Graduate Diploma in Psycho-Oncology

Course 139-AA (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus: 2008
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate

Contact

Course Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Flynn. Course Administrator: Ms Sue Donnelly sued@medstv.unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview:

Please note this course is unavailable for study in 2008.

The Graduate Diploma of Psycho-Oncology is a multidisciplinary program designed for nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers, allied health and pastoral care practitioners who are interested in the area of oncology and palliative care. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a sound understanding of the range of psychosocial issues that occur in oncology and palliative care and equip them with enhanced counselling skills which can be applied to the management of patients in the palliative care setting.

Medical practitioners who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma of Psycho-Oncology may apply for entry into a two-year Master of Medicine candidature with credit of the Diploma towards the first year of study.

Objectives: It is expected that on completion of this course students will be able to:
  • explore the range of psychosocial issues that occur in oncology and palliative care, including bereavement, and to develop skills in the areas of communication, psychosocial assessment and management;
  • relate basic concepts of cancer development and treatment to the provision of psychosocial support to people receiving cancer services;
  • demonstrate the application of ethical principles and the contribution of culture in the treatment of oncological disorders and the practice of palliative care;
  • develop enhanced skills in counselling patients with cancer and their families.
Course Structure & Available Subjects: The Graduate Diploma of Psycho-Oncology comprises four semester long, double subjects worth 25 points each, to the total of 100 points for the course.

No particular sequence of subjects is assumed. Although students must complete all subject requirements for the course, they can choose the order in which they complete subjects, giving them a degree of flexibility.

Metropolitan students are required to attend one, five hour seminar per week on topics outlined in the Course Outline. Seminars will take a problem orientated, discussion approach to each topic. Distance students will receive a course outline and audio recordings of the weekly seminars on CD. Students in Psycho-Oncology and Psychotherapies and Practicum are required to attend an intensive weekend workshop. An optional Introductory Day will also be held in semester one.

Subject Options:

Core Subjects

Core Subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 2
25

Elective Subjects

Elective Subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Entry Requirements: A degree in medicine, nursing, social work, clinical psychology or other health-related discipline is required.

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Graduate Attributes: None
Notes: Residential and assessment costs for distance learning students are additional costs to be paid for by the student.

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