectively design, execute and report a methodologically sound research project.
How much work is involved in completing the MSc?
In order to successfully complete the research project and dissertation, it is estimated that you will need to allocate a minimum of 10 hours per week, over a 12-18 month period, in order to conduct project research, to discuss progress and findings with your tutor(s), and to prepare your dissertation.
Please remember that the demands of research and writing-up will need to be balanced with your clinical and personal/family commitments.
How much work is involved in completing MSc?
In order to successfully complete the research project and dissertation, it is estimated that you will need to allocate in the region of 10 hours per week during academic periods, over a 12-18 month period, in order to conduct project research, to discuss progress and findings with your tutor(s), and to prepare your dissertation.
Please remember that the demands of research and writing-up will need to be balanced with your clinical and personal/family commitments.
How is the MSc structured?
The MSc is based upon a research project which is written up as a dissertation not exceeding 20,000 words.
What is the dissertation?
The dissertation provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate that you
have achieved the core objectives of the MSc by effectively addressing a relevant
research question. This may be attained by performing either: -
• an original piece of qualitative or quantitative research, usually
in your normal clinical practice; or
• a rigorous qualitative review of published literature relevant to
the practice of palliative medicine.
Your dissertation should be presented using a specific structure and guidance
will be issued to you when you commence the MSc.
What is the basis of assessment?
The dissertation is assessed by two internal and a sample are assessed by external examiners in relation to the three dimensions of:
• project definition and methodological robustness
• quality of argument and inference
• style and references
Further details are accessible from your Home Page on this website
Is study recognised for Continuing Professional Development?
We have obtained information from the RCP which suggests that Doctors no longer need to apply for accreditation for post graduate qualifications. Doctors should enter the course in the 'MSc and equivalents' section of their CPD diary and can claim / be awarded a maximum of 50 external CPD points for the whole MSc.
Nurses can record the course in their professional profile. Advanced practice/specialist roles in nursing increasingly require nurses to hold masters degrees. This MSc would be ideal for any nurse wishing to work in an advanced practice/specialist/Consultant role in palliative care.
When does the programme start?
Successful students who wish to undertake the dissertation will be transferred onto the dissertation year at the year 2 final exam board. The first teaching for the MSc is held within a few weeks of this exam board.
What further information is available?
Registered students may login to Learning central to access the following documentation: -
• Programme regulations;
• Schedule of assessment; and
• Annual programme handbook