Doctorate in Palliative Care

Study for a PhD through distance e-learning

The aim of the course is to equip people working in palliative, hospice and end of life care to undertake advanced study within their chosen field, including clinical work, education, research, management, policy and advocacy.

The objectives of the course are:

• To promote the development of advanced practice in palliative care service organisation and delivery
• To create leaders in palliative care
• To enhance scholarship skills
• To foster critical approaches to evidence review and knowledge management
• To develop advanced skills in research design, practice and dissemination
• To acquire a critical understanding of policy issues affecting service development in specific settings

Who should apply?

This PhD course will appeal to a wide range of people working in hospice, palliative care and end of life care:

• Clinicians
• Managers
• Educators
• Policy makers
• Researchers

It is not restricted to any one professional group or discipline, and is intended to be international in focus, appealing to people working in a variety of settings such as:

• Health Care
• Social Care
• Hospices
• Charities
• Foundations
• Non Government Organisations

Entry Requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements are a recognised good first degree or equivalent experience. If English is not your first language an IELTS of 6.5 is required.

Mode of Study

The course will be delivered by a mixture of modules in Lancaster and on-line learning via the web. Students will have extensive opportunity to study from home coupled with attendance at only one intensive session at Lancaster University per year.

Years 1 and 2 involve taught modules in research methods and palliative care issues. Years 3 onwards are the research component which will be supervised from Lancaster but undertaken in the students' environment.

Course Duration

Commencing in June, the minimum is 4 years and the maximum is 7 years.