ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM)

The ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM) is an advanced qualification designed for learners seeking to develop specialised expertise in the comprehensive care of patients with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. This programme integrates theoretical knowledge, clinical practice, and research-led approaches, enabling learners to deliver compassionate, patient-centred care while addressing the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Learners explore essential areas including pain and symptom management, end-of-life care, ethical decision-making, communication strategies, psychosocial support, and multidisciplinary team collaboration. The curriculum emphasises evidence-based practice, holistic care approaches, and the integration of palliative medicine principles into broader healthcare settings.

The programme also develops advanced professional, analytical, and leadership skills. Learners gain the ability to critically evaluate clinical information, implement personalised care plans, provide guidance to healthcare teams, and contribute to service improvement and research initiatives. Ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and patient dignity are central to all aspects of learning, ensuring learners are prepared to provide high-quality palliative care in diverse healthcare environments.

This diploma is ideal for healthcare professionals, clinicians, nurses, and allied health practitioners seeking to specialise in palliative medicine, enhance their clinical practice, or progress into senior roles. The curriculum balances academic depth with practical application, preparing learners for complex clinical decision-making, leadership in multidisciplinary teams, and the delivery of compassionate care.

By combining advanced theoretical knowledge with applied clinical expertise, the ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM) equips learners with the skills, knowledge, and professional competencies necessary to make a meaningful impact in palliative care, improve patient and family outcomes, and contribute to the advancement of this vital field in healthcare.

Course overview

Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM)

To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM), learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of registration.
  • Educational Background: A recognised Level 6 qualification in medicine, nursing, healthcare, or a related discipline is required. Equivalent international qualifications may also be considered.
  • Work Experience: Relevant clinical experience in healthcare, palliative care, oncology, or community health is recommended to support applied learning and practical skill development.
  • English Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate competency in English. Non-native speakers may be required to provide evidence of proficiency, such as IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, to ensure effective engagement with course content.
  • Additional Requirement: Commitment to professional development in palliative medicine and patient-centred care.

This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM), consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Principles of Palliative Medicine and Holistic Patient Care
  2. Pain and Symptom Management in Palliative Care
  3. Communication, Ethics, and End-of-Life Decision Making
  4. Psychosocial and Spiritual Support for Patients and Families
  5. Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Palliative Care
  6. Leadership, Professional Practice, and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

1. Principles of Palliative Medicine and Holistic Patient Care

  • Critically analyse the principles and frameworks of palliative medicine and end-of-life care.
  • Apply holistic patient-centred approaches considering physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs.
  • Integrate palliative care principles into clinical practice across diverse healthcare settings.

2. Pain and Symptom Management in Palliative Care

  • Assess and manage complex pain and other distressing symptoms in palliative patients.
  • Apply pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions effectively and safely.
  • Evaluate treatment outcomes and adjust care plans to enhance patient comfort and quality of life.

3. Communication, Ethics, and End-of-Life Decision Making

  • Demonstrate advanced communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
  • Apply ethical principles to decision-making, consent, and end-of-life care.
  • Support patients and families in making informed choices about care preferences and advanced directives.

4. Psychosocial and Spiritual Support for Patients and Families

  • Provide compassionate psychosocial and spiritual support to patients and families.
  • Assess the emotional, social, and cultural needs of patients at the end of life.
  • Implement interventions that promote dignity, coping, and emotional well-being.

5. Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Palliative Care

  • Critically appraise research literature relevant to palliative medicine.
  • Design and conduct research projects to improve clinical practice and service delivery.
  • Implement evidence-based approaches to enhance patient care and palliative care strategies.

6. Leadership, Professional Practice, and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

  • Develop leadership skills to coordinate palliative care teams and services.
  • Apply professional standards and reflective practice in clinical decision-making.
  • Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, integrated palliative care.

Completing the ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine equips learners with advanced clinical knowledge, specialised expertise, and leadership capabilities for senior roles in palliative care, hospice services, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Graduates are prepared to lead, innovate, and deliver compassionate patient-centred care, while contributing to service improvement and community health initiatives.

1. Clinical Specialisation Opportunities

  • Develop advanced skills in holistic patient care, pain and symptom management, ethical decision-making, and psychosocial support.
  • Manage complex palliative and end-of-life cases across hospitals, hospices, and community health settings.
  • Apply evidence-based approaches to enhance patient comfort, quality of life, and care outcomes.

2. Professional Skill Enhancement

  • Strengthen competencies in clinical assessment, care planning, and patient-centred decision-making.
  • Build expertise in multidisciplinary collaboration, communication with patients and families, and ethical healthcare delivery.
  • Enhance practical skills in symptom control, supportive care, and personalised treatment strategies.

3. Leadership and Management Growth

  • Progress into leadership positions within palliative care units, hospice services, and community health programmes.
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinate service delivery, and oversee clinical operations.
  • Contribute to strategic planning, service improvement, and quality assurance in palliative care services.

4. Career Advancement

  • Access senior roles such as Palliative Care Specialist, Hospice Consultant, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pain Management Advisor, or End-of-Life Care Coordinator.
  • Work across hospitals, hospices, community healthcare services, and healthcare policy organisations.
  • Engage in programme development, clinical education, and mentorship of junior healthcare professionals.

5. Global Career Opportunities

  • Prepare for international roles in palliative care and end-of-life services aligned with global healthcare standards.
  • Apply expertise in international hospices, healthcare organisations, and cross-border community health programmes.
  • Contribute to global initiatives in palliative care, ethical standards, and patient-centred services.

6. Research & Innovation

  • Participate in clinical research, service improvement projects, and patient-care studies.
  • Support the development of innovative care strategies, pain management approaches, and holistic palliative interventions.
  • Contribute to evidence-based practice, ethical care guidelines, and quality improvement initiatives in palliative medicine.

FAQs

  • Healthcare professionals, clinicians, nurses, and allied health practitioners.
  • Individuals aiming to specialise in palliative medicine or end-of-life care.
  • Learners seeking senior roles in hospices, hospitals, or community health services
  • Minimum Age: 21 years or above
  • Education: Level 6 qualification in medicine, nursing, healthcare, or a related discipline
  • Experience: Relevant clinical experience in healthcare, palliative care, oncology, or community health is recommended
  • Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers may need to provide evidence of proficiency, e.g., IELTS 6.5 or equivalent

ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM) is 120 Credits training program. As this Training program have mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centers.

ICTQual AB allows to offer Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM) in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (PgDPM) consist of 6 mandatory assessments . These assessments are designed to evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and their capacity to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%