Master of Science in Extensive End-of-Life Care

Programme Aims

The aims of the programme are to enable learners to:

1. comprehend the end-of-life philosophy and principles to address an emerging needs, and to contribute to the quality end-of-life care needs of individuals in society;
2. enhance physical comfort for care recipients throughout their disease trajectory;
3. respond to the challenges of clinical and ethical decision-making in end-of-life care;
4. develop interpersonal and communication skills appropriate to end-of-life care;
5. be able to listen and self-reflect, practise self-awareness, and undergo continuing professional development in end-of-life care.

Programme Characteristics

• This programme is designed to prepare students to take on active roles and develop their competence in the area of Extensive End-of-Life care (EELC). The Clinical Practicum course is an important practical unit in the programme. It will give students hands-on opportunities in real-life settings to apply theories and skills learnt from various courses.
• To create synergies, efforts have been made to liaise with the Society for the Promotion of Hospice Care (SPHC) to collaborate in teaching as well as clinical training. The SPHC is the first palliative and hospice care training provider in Hong Kong, and regularly offers classes on end-of-life care, bereavement support, and advance care planning to both local and overseas participants. It runs institutional, home, and respite services in end-of-life care, with a key objective of encouraging active family participation to act as a buffer against complicated grief and to improve the quality of death. It provides a platform of venues for students to experience and explore issues related to end-of-life care.

Programme Mode and Duration of Study

The programme is presented in mixed mode (face-to-face and online). The study duration will be one year for full-time students or two years for part-time students. The maximum period of study is three years for full-time mode and four years for part-time mode.

Programme Structure

The programme carries 30 credit units. The programme structure is presented below.

Medium of Instruction

The medium of instruction of the programme is English.