Teaching & modules
Modules
Courses are divided into modules. MSc students on this course take modules totalling 180 credits. PG Dip students take modules totalling 120 credits. PG Cert students take modules totalling 60 credits.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Required modules
You are required to take:
- Research Methods and Statistics in Palliative Care (30 credits)
MSc students only
- Research Project (60 credits)
Part-time MSc students will complete the Research Project in Year 2.
Optional modules
In addition, all students will need to take modules from the list below.
MSc students will need to take a further three modules (90 credits).
Part-time MSc students will need to complete these over two years.
PG Dip students will need to take a further three modules (90 credits).
Part-time PG Dip students will need to complete these over two years.
PG Cert students will need to take a further one module (30 credits).
Part-time PG Cert students will take this module in the second year of the course.
- Assessment and Management of Symptoms in Advanced Diseases (30 credits)
- Service Development and Policy in Palliative Care (30 credits)
- Applying Psychosocial, Cultural, Spiritual and Ethical Issues to Palliative and End of Life Care (30 credits)
- Applying Epidemiology in Palliative Care (30 credits)
Teaching methods - what to expect
The MSc, Diploma and Certificate programme in Palliative Care will be delivered via Hyflex. This means the course will be delivered both in person and online at the same time. As a full-time/part-time student, you will join the class on campus in person and be taught in the classroom. You will also be joined by other students remotely wherever they are in the world.
You’ll be taught by academics and professionals at the cutting-edge of palliative care research and practice. We work closely with St Christopher’s Hospice to deliver the modules and we bring in experts from around the world to teach on different subjects. We want you to receive the most current thinking on all aspects of palliative care.
We have deliberately designed the course to fit around your commitments at home and at work. Each of our modules is delivered in two week blocks throughout the year, with time for self-directed learning in between.
Location
King’s College London is located in the heart of London, across five campuses, Waterloo, Strand, St Thomas’ and Guy’s and Denmark Hill. The course is primarily taught on the Denmark Hill Campus in South London and at the St Christopher’s Hospice.
The programme uses a Hyflex model to deliver live (synchronous) teaching. Some synchronous teaching may be shared with students attending in-person at our Denmark Hill Campus in South London.
Please note that if you hold a student visa, you are required to comply with any conditions attached to your visa, including those relating to the place of study. You may only study remotely if you are permitted to do so.
Assessment
- Coursework
Your performance will be assessed by coursework. Forms of assessment may typically include written assignments such as essays and case studies. MSc students will also complete a Research project. This is a substantial piece of work relevant to your field of practice, which will allow you to draw together key themes of learning developed through the course.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.
This programme is offered in person or via distance learning:
In Person (Full-time/Part-time) – MSc, PGDip and PGCert
Our first application deadline is on 9 March 2026 (23:59 UK time)
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
- Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2026 (23:59 UK time)
- Home fee status: 25 August 2026 (23:59 UK time)
After the first application deadline in March:
- if the programme is not yet full, we will continue to accept applications until all available places are filled up to the final application deadlines above
- if the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications
Distance Learning (Full-time/Part-time) – MSc Only
- Our first application deadline is on 9 March 2026 (23:59 UK time)
- The final application deadline is on 25 August 2026 (23:59 UK time)
After the first application deadline in March:
- if the programme is not yet full, we will continue to accept applications until all available places are filled up to the final application deadline above
- if the programme becomes full before the final application deadline stated above, we will close the programme to further applications
Key Information
Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
Classroom & Online
Study mode:
Full time / Part time / Distance Learning
Duration:
One year full-time or two years part-time; in person or distance learning.
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026