We have worked in partnership with University of Southampton through a HEE funded project to develop level 6/7 cancer education modules that sit within the MSc in Professional Practice in Health Sciences academic pathway.
Click here for further details about the Professional Practice in Health Sciences academic pathway
These modules can be accessed as stand-alone CPD modules, or combined to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate, a Post-Graduate Diploma or an MSc Professional Practice in Health Sciences.
An example academic pathway is shown below:
Click image to enlarge
Credit for prior learning
It may be possible to obtain credit for Prior learning. This can include both learning from prior certificated learning (PCL) and prior experiential learning (PEL). Click here for further details
Alignment with ACCEND Framework
Self assessment against the ACCEND framework and your job description will support you to identify and prioritise your individual development needs. This will support a structured, holistic appraisal with clearly identified development plan. For further details see our ACCEND page
The following modules are aligned to the ACCEND framework and can provide evidence of learning across many of the Capabilities in Practice. The modules are suitable for the registered specialist cancer workforce including cancer nurse specialists, oncology specialist AHPs, therapeutic radiographers.
To apply for these courses please speak to your line manager to discuss how these meet your identified development needs and, if agreed, then follow your individual organisation’s process to register on the course.
Funding
We have previously obtained training grants from NHSE SE to support the development of cancer nurses. The grants have been allocated through a bidding process coordinated by the Leads for Cancer Nursing within each Trust. We cannot allocate individual funding for the courses so please ensure all training requests go through normal Trust processes.
Wessex Cancer Alliance will provide funding to cover the cost of the modules listed below, which will enhance your knowledge and skills in supporting people with cancer.
Cancer Module information can be found by clicking on the relevant course title below
Advances in Cancer Care | HLTH6260 | University of Southampton
(Funded course value: £1393)
The aim of this module is to build on your existing knowledge of cancer and its treatments and develop your understanding of advances in cancer care that are transforming the landscape of cancer diagnostics and treatments impacting on:
- Patient outcomes and experience
- Cancer services and workforce
You will critically explore developments in such areas as cancer diagnostics, genomics and personalised treatments. This analysis will consolidate your understanding of current approaches as you explore technologies and practices of the future. Advances will be explored with reference to the wider socio-political, economic and cultural influences within this complex and interprofessional context.
This module ran for the first time in January 2024 with positive feedback from this first cohort of students including cancer nurses and AHPs:
“I really, really enjoyed this module, thank you. Every day felt like a brilliant opportunity to learn from passionate experts and I will absolutely encourage others to attend in the future.”
“The module improved my knowledge in cancer care, it will enable me to work with and for patients in delivering personalised care and provide tailored scientific-based information for a higher quality of care.”
“Felt very included as part of the course and (it) was very well organised!”
“Found the whole module great in that every aspect of cancer care was explored, discussed and explained.”
“I now have a better understanding of what is going on across the whole system. This helps me at a strategic level to look at opportunities, threats and how to implement change. I also value the networking and potential to contact the lecturers and other students in the future.”
“It will just give me the confidence to speak more openly to patients and colleagues around such advances and explore more options for patients.”
“All speakers very knowledgeable. Very well organised and thought through. All resources provided and access made easy. Lovely accommodation for lectures.”
Module dates for 2026:
- 13 January
- 20 January
- 27 January
- 3 February
- 10 February
Psychological skills in cancer care | HLTH6258 | University of Southampton
(Funded course value: £1741)
The aim of this MSc level module is to support students to develop an in-depth understanding of assessing psychological wellbeing, and of planning and delivering psychologically-informed care for people living with cancer.
Over 6 study days students learn to provide timely and sensitive care based on theory and evidence i.e. Level 2 psychological support (NICE 2004).
This includes delivering low-intensity interventions including psychological information and psychoeducation for patients and families, support people to self-manage and adjust to life situations, problem solving and managing crises. The assessment is skills based, involving a conversation with a simulated patient (actor) and with an academic to assess underpinning knowledge.
The module has run twice (May 2023 and Jan 2024) and 30 students have completed it. For both cohorts the module evaluation has indicated that students feel more confident in recognising, assessing and communicating with people experiencing distress and more confident in providing appropriate and effective support.
Students have indicated that they would change their practice based on the learning from the module:
“I have found this a brilliant way to learn new skills and gain confidence in using them. I have recommended this course to members of my team and other colleagues and I am sure that my patients will really benefit. The challenge of being out of the clinical area for 6-7 days in completely justified by the knowledge and skills that I have brought back to patient care and clinical practice.”
“Recognising sign of distress, anxiety in patients and approach conversations with more confidence.”
“Assessing risk when cues are given Giving the appropriate time/space to delve into people’s psychological concerns Not just fixing a problem!”
“It really has made a huge impact on my practice and I have been able to acknowledge and reflect on my own behaviour/stresses & values.”
“Very knowledgeable and skilled professionals delivering the course content.”
Module dates for 2026:
- 14 January
- 21 January
- 28 January
- 4 February
- 11 February
- 25 February
- 4 March
Work Based Learning level 7 single | HLTH6231 | University of Southampton*
(Funded course value £725)
The module was created using the University of Southampton (UoS) work-based learning module framework which allows the personalisation of the contents of the module, in order to meet the specific learning needs of the group of students.
This module was developed by a steering group of experts in Personalised Care from WCA and UoS. We worked together as a team to create the contents and format of the module with many individuals involved in the delivery of the taught content.
The module is structured around the 6 domains of personalised care:
- shared decision making
- supported self-management
- personalised care & support planning
- social prescribing
- patient choice
- personal health budgets
The module includes taught sessions on self-awareness, values based commissioning and health coaching. A workbook complements the taught content allowing course participants to reflect on their own clinical practice.
Feedback from students having completed the module included the following comments:
“Very relevant to the CNS role and very enjoyable” – student 2022 cohort
“I would really recommend this for other users” – student 2022 cohort.
“To be able to access a funded course specifically aimed at the role that I do has made me value myself and what I do a lot more” – student 2022 cohort
“This has been a great module and I really enjoyed doing it, meeting the people I have met and making contacts with other teams which is also invaluable” – student 2022 cohort
“I have expanded my boundaries on trying to improve the pathway for my patients to make things focus on what matters to them. It has been incredible to focus on quality” – student 2022 cohort
Module dates for 2026:
- 9 March
- 16 March
- 23 March
- 13 April
- 20 April
- 27 April
- 22 June
* If you have studied one work-based learning module and wish to study a second work based learning module, you will need to use a different code for your second module – HLTH6261 (you cannot use a module code twice).
Work Based Learning – Fundamentals of Cancer Care: *HLTH6231
(Funded course value £725)
This module introduces cancer care, guiding learners through the care continuum—from prevention and screening to early diagnosis, treatment modalities, and advanced disease management.
It explores the science behind cancer and examines contemporary issues in cancer care, including health inequalities.
The module explores the impact of cancer on individuals, their families, and carers, with particular attention to support and communication needs throughout their care.
Experts from the Wessex area will deliver the taught sessions and facilitate an in-depth exploration of the topics. Students will be issued with a learning diary that complements the taught content of the module. The diary will include tasks for the students to complete that will consolidate their learning. The module content has been mapped to the ACCEND framework.
The module will be delivered on-line via Teams over 5 days, with an additional assignment workshop day. Students must attend all 5 taught days.
On-line module 2025 dates:
- 22nd October
- 5th November
- 12th November
- 19th November
- 26th November – assignment workshop
*If you have studied one work-based learning module and wish to study a second work based learning module, you will need to use a different code for your second module – HLTH6261 (you cannot use a module code twice).
Self Leadership | HLTH6226 | University of Southampton
Leading Others | HLTH6210 | University of Southampton
There are several leadership modules within this programme that would support the development of the cancer specialist workforce including Self Leadership.
2025 Dates:
Cohort 1:
- 30 September
- 7 October
- 14 October
- 21 October
- 28 October
Cohort 2:
- 2 October
- 9 October
- 16 October
- 23 October
- 30 October
Research methods (online) | HLTH6224 | University of Southampton – online
(Funded course value £1393)
This module is a core requirement for the academic pathway and supports students across a range of disciplines.
Feedback from students from the cancer workforce:
“I have already shared some of the research that I found with colleagues, and I really want to maintain accessing up to date relevant evidence on which to base our practice.” – student 2022 cohort
“I can confidently appraise research articles to determine if the research is valuable and can be used to change practice.” – student 2022 cohort
“I am keen to utilise skills for service improvement” – student 2022 cohort
“the importance of questioning why we do things and of evidence based practice” – student 2022 cohort
The face-to-face unit runs in Semester 1 with the online unit running in Semester 2.
Dates for 2025/26:
2025:
- 25 September
- 2 October
- 16 October
- 30 October
- 20 November
- 4 December
Online module 2026 dates:
- 22 January
- 29 January
- 26 February
- 5 March
- 19 March
- 24 March
Feedback from students having completed the module included the following comments:
“I have already shared some of the research that I found with colleagues, and I really want to maintain accessing up to date relevant evidence on which to base our practice.” – student 2022 cohort
“I can confidently appraise research articles to determine if the research is valuable and can be used to change practice.” – student 2022 cohort
“I am keen to utilise skills for service improvement” – student 2022 cohort
“the importance of questioning why we do things and of evidence based practice” – student 2022 cohort
MSc Dissertation 18 month | HLTH6213 | University of Southampton
For those wishing to complete the MSc award the dissertation module provides you with the opportunity to plan, undertake and report on an independent, original project which is relevant to your current or future area of practice.
Counselling skills in genomics for health care professionals | MEDI6236 | University of Southampton
A further useful module for cancer nurses is to be found in the Medicine Pathway.
This module gives an introduction to the theory and practice of genomic counselling and is relevant for cancer and non-cancer workforce. It comprises a one week block of intensive on-site teaching and requires face to face attendance to successfully complete the module. It forms part of the genomics MSc but there is potential to bring this module into the Professional Practice in Health Science MSc programme.
Healthy Discussions to Support Self-Management: HLTH6264
(Funded course value: £1741)
2026 dates:
- 21 April
- 28 April
- 5 May
- 12 May
In addition to the modules listed here that were developed as a potential MSc pathway for cancer clinical nurse specialists / AHP oncology specialists there are also further modules that could be included in the programme listed here Professional Modules | Health Sciences | University of Southampton including:
Diagnostic Assessment and Decision Making | HLTH6205 | University of Southampton
Leading and Managing Organisations and Systems | HLTH6209 | University of Southampton
History Taking and Physical Assessment across the Lifespan | HLTH6207 | University of Southampton
Deteriorating patient level 6 | NQCG3149 | University of Southampton
Pharmacology and prescribing in clinical practice | HLTH6219 | University of Southampton
For general information about the modules, please contact Lynn Calman: L.Calman@soton.ac.uk
For specific details about the modules, please contact the module lead – details can be found via the UoS website: Professional Modules | Health Sciences | University of Southampton
For information about the academic pathway, please contact Chris Franks: C.J.Franks@soton.ac.uk
For enquiries about the application process, please speak to your education lead, or the admissions team at UoS if you have any specific queries about your application. CPD modules application information can be found here
Please note that if you are registered on a programme of study you will still need to register for each individual module.