Summary
Are you interested in supporting individuals and families through some of the most important and sensitive stages of life? The Palliative and Specialist Care Pathway is ideal for those who want to develop specialist knowledge in areas such as end of life care, cancer support, and adult social care. Whether you're new to the sector or looking to build on existing skills, this pathway offers a flexible and accessible route into health and social care.
This pathway is designed as a progressive programme made up of several courses. You will advance through each of the following qualifications, building your knowledge, skills and confidence, with each level preparing you for further study or employment:
PALLIATIVE AND SPECIALIST CARE PATHWAY
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of End of Life Care
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Cancer Support
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
Through engaging, tutor-led sessions, you will explore how to support individuals with complex needs, develop an understanding of compassionate and person-centred care, and gain the knowledge required to work effectively in a range of care settings. This pathway prepares you for roles within residential, community and specialist care environments, supporting progression into both employment and further study.
Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
Entry Requirements
Technical Entry Requirements:
- Age: 19 years or over (19+)
Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:
- DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is not required for enrolment on this course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment or voluntary work involving vulnerable adults. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.
- English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.
These entry requirements ensure that learners are prepared to engage fully with the course and are aware of the expectations for future progression or employment in mental health and care-related roles.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The Palliative and Specialist Care Pathway is a valuable qualification route for those aspiring to work in health and social care roles where compassionate, person-centred support is essential. It provides key knowledge and understanding to support individuals with complex needs, including those receiving end of life care or living with long-term conditions such as cancer, ensuring care is delivered with dignity, empathy and professionalism.
This pathway includes a series of qualifications designed to enhance your skills and knowledge:
PALLIATIVE AND SPECIALIST CARE PATHWAY
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of End of Life Care
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Cancer Support
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
Completing this pathway can lead to employment in roles such as Care Assistant, Healthcare Assistant, Support Worker, Hospice Care Assistant and Community Support Worker.
Next steps at B&FC
Having successfully completed the Palliative and Specialist Care Pathway, students can progress to further qualifications offered by Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) to continue developing knowledge and skills in care and related fields.
These courses provide opportunities to deepen your understanding and enhance your career prospects in health and social care.
Employment Opportunities
These qualifications demonstrate your ability to support individuals with complex needs, including those receiving end of life care or living with conditions such as cancer, with empathy, professionalism and person-centred care.
Potential job titles include:
Care Assistant (Residential or Community Settings) | Healthcare Assistant | Support Worker | Palliative Care Support Worker | End of Life Care Assistant | Domiciliary Care Worker | Hospice Care Assistant | Community Support Worker | Personal Assistant (Direct Payment or Individual Employer) | Activities Coordinator (Care Homes or Hospices)
Key information
Fees and funding
Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.
To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no additional costs associated with this course.
What will I learn?
This pathway is made up of three nationally recognised qualifications that build your knowledge and understanding of palliative and specialist care, enabling you to provide compassionate, person-centred support:
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of End of Life Care
Learn how to support individuals at the end of life, including managing pain, providing emotional support, and maintaining dignity and respect.
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Cancer Support
Explore how to support individuals living with cancer, including understanding treatments, care needs, and emotional wellbeing.
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
Develop the skills and knowledge needed to work confidently and independently in health and social care settings.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
There is no mandatory work placement required for this course, making it accessible to learners who may not currently be working or volunteering in a care setting. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in environments such as dementia care homes, supported living services, or community outreach programmes can significantly enhance your understanding and employability.
At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning experience through guest speakers and employer engagement events. These sessions feature professionals from dementia care services, behavioural support teams, and local health and social care organisations.
Guest lectures and live discussions offer valuable insights into real-world practice, current challenges in dementia and behavioural support, and emerging trends in person-centred care. They also provide opportunities to ask questions, build connections, and explore diverse career paths in health and social care.
How will I learn?
Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the benefits of face-to-face teaching with the flexibility of digital resources.
The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that learners can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.
Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage learner participation and discussion.
Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.
Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where learners can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.
This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the sector.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.
Assessment Methods:
- Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
- Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations related to childhood illnesses, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and support.
Grading:
- The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
- The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.