Graduate Diploma in
Palliative and End-of-Life Care

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How to apply

Key info

CSP: Commonwealth supported place | FFP: Full fee paying

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Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent, plus a minimum 2 years' full-time experience

See entry requirements

SATAC

2GD141 (CSP)
2GD641 (FFP)

Duration

1 year

Delivery mode

Online

Availability

Full-time, part-time

Start dates

March
July

Annual indicative fees (2025) ^

$9,314 (CSP)
$28,800 (FFP)

SATAC

2GD141 (CSP)
2GD641 (FFP)

Duration

1 year

Delivery mode

Online

Availability

Full-time, part-time

Start dates

March, July

Annual indicative fees (2025) ^

$9,314 (CSP)
$28,800 (FFP)

Explore the Graduate Certificate in Palliative and End of Life Care or the Master of Palliative and End of Life Care.

^Government subsidies enable Flinders to offer Domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Supported Places. Offer subject to change.

Overview

Overview Careers Program of study Student support

How to apply

The Graduate Diploma in Palliative Care is designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced knowledge and skills to deliver comprehensive care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

This program provides an in-depth understanding of palliative care principles, including pain and symptom management, communication in complex situations, ethical considerations, and holistic care approaches.

With a strong focus on evidence-based practice, the course equips graduates to work across diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospices, aged care facilities, and community services. Flexible delivery options ensure you can balance study with your professional and personal commitments while advancing your career in this growing and essential field.

Your career

Graduates can progress into Flinders’ Master of Palliative and End-of-Life Care. This advanced qualification further enhances expertise in palliative care, equipping graduates to take on leadership roles and deliver high-quality care across diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospices, and community health services.

Potential occupations after completing the subsequent Master of Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Palliative Care Care Practitioner $130k
Clinical Nurse Consultant (Palliative Care) $100k
Palliative Care Coordinator $90k
Hospice Manager $110k
Palliative Care Educator $115k

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Potential employers

Hospitals and health services
Hospices
Nursing homes and aged care facilities
Community care providers
Government health departments
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Educational and research institutions
Specialist clinics

Program of study

You’ll complete 8 topics and develop advanced skills in delivering compassionate, evidence-based care in palliative and end-of-life settings. Through practical projects and case-based learning, you’ll enhance your ability to support patients and families, address complex care needs, and contribute to the development of policies and practices in palliative care.

Topics

Principles of Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Communication in Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Psychosocial and Spiritual Support in Palliative Care
Symptom Management in Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Palliative Care in Aged and Chronic Illness Populations
Ethical and Legal Considerations in Palliative Care
Advanced Practice in Palliative Care
Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Palliative Care

Practical experience

This course does not include formal practical placement components, as it is designed to provide advanced theoretical knowledge and skills for roles in palliative and end-of-life care. However, the program emphasises practical learning through case studies, reflective practice, and applied projects, enabling students to address complex care needs and implement evidence-based practices in real-world palliative care settings.

For those seeking further hands-on experience or advanced specialisation, this diploma can serve as a pathway to the Master of Palliative and End-of-Life Care, which allows for deeper engagement with applied learning and leadership opportunities within the field.

View study program

Graduate Diploma in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

No.1 in SA
for overall experience, skills development and teaching quality

(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only)

No.1 in SA
for learner engagement, learning resources, overall experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality

(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)

Ranked in the top 2%

of the universities in the world

(The World University Rankings 2023 as a percentage of the total number of universities in the world according to the International Association of Universities)

Three qualifications in one.

Flinders University offers staggered qualifications as you complete certain milestones.

Finish four topics and you’ll receive a Graduate Certificate.

Finish another four topics, and you’ll receive a Graduate Diploma.

Complete a further 12 topics in addition to those, and you will be awarded a Masters.

Master of Palliative and End-of-Life Care

12 topics | 18-month duration

Graduate Diploma in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

8 topics | 12-month duration

Graduate Certificate in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

4 topics | 6-month duration

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Entry requirements

This course is a pathway to the Master of Palliative and End-of-Life Care.

Applicants who do not hold the Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution in dietetics, medicine, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, paramedic science, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, speech pathology or social work.

In addition applicants must have no less than two years full-time equivalent professional experience in the health sector or closely related field.

How to apply

Select your preferred course.

Check entry requirements.

Check individual course entries on SATAC for information on important dates.

Apply online at SATAC.

Apply directly via SATAC

2GD141 (CSP)

2GD641 (FFP)

Flinders students can apply to transfer to this course internally. Visit: www.flinders.edu.au/internaltransfer for more information.

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