Oncology and Palliative Care - Programme Details

Background

The programmes have been developed and administered by Newcastle University in association with the Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC) and affiliation of the Northern Institute of Cancer Research (NICR).

Unique Programme for Qualified Health Professionals

This unique completely web-based programme of study is for practitioners with a relevant health-related degree, post basic diploma in clinical pharmacy or for SHOs and Registrars training for part one of the FRCR examination or in Medical Oncology. It is assumed that you are competent in the use of the Internet, e-mail and word-processing packages. You can study the programme of your choice from anywhere in the world as long as you have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection.

Pathway Options – at a glance

  • MSc – Oncology or Palliative Care (180 credits)
  • Diploma – Oncology or Palliative Care (120 credits)
  • Certificate – Cancer studies (60 credits) (you can pick from any of the modules offered there is no specific pathway).

The MSc and Diploma programmes have two pathways: Oncology and Palliative Care.

Oncology: pathway includes modules which are specific to the diagnosis, radical and palliative aspects of treatment

Palliative Care: focuses on supporting patients' complex pain/symptom/psychological needs.  

Cancer Studies (Certificate only) - no specific pathway. Therefore, students can choose from any of the modules offered up to 60 credits.

Standalone ‘CPD’ Modules

We offer you the option of taking standalone modules, so you can pick and choose modules relevant to your line of work or personal interest. Standalone modules are specifically geared to those of you who are not particularly interested in gaining a qualification but learning about the modules we offer. You can apply for these modules in the same way as applying for the other programmes- just stipulate your option of which module you would like to take.

Time required
All programmes must be completed within 5 years of starting. The MSc programmes are designed to last approximately 1800 hours but you will study at your own pace within the guidelines provided. The MSc programmes will normally take a minimum of 3 academic years to complete. To achieve this in the minimum time you must work approximately 7 hours per week per module (i.e. approximately 21 hours per week in total if you are taking 3 modules per semester, depending upon prior knowledge and experience).

Each 10 credit module will take approximately 100 hours to complete. This includes all the time you spend studying the course materials, reading, researching, working through interactive activities, preparing assignments, reflecting, meeting with your mentor, taking part in discussions, obtaining witness testimonies and completing admin-related tasks.

Flexibility

We like to be as flexible as possible with students. You may wish to take fewer modules per semester. You can choose between 1 - 3 modules per semester depending on how quickly you want to finish your chosen programme.

The Qualification

Successful completion of all assessments and the entire programme will lead to the award of an MSc in Oncology or in Palliative Care (180 credits). Alternatively, you can study towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology or Palliative Care (120 credits), or Postgraduate Certificate in Cancer Studies (60 credits).