Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-09-01 | - |
2024-01-01 | - |
2024-04-01 | - |
2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This postgraduate program explores the multifaceted aspects of end-of-life care, assisted dying, and cultural perspectives on death and bereavement. It equips students with a comprehensive understanding of ethical, cultural, and practical considerations in end-of-life practices and policies. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the program fosters critical thinking and research skills, preparing graduates for careers in end-of-life care, advocacy, and related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The program delves into new theories, key concepts, and research methods relating to end-of-life issues.
Objectives:
This program aims to:
- Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life care, encompassing ethical, cultural, and practical considerations.
- Explore the diverse models of end-of-life care and their implementation in different cultural settings.
- Analyze the global spread of palliative care approaches and their effectiveness.
- Examine the expanding debate surrounding the legalization of assisted dying and its implications for global policies and practices.
- Develop critical thinking and research skills, enabling students to analyze complex end-of-life issues effectively. It provides a platform for students from diverse professional backgrounds to engage in dialogue and exchange perspectives. The program fosters a rich learning environment where practitioners, social activists, artists, and individuals seeking personal growth come together to explore critical aspects of death and dying.
Outline:
The courses are offered in the following sequence:
Semester 1:
- ASSISTED DYING: RHETORICS AND REALITY: This course critically examines the debates surrounding assisted dying, exploring the various arguments, ethical considerations, and legal implications.
- GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND DILEMMAS IN END OF LIFE CARE: This course analyzes the global challenges in providing optimal end-of-life care, including access to care, resource allocation, and cultural variations.
Semester 2:
- PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACHES TO THE END OF LIFE: This course explores public health policies and strategies aimed at improving the quality of end-of-life care for diverse populations.
- THE CONTINUUM OF AGEING AND DYING: This course examines the various stages of aging and dying, considering the biological, psychological, and social factors involved in this process.
Semester 3:
- CULTURAL REPRESENTATIONS OF DEATH AND DYING: This course investigates how different cultures represent and interpret death and dying, exploring the rituals, beliefs, and practices associated with these events.
- THEORY, METHODS, AND ETHICS IN END OF LIFE RESEARCH: This course equips students with the theoretical and methodological tools for conducting research on end-of-life issues, emphasizing ethical considerations.
Dissertation:
Students undertake a 60-credit research project, allowing them to delve deeper into a specific area of interest within the field of end-of-life studies.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the specific course, but may include:
- Essays: Critical analysis of relevant topics, drawing upon scholarly sources and theoretical frameworks.
- Presentations: Delivering well-researched presentations on assigned topics, demonstrating effective communication and critical thinking skills.
- Group projects: Collaborative research and analysis of specific end-of-life issues, fostering teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
- Examinations: Testing students' knowledge and understanding of key concepts and theoretical frameworks.
- Dissertation: Comprehensive research project demonstrating independent research skills, critical analysis, and in-depth understanding of a chosen topic.
Assessment criteria
are aligned with program learning outcomes and may include:
- clarity and coherence of writing/presentation;
- depth of analysis and critical engagement with relevant literature;
- originality of insights and arguments;
- effective use of evidence and data;
- appropriate referencing and academic integrity;
- demonstration of research skills (for the dissertation).
Teaching:
Teaching methods:
The program utilizes diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and promote active engagement. These methods include:
- Lectures: Delivery of key concepts and theoretical frameworks by experienced academics and practitioners.
- Seminars: Interactive discussions and debates on assigned readings, encouraging critical analysis and exchange of perspectives.
- Workshops: Skill-building sessions focused on developing research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and effective communication.
- Tutorials: Individual or small group sessions providing personalized support and guidance to students.
- Independent study: Encouraging self-directed learning and exploration of specific areas of interest.
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of internationally renowned academics and practitioners with extensive experience in end-of-life studies. They bring diverse expertise in areas like:
- Bioethics
- Palliative care
- Sociology of death and dying
- Medical anthropology
- Cultural studies
- Law
- Public health
- Case-based learning: Analyzing real-world case studies to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.
- Guest lectures: Inviting prominent experts in the field to share their insights and experiences.
- Field visits: Experiential learning opportunities, visiting hospices, palliative care facilities, and relevant organizations.
- E-learning resources: Access to online materials, forums, and interactive exercises for enhanced learning and collaboration.
Careers:
- Non-governmental organizations: Working in organizations focused on end-of-life care policy, service design, and management.
- International health organizations: Contributing to end-of-life care initiatives and programs at a global level.
- Government agencies and departments: Participating in developing and implementing end-of-life care strategies and policies.
- Creative industries: Engaging in projects related to death and dying within film, literature, public engagement, exhibitions, and installations.
- Emerging professional groups: Building a career as a Death Doula or another emerging end-of-life care practitioner.
Other opportunities for graduates:
- Pursuing further research in the field of end-of-life studies.
- Engaging in advocacy and activism related to end-of-life care and related issues.
- Founding and managing organizations dedicated to supporting individuals facing end-of-life challenges.
Other:
- The program is delivered online through the FutureLearn platform, offering flexible, accessible learning for students worldwide.
- Students can choose their starting point, with options to commence in January, April, or September.
- The program duration can be tailored to individual needs, with completion timeframes ranging from 18-24 months for full-time students and up to 3-6 years for part-time students.
- The program encourages a global perspective on end-of-life care, drawing on insights from diverse cultures and healthcare systems.
Tuition fees for 2024-25 MSc Home/EU/International: £14,300 (£1,589 per 20 credits) PgDip Home/EU/International: £9,533 (£1,589 per 20 credits) PgCert Home/EU/International: £4,767 (£1,589 per 20 credits) September 2024 January 2025 April 2025 Additional fees Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370 Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350 Registration/exam only fee: £170
Entry Requirements:
Academic Qualifications:
- Applicants should typically hold a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
- Applicants unsure whether their degree is suitable can contact the program team for further discussion.
- Applications from candidates with substantial professional and/or industry experience are welcome, even if they lack a relevant formal qualification.
Additional Requirements:
- A 500-word personal statement detailing relevant background, experience, and motivation for applying to the program.
- Official English translations of academic transcripts and certificates (if applicable).
- One reference letter on headed paper.
- Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable).
English Language Proficiency:
For applicants whose first language is not English:
- IELTS Academic module: Minimum score of 6.5 with no subtest under 6.0.
- TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome): Minimum score of 79 with Reading 13, Listening 12, Speaking 18, Writing 21.
- Pearsons PTE Academic: Minimum score of 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests.
- Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): Minimum score of 176 overall, no subtest less than 169.
- Oxford English Test: Oxford ELLT 7 with R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17; W&S: OIDI level no less than 6.
- Trinity College Tests: Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.
Exemptions:
- Applicants with a degree from a majority-English speaking country (as defined by UKVI) may be exempt from English language proficiency requirements.
- Applicants who have completed a Pre-sessional English course at the University of Glasgow may also be exempt.
- The University accepts evidence of English language proficiency from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses and other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
The program requires applicants whose first language is not English to demonstrate proficiency through standardized tests. The minimum scores for various tests are outlined above. Applicants with degrees from majority-English speaking countries or who have completed a pre-sessional English course may be exempt.