Applicants for the PG Cert must have a Primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent qualification in an appropriate healthcare profession* to be approved by the programme team.

In some circumstances, applicants who do not meet these requirements, by virtue of their training and experience may, at the discretion of the programme team, be deemed suitable for entry to the programme. Such candidates may be requested to undergo an interview.

*A relevant healthcare profession includes but is not limited to medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and hearing science, psychology, social science, pastoral care, and art therapy.

Following successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care, and subject to the approval of the programme team, a student may progress to the Postgraduate Diploma. Following successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care, and subject to the approval of the programme team, a student may progress to the MSc, with exemptions granted for modules already taken in the Postgraduate Certificate and the Postgraduate Diploma within the previous 5 years. This does not require a new application by the student however, the programme director should be notified by email by June 30th by those students wishing to progress to the PG Diploma or MSc in the following academic year.

Garda/police clearance is required for registration for the Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care.

Recognition of Prior Learning

In accordance with UCC’s policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, a student who has successfully completed modules for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) within the MSc in Palliative Care programme, and/or has completed relevant university postgraduate modules in a cognate area at a similar NFQ level (subject to the approval of the Programme Team), and who meets the entry requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care, can apply to register for the Postgraduate Certificate. On completion of the PG Cert, you can progress to the Postgraduate Diploma, and subsequently the MSc in Palliative Care, with exemptions granted for modules taken within the previous five years. This will require an application by the student.

Closing Date
Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.

Start Date 7 September 2026

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Pathway
All students register for a Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care in the first instance. On successful completion of the Certificate, you will be eligible to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care in the following year. You can progress to the MSc Palliative Care course after successful completion of the Diploma.

In addition, we believe that many established professionals from multiple disciplines will benefit from this suite of courses as part of their Continued Professional Development (CPD) including the Marymount University Hospital & Hospice Palliative Care programmes.

Skills and Careers Information
In today’s competitive workforce, higher professional qualifications are an essential part of continuous professional development and career advancement.

The Postgraduate Certificate supports students from a range of professional backgrounds in developing knowledge, skills and competencies to assist them in delivering palliative care to patients and their families at a generalist level.