Hospice Africa Uganda Bachelor of Science Degree in Palliative Care

iii.    Bachelor of Science Degree in Palliative Care
The Bachelor of Science in palliative care is a one year distance learning programme open to clinical practitioners with an interest in palliative care. It is aimed a diverse audience and attracts students from across Africa. This programme is offered by IHPCA in partnership with Makerere University; IHPCA teaches this programme with Makerere University conferring the degree, upon completion of the course work.
Key to this programme is for graduates to not only understand the clinical components of palliative care but to have the ability to train others, advocate within their communities and develop palliative care services where none currently exist.

1.    Programme Content
The Bachelor of Science programme is a three year course with five semesters and two recess terms. There is a compulsory residential four week session at the beginning of each year and an examination week at the end of each semester. The remaining time is spent in distance learning. Students use the internet to access materials, communicate with lecturers and submit assignments.
A research project will be carried out by each student in the third year which will be in line with the research requirements and practices of Makerere University.

2.    Admission Requirements
There are two levels of entry onto this programme.

Entry at year one:
Diploma holders including Clinical Officers, Clinical Ophthalmic Officers, Clinical Dental Officers, Psychiatry Clinical Officers, Pharmacy Technicians, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Medical Social Workers, Registered Nurses, Midwives, Comprehensive Nurses and other relevant and related health science diplomas are welcome to apply.

Entry at year two:
•    Holders with a diploma in palliative care from Makerere University/Hospice Africa Uganda.
•    Holders with a diploma in palliative care from a recognized institution of higher learning.

Applicants must:
•    Provide certified copies of required professional and academic qualifications.
•    Have a minimum of two years post professional qualification.
•    Possess a Uganda Certificate of Education O level or equivalent with at least five passes obtained at the same sitting.
•    Possess a Uganda Certificate of Education A level or equivalent with at least one principal pass and two subsidiary passes obtained at the same sitting.
•    Provide two recommendations, one of which should be a current supervisor.
•    Be committed to palliative care for two years post graduation.
•    Provide a letter from employer stating agreement for a student to commence course. A four week study leave is required during the recess term for a clinical placement. During the two semesters it is suggested one to two days a month of study leave.

3.    Tuition
The diploma in palliative care one year course costs $5,400 per year and includes:
•    Registration
•    Tuition
•    Examination fees
•    Accommodation and meals during residential periods