End of Life Care - Level 2
Summary
Are you interested in developing the knowledge and skills to support individuals at the end of their life with dignity, compassion and respect? This course will help you understand the principles of end of life care, including how to support individuals with pain and discomfort, the impact of dementia, and the emotional aspects of loss and bereavement.
You will also explore the role of the care worker at the time of death and how to provide person-centred support to both individuals and their families. This qualification is ideal if you are looking to move into health and social care, enhance your current role, or build on your knowledge as part of a wider care pathway.
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
This course is a valuable qualification for those aspiring to work in health and social care settings where providing compassionate, person-centred support is essential.
This qualification is part of the Palliative and Specialist Care Pathway, which includes a series of nationally recognised courses 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 course can support progression into further qualifications and specialised roles within the sector, enhancing employability and opening up opportunities within health and social care, particularly in palliative and supportive care settings.
Next steps at B&FC
Completing these qualifications can lead to advanced studies and specialised roles. You can also progress to:
- NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
- Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care
- Foundation Degree in Mental Health
Employment Opportunities
This qualification is particularly valuable for those seeking entry-level roles in health and social care environments where compassion, empathy and person-centred support are essential, particularly within end of life and palliative care settings.
Potential job titles or roles learners may consider include:
Care Assistant (Residential or Nursing Homes) | Healthcare Assistant | Support Worker | Palliative Care Support Worker | End of Life Care Assistant | Domiciliary Care Worker | Hospice Care Assistant | Community Support Worker | Activities Coordinator (Care Homes or Hospices) | Personal Assistant (Direct Payment or Individual Employer)
Key information
Qualification obtained
Certificate in the Principles of End of Life CareFees and funding
Please visit our Financial Support page for more information about fees, funding and eligibility.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no additional costs associated with this course.
What will I learn?
This course is made up of six key areas, designed to build your knowledge and confidence in end of life care:
Understanding how to work in end of life care
Explore the principles of person-centred end of life care.
Care planning in end of life care
Learn how to plan and deliver care to meet individual needs.
Providing support to manage pain and discomfort
Understand how to recognise and support pain and discomfort.
End of life care and dementia
Explore how dementia affects end of life care.
The role of the care worker in time of death
Understand responsibilities at the time of death.
Understanding loss and grief in end of life care
Learn about bereavement and supporting others through loss.
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 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 care services, support teams and local health and social care organisations.
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.