Graduate Diploma in Palliative Care

At the completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. critically appraise Palliative Care theory, research, ethics and professional literature, further developing their knowledge and skills in this area.
2. continue to develop critical reflective skills and self evaluation of their own professional practice.
3. critically discuss issues related to the person with a life limiting illness, taking into account the physical, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions to care specific to the needs of individuals, their families and those involved in their care.
4. identify goals/strategies to foster a deep approach to learning and the development of life-long learning skills in the area of palliative and supportive care.

Palliative and supportive services at Flinders University provides distance courses that give professionals from any health discipline the opportunity to deepen the knowledge base on which their practice is grounded.

The courses provide:

• leading edge content for students across the world
• an interdisciplinary team approach, appreciating diverse professional perspectives
• relevance to your immediate and potential future professional needs
• enjoyable, successful learning through well structured topics
• a flexible delivery mode to match your hectic work and life schedules.

It is 1 year in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

Students complete three core (compulsory) topics and five elective topics chosen from a range of elective topics available. These topics aim to provide students with the opportunity to critically discuss issues related to the person with a life limiting illness, taking into account the physical, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions to care specific to the needs of individuals, their families and those involved in their care and to identify goals/strategies to foster a deep approach to learning and the development of life-long learning skills in the area of palliative and supportive care.

This graduate diploma articulates into the Master of Palliative Care.

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Palliative Care, students must successfully complete three core (compulsory) subjects and five elective subjects chosen from a range of electives.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $25,592

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants who do not hold the Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care must normally hold an approved health-related degree or equivalent qualifications and not less than two years professional experience in the health sector or related field. 

Applicants must also have a minimum of two years' full-time equivalent professional experience in the health sector or closely related field by the commencement date of the course.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment. 

Some subjects require students to attend intensive workshops on-campus.