End of Life Care

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for people interested in or engaged in matters relating to death, dying, bereavement, palliative and end of life care. This course will be of special interest to those working in healthcare, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health and social care professionals. The course will also appeal to practitioners, students, researches, volunteers and policymakers in end of life care, as well as social activists and those working in artistic and cultural media who are working on end of life issues. It is ideal for anybody considering taking The University of Glasgow’s MSc End of Life Studies

Topics Covered

Defining dying and end of life
‘Good’ and ‘bad’ dying
Hospital care at the end of life
How communities around the world are creating new ways to deliver palliative care for people with chronic and terminal illnesses – the example of Kerala, in India
How ‘compassionate communities’ are forming to work alongside service providers to meet the challenges of loneliness, isolation and the experience of ‘social death’ – the example of Clydebank, in Scotland
Examining the fast growing world-wide interest in the movement known as ‘Death Café’
Many people want to take direct control over how they die. Where is assisted dying legal and what are its implications – for the meaning of death, the practice of palliative care and the ‘right to choose’?
Rational suicide – an emerging response to the desire for direct control over the manner of one’s death, especially among older people
How modern individuals seek to ‘curate’ their dying process and the rituals that follow it

Reviews summary

Comprehensive end-of-life care exploration

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of end-of-life care, covering sensitive topics with academic rigor and empathy. Students particularly value the global perspectives, such as examples from Kerala, and the focus on compassionate communities. The course's lectures are clear, and it provides a solid foundation for those considering further academic study or working in healthcare. While generally well-received, some mention that it can be quite theoretical, with a desire for more direct clinical applications or interactive elements. The discussion of controversial topics like assisted dying is handled thoughtfully, broadening perspectives for professionals and general learners alike.

Instructors deliver content with clarity and empathy.

"The instructors from the University of Glasgow presented complex and often uncomfortable topics with incredible clarity and empathy."

"The lectures were clear and the modules were well-structured, making complex ideas accessible."

"I felt the teaching quality was high, which is essential for such a sensitive subject."

Addresses difficult subjects like assisted dying with balance and depth.

"The content on assisted dying was particularly thought-provoking and balanced."

"The instructors presented complex and often uncomfortable topics with incredible clarity and empathy."

"It challenged many of my preconceptions about death and dying through its balanced discussions."

Highlights diverse approaches to palliative care worldwide.

"The discussions on compassionate communities and the global perspectives, particularly Kerala, were eye-opening."

"I found the examples of compassionate communities in Scotland incredibly inspiring and practically relevant."

"The course demonstrated new ways communities are delivering palliative care, which was very insightful."

Offers a deep and sensitive exploration of end-of-life topics.

"This course provided an incredibly insightful and comprehensive look into end-of-life care."

"I learned so much about 'good' and 'bad' dying, and the complexities of hospital care at the end of life."

"It covers sensitive topics with immense respect and academic rigor, broadening my perspective significantly."

Strong academic foundation, but some sought more clinical application.

"While it covered a lot of ground, I sometimes wished for more case studies or interactive elements for a deeper dive."

"Some parts felt a bit theoretical; I was hoping for more hands-on strategies for patient care."

"It's great for general knowledge but perhaps less immediately applicable for busy clinical professionals than I expected."

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Learners who complete End of Life Care: Challenges and Innovation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive end-of-life care exploration

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