Education & Research

The Master’s Degree in palliative care is a two- year distance learning programme taught by the Institute and awarded by Makerere University. It is designed to train and develop specialists and leaders in clinical palliative care, research and education and create a critical mass of palliative care specialists in sub Saharan Africa which will facilitate the integration of palliative care into national health care systems and manage the integrated palliative care. The programme is open to health professionals with Bachelor’s degree in palliative care or any other health related degree. Health workers with Master’s degree and those with postgraduate diploma in palliative care can also enter the course.

The Bachelor of Science in palliative care is a three year distance learning programme open to clinical practitioners with an interest in palliative care. It is aimed at a diverse audience and attracts students from across Africa. This programme is offered by IHPCA in affiliation with Makerere University; IHPCA teaches this programme with Makerere University conferring the degree, upon successful completion of the course works. Applicants who hold Diploma in palliative care from any recognised Institution of Higher Learning can join the programme in year two.

This is a one- year programme undertaken by distance learning open to clinical practitioners with interest in palliative care which attracts students from across Africa. It is also offered by the Institute in affiliation with Makerere University. The Institute teaches the programme and the Diploma is conferred by Makerere University. Students who successfully complete this programme can join the degree programme in the second year.

The diploma in clinical palliative care is a one year full time course or distance learning course that provides clinical officers, registered nurses and midwives with the skill set needed to legally prescribe morphine and deliver specialist palliative care. This course combines theoretical course work with intense field training. This course is key to educating experienced health workers in the field of palliative care that they become focal persons for the provision of this vital care in their communities.

The postgraduate diploma in palliative care is a distance learning programme designed for health professionals with Bachelor’s Degree in Palliative Care or any allied health related discipline. The Health Professional should be working in or intending to work in the area of palliative Care or supportive Care. Health Care professionals with health related Master’s degree can also enrol on this programme. A student who completes the postgraduate diploma successfully can join the Masters Programme in the second year.

A 3-day in-person course for traditional healers, recognising their role in community healthcare. The course introduces key palliative care principles and encourages collaboration and referral to formal health services when needed.

A 3-day in-person programme for religious leaders, catechists, and volunteers. It emphasizes the spiritual and emotional needs of patients with serious illnesses, promoting compassionate care rooted in faith and community.

A 5-day in-person course designed for community volunteers working with patients. It offers basic nursing care skills and raises awareness about the holistic needs of patients with cancer and other life-limiting conditions.

A 6-week blended learning programme, similar in structure to the Home Care course, focusing on the care of older adults. Open to all caregivers.

A 6-week blended course combining weekly in-person sessions with online learning, plus a 1-week practical placement. Open to all caregivers, it equips participants with foundational knowledge and skills in home-based palliative care.

An 8-week online course with a 1-week placement, tailored for non-clinical professionals such as lawyers, teachers, physiotherapists, counsellors, and social workers. The course introduces the basics of palliative care, communication, and clinical pharmacology, promoting a holistic and multidisciplinary approach.

A 10-week online course with a 1–2-week practical placement. Targeted at doctors, nurses, and clinical officers, it covers key topics in pain and symptom management, communication skills, and holistic care in low-resource settings.