Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is a college that places teaching and research at its core. ATU aims to provide students with a transformative university experience that prepares them to make significant contributions to society. With a focus on applied learning, teaching, and research that reflects the needs of businesses and professions in the region, ATU strives to be a preferred partner for research and innovation. The university seeks to attract and support students and staff from around the globe, enabling them to reach their full potential.

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In ATU Mayo our commitment to postgraduate palliative care education is founded on the intention of advancing the quality of life of people and their families experiencing life threatening illness, through continuing education of professionals employed in or wishing to advance their career in this area. Our suite of postgraduate palliative and end of life education programmes consist of three strands (Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Science) that provide for educational training and education for professionals at ATU-Mayo. This suite of programmes was developed in consultation with clinical experts in palliative and end of life care both nationally and internationally. We provide a flexible learning environment. Since first launched in 2019, this programme has proved extremely popular with practitioners and service providers and has been fully subscribed each year. Our programme team continually strive to maintain a practice-based approach incorporating current research and professional development requirements in our teaching and learning. Our programme content is informed by the WHO Guidelines for Palliative Care (2016) and the Palliative Care Competence Framework (HSE, 2014). We work very closely with our clinical expert partners in acute care and hospice care. Our lecturing staff include clinical experts in the palliative care field. The programme delivery includes guest lectures and practical workshops delivered by clinical specialists in the area. The teaching and learning frequently draw from clinical practice scenarios and assessments are applied in nature. Our programmes use a blended online flexible approach with residential workshops (Thursday pm and Friday 9-6) every 3-4 weeks (4 times in semester 1 and 4 times in semester 2). The additional teaching and learning are online via tutorials, discussion groups and Moodle. The cost of overnight accommodation for the residential sessions and the core reference books are included in the fees. Master of Science in Palliative Care: This is a recently developed 90 credit taught master’s programme designed for professionals working in areas that cater for people in palliative and/or end of life care. We are now accepting applications for the September 2023. This programme offers Standalone Modules; this gives the student the opportunity to study a module of particular interest at Level 9 without undertaking the full programme. This programme comprises of blended online interactive learning and residential sessions and is adapted for flexible learning. The programme is two years in duration. Entry to this programme is via the postgraduate diploma in palliative care pathway. It involves undertaking an applied research project. Show less

The programme is designed around four key themes

Towards improved interdisciplinary professional understandings, principles and innovations in palliative and end of life care.

Improving person centred care within the context of palliative and end of life care.

Developing a systematic approach to enhancing the comfort and quality of palliative and end of life care.

Developing professional and ethical practice in the context of palliative and end of life care.

Programme Pathways

All students are invited to choose electives* relevant to their practice area.The suite of electives provides for this choice thus respecting the diversity of palliative and end of life care environments.

There are module choice requirements specific to medical and nursing professionals undertaking the programme.

There are also Clinical Nurse Specialist career pathways offered as part of this programme.

*Not all electives may run

Practice Focus

A key feature of the programme is the strong focus on ‘real practice' for the purposes of skill development, assessment and confidence building.

This will enhance understanding of the palliative care focus and approach to person care.

Lecture Structure

Lectures consist of discussion groups, presentations, debates, MS Teams etc. Guest lectures from practice experts is a key feature of this programme.

Online Teaching

Much of this programme is completed online. Lecture notes and reading material are provided. Blogs and discussion groups occur online which is very flexible for adult learners.

How often do I have to attend college for lectures?

This programme is specifically designed for busy professionals who cannot commit to weekly college attendance.

Instead, you attend college on four residential weekends in semester one and semester two only. This involves lectures all day on Thursday and until 1pm on Friday in ATU Mayo. B&B for the residential weekend is provided. (In light of COVID-19, this may change)

Year 1
Principles of Palliative and End of Life Care
10 credits

Psychosocial, Ethical and Spiritual Care
10 credits

Effective Symptom Management in Life Limiting Conditions
10 credits

Reflective Practice
10 credits

End of Life Care for the Person with Dementia
10 credits

Applied Research
10 credits

Bereavement and Loss
10 credits

Clinical Practice Placement
10 credits

Creative Arts in Palliative Care
10 credits

Year 2
Dissertation
30 credits

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