The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM) is a specialised qualification designed for learners who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in providing holistic care to patients with life-limiting conditions. This internationally aligned diploma emphasises the importance of compassionate, ethical, and evidence-based practices in palliative medicine.
Palliative medicine plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for patients and their families by addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs. This qualification equips learners with the essential competencies required to manage pain, deliver end-of-life care, support families, and contribute to multidisciplinary healthcare teams. By completing this diploma, learners will gain a deeper understanding of best practices in palliative care, preparing them for roles in healthcare settings worldwide.
The programme is particularly beneficial for healthcare professionals, community health practitioners, and individuals seeking to enhance their expertise and increase their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It serves as a strong foundation for those wishing to progress into advanced studies or specialised roles in palliative and supportive care.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Medicine must ensure that they have competent and qualified staff, along with all the necessary learning materials, facilities, and resources to provide high-quality training. This guarantees that learners receive an exceptional educational experience that meets international standards and equips them with the practical knowledge required to succeed in this sensitive and specialised field.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2200880
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200880-1 |
Principles of Palliative Medicine |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200880-2 |
Pain and Symptom Management |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200880-3 |
Communication Skills in Palliative Care |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200880-4 |
Psychosocial, Spiritual, and Ethical Aspects of Care |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200880-5 |
End-of-Life Care and Family Support |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200880-6 |
Professional Practice and Multidisciplinary Collaboration |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles of Palliative Medicine
Learners will be able to:
- Explain the philosophy, scope, and principles of palliative medicine.
- Identify the role of palliative medicine in enhancing quality of life.
- Recognise the importance of holistic and patient-centred care.
- Apply ethical and compassionate approaches to end-of-life support.
Unit 2: Pain and Symptom Management
Learners will be able to:
- Assess different types of pain and symptoms in patients with life-limiting conditions.
- Apply pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for pain control.
- Manage common symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, and nausea.
- Evaluate treatment plans to ensure safe and effective symptom relief.
Unit 3: Communication Skills in Palliative Care
Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective communication techniques with patients, families, and colleagues.
- Manage sensitive conversations around prognosis, treatment, and end-of-life care.
- Apply active listening and empathy to support patients and families.
- Maintain professional boundaries while offering compassionate support.
Unit 4: Psychosocial, Spiritual, and Ethical Aspects of Care
Learners will be able to:
- Recognise the psychological and emotional needs of patients and families.
- Address the spiritual and cultural dimensions of palliative medicine.
- Apply ethical principles in complex care situations.
- Support families through grief, anxiety, and emotional distress.
Unit 5: End-of-Life Care and Family Support
Learners will be able to:
- Provide high-quality care for patients in the final stages of life.
- Support families through the process of bereavement and loss.
- Plan and implement end-of-life care strategies in line with best practices.
- Demonstrate sensitivity and professionalism when working with families in distress.
Unit 6: Professional Practice and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Learners will be able to:
- Understand the role of multidisciplinary teams in palliative medicine.
- Apply professional standards, codes of practice, and legal requirements.
- Collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals across disciplines.
- Engage in reflective practice and commit to continuous professional development (CPD).
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM) is designed for healthcare professionals, students, and individuals who want to develop expertise in end-of-life care, pain management, and holistic patient support. This accredited palliative medicine diploma is ideal for those seeking CPD accreditation, career advancement, and practical skills to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. Whether you are already working in healthcare or planning to enter the field, this Level 3 palliative medicine qualification equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make a meaningful impact.
1. Doctors and Medical Practitioners
- Strengthen expertise in palliative and end-of-life care
- Gain advanced skills in pain and symptom management
- Enhance qualifications with an accredited palliative medicine diploma
- Apply evidence-based practices in hospitals, hospices, and clinics
- Earn CPD points to support ongoing professional development
2. Nurses and Allied Healthcare Professionals
- Build confidence in providing holistic patient care
- Learn strategies for managing chronic and terminal conditions
- Strengthen qualifications with a CPD accredited palliative medicine course
- Improve ability to support doctors and multidisciplinary teams
- Gain practical skills for both hospital and community-based care
3. Hospice and Palliative Care Workers
- Develop expertise in end-of-life care and patient dignity
- Learn approaches to psychosocial and emotional support
- Strengthen ability to work with families during critical times
- Gain skills in ethical decision-making and patient advocacy
- Enhance career opportunities in hospice and palliative care services
4. Medical and Healthcare Students
- Build a strong foundation in palliative medicine and patient care
- Gain a competitive edge for future healthcare careers
- Access flexible online learning while continuing academic studies
- Learn practical approaches to symptom control and holistic care
- Earn a recognized Level 3 palliative medicine qualification early in your career
5. Public Health and Community Health Practitioners
- Strengthen expertise in community-based palliative care
- Learn strategies for integrating palliative care into public health programs
- Contribute to national and global health initiatives
- Build qualifications for roles in NGOs, government, and healthcare organizations
- Apply palliative medicine principles to population-level health challenges
6. NGO and Humanitarian Workers
- Prepare for healthcare delivery in underserved or crisis regions
- Gain practical skills for managing palliative care in emergencies
- Strengthen qualifications for roles in international aid organizations
- Learn to implement palliative care measures in resource-limited settings
- Contribute to global health and humanitarian resilience initiatives
7. Career Changers and Lifelong Learners
- Explore opportunities in healthcare, palliative medicine, and patient care
- Gain an affordable and accessible qualification in palliative medicine
- Build transferable skills for roles in education, research, or policy
- Learn at your own pace with flexible online study options
- Strengthen your CV with a recognized diploma in palliative medicine
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Dip PM) must meet the following requirements to ensure the highest standards of training and learner success:
- Qualified and Competent Trainers – Centres must employ trainers with relevant academic qualifications and professional experience in palliative medicine, healthcare, or end-of-life care.
- Approved Learning Facilities – Adequate classrooms, training venues, and digital platforms should be available, equipped with modern teaching aids such as projectors, simulation tools, and e-learning resources.
- Access to Up-to-Date Learning Materials – Centres must provide learners with textbooks, case studies, clinical guidelines, journals, and online resources relevant to palliative care and medicine.
- Robust Assessment System – Ability to conduct written assignments, case studies, practical assessments, and presentations in compliance with LICQual assessment requirements.
- Quality Assurance Framework – Centres must demonstrate strong internal verification and comply with LICQual’s external quality assurance procedures to maintain international training standards.
- Blended and Online Learning Capability – Facilities to support classroom, online, or hybrid learning delivery, ensuring accessibility for both local and international learners.
- Health and Safety Compliance – Training centres must meet occupational health, safety, and accessibility requirements to provide a secure and inclusive learning environment.
- Administrative Support Staff – Centres must have trained administrative teams to handle learner registration, record keeping, assessments, and certification processes.
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement – Trainers and staff must engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to keep teaching practices aligned with the latest developments in palliative medicine.
- Learner-Centred Support – Centres must provide guidance, mentoring, and pastoral care to ensure learners receive the support they need throughout their qualification journey.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
