Short Courses Content
Stand Alone Module | Nursing
Palliative Care for Children and their Families
LEVEL OF STUDY : 7 - postgraduate level
Module code: TBC
This module explores the principles and practice of palliative care for children and their families across diverse care settings. Students will examine the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of care, with particular attention to communication, symptom management, ethical decision-making, and family-centred support.
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Delivery | Blended |
| Fees from | No Fee |
| Start date | To be confirmed |
The module emphasises compassionate, developmentally appropriate care, interprofessional collaboration, and the provision of ongoing support for families throughout the child’s illness and into bereavement.
Stand Alone modules give the applicant an opportunity to:
- Return to study
- Update in a new field of practice
- Further develop knowledge and skills in the current area of practice
On successful completion of the module the participant will be awarded CATs points, which may count towards another award. Students may access a number of Stand Alone modules offered within a variety of nursing programmes. The modules may stipulate that participants must be working in a relevant clinical environment.
Please note that courses are subject to a minimum registration, so it may not be possible to run all courses each year.
Fees
| Commissioned Health Trust | No Fee |
| Self Funding / Fee Paying - 2026/27 | £856 |
Tuition fees and other charges are set by the University and are subject to change. | |
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a professional qualification in Nursing, Midwifery, or Allied Health and Social Care Services. See Selection Criteria for full requirements.
The Programme
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Course Content
The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of caring for children (across the age span) with palliative care needs and their families, with focus on:
- The physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of the child and family
- Interdisciplinary and interagency team working in children’s palliative care
- Care of children and families across a range of care settings
- Trauma-informed and therapeutic communication, including breaking bad news
- Ethical and legal considerations in paediatric palliative care
- Care of the dying child
- Assessment and management of pain and symptoms in children
- Support for families before, during, and after death, including bereavement care
- Strategic and policy developments within paediatric palliative care practice
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Outcomes
This standalone module is worth 20 CATs points. Where a clinical skills component is included, there may be a requirement for support and supervision of an experienced practitioner within the student’s clinical area.
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Delivery
Students should note that delivery may be via blended learning, with a mix of online and face to face classes as detailed within the module timetable on Canvas.
Autumn (AUT) teaching commences w/c Monday, 21 September 2026 (Week 1) and finishes w/c Monday, 14 December 2026 unless otherwise advised.
Spring (SPR) teaching commences w/c Monday, 18 January 2027 (Week 18) and finishes w/c Monday, 27 April 2027 unless otherwise advised.
Venue for first class listed below - thereafter, students should check the Weekly Planner facility on QSIS for remaining venues.
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Selection Criteria
Applicants must have a professional qualification in Nursing, Midwifery, or Allied Health and Social Care Services. They shall normally hold a relevant 2.2 Honours degree or above, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
Applicants who do not hold a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) may be considered on a case-by-case basis where they can demonstrate evidence of successful study at Level 6 in a healthcare related subject.
Applicants must provide evidence of at least 20 CAT points at Level 3/6. Certificates must clearly state level of study and credit worthiness in order to meet the entry requirements.
In addition, applicants accessing post graduate certificates or standalone modules must be working the relevant clinical area.
International Trained Nurses/Midwives: If you hold an international qualification you will need to provide a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability. This should be obtained prior to submitting your application. You can apply for a statement through the ENIC website:
Please note that these courses are not open to international applicants living outside the UK/ROI.
How to apply
We will advertise again in June 2026 for September 2026 entry.
Please complete the form below if you’d like to join our mailing list and be notified when applications reopen.
For any queries, please email cpadsnam@qub.ac.uk.
Please note that these courses are not open to international applicants living outside the UK/ROI.