Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Care PgC 2022/23 entry
The content of this course for September 2022 entry is still being updated. The information on these pages relates to September 2021 entry and is for guidance only. Please revisit this course page for updated information.
Overview
This online course offers a flexible approach to learning about the distinct needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer. The course is delivered entirely online, attracting a diverse group of students from different disciplinary and international contexts.
The teaching materials are presented in a variety of forms and media, and come directly from nationally and internationally renowned experts in AYA cancer care. This officially endorsed course (by the European Oncology Nursing Society) has been co-developed with experts including clinicians, youth workers, patients and the Teenage Cancer Trust, the leading UK charity in this field.
This course is aimed at people who work with AYA with cancer from a wide range of contexts and professional disciplines. This creates a dynamic and diverse student group who bring a wealth of experience and insight into this online community of learners. Students are guided to critically reflect on their practice to promote developmentally appropriate care which takes into account the impact of cancer on this transitionary life stage. There is a strong focus on the importance of collaborative working within complex health and social care systems, whilst promoting the unique needs of AYAs with cancer.
This course provides a robust academic underpinning that promotes critical thinking, reflection and an evidence-based approach to the care of AYAs with cancer and their personal networks. You will evaluate the wider impact of cancer for AYAs across the disease trajectory, considering your own role in delivering and influencing the care provided.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedStudent experience
All the support you need, in a top student cityAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
EONS- the European Oncology Nursing Society
The programme is endorsed by EONS- the European Oncology Nursing Society.
Teenage Cancer Trust
This course is supported by the Teenage Cancer Trust
What our students say
I learned so much by going through the AYA Cancer Care course at Coventry University. The quality of the professors, and the way the curriculum was designed to be utilized in clinical practice was so helpful. I found many of the projects to be work related, this allowed me to take real life experiences and challenges and work through them as part of the course work. I also appreciated the international online classroom setting, working with students from all over the world, we learned so much by networking with one another, through an interactive online platform, and our professors where with us every step of the way offering helpful feedback/comments.
Course information
This is aimed at all of the multidisciplinary team who are involved with teenage or adolescent and young adult cancer care and encourages students to work together online, to develop specialist knowledge and learn how the various roles combine to offer evidenced-based teenage cancer care.
According to Cancer Research UK, there were 2,490 cases of teenagers' and young adults' cancers per year in the UK and sadly around 270 deaths. Cancer in young people is less well understood mainly because it is relatively rare and diverse. Because of the age of this patient group, they also have unique care needs.
This continuing professional development (CPD) course has been designed to encourage you, as a health or social care professional, to meet the ever-changing demands of caring for young patients with cancer in a dynamic and transformational health care system.
We attract health professionals from all over the world, who are working with young people with cancer in a variety of roles and health care settings and economies, providing an opportunity to learn about different health care practices and experiences.
The course comprises three 20 credit Masters level modules, comprising two core modules, which provide a background in TYA cancer types and treatments, demography and care needs, including survivorship, palliative and end of life care. We will consider the physical, hormonal, emotional and mental health effects that cancer has on young people, together with the support available to them – from external organisations, such as charities and youth groups, to peer relationships, family and community networks.
There is a growing desire for health professionals to adopt a constructive, self-critical approach to their practice. In support of this, in the third and final module, you will be required to initiate a literature review in which you will have the opportunity to explore relevant literature on a selected topic of your choice, relating to your professional activities or academic specialism. This enables you to conduct an in-depth and theoretically rigorous study and then present your findings in a simulated conference setting. Past students have focused on issues such as, adherence in TYA cancer care, fertility information needs of TYA with cancer.
Incidence rates from Cancer Research UK - Accessed March 2020
Course Specification
Download PDF
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
This online course is supported by the Teenage Cancer Trust, the leading UK charity in this field, and is officially endorsed by the European Oncology Nursing Society. The course is highly regarded nationally and internationally in the field of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Care, with the course being the only accredited course in AYA cancer care outside of Australia.
- Flexible learning
- Learn from national and international experts
- Friendly, facilitative academic staff with strong clinical networks
- Adolescent development
- Scope of the AYA cancer problem
- Ethical decision making
- Policy development
- Impact of cancer on AYA with cancer and those in their personal networks
- The impact of cancer across the disease trajectory
- Engaging and communicating with multiple AYA cancer related stakeholders
The online delivery of the course offers a unique learning experience that maximises independent learning, as well as engagement in an online community of students and clinical experts.
You are purposefully directed to use online discussion forums to demonstrate application of knowledge and critical thinking, and engagement with peers forms part of the assessment. There will be some live synchronous learning opportunities, to include tutorials and teaching activity arranged in each module.
Assessment of student work uses a mix of traditional modes of written assessment and digital forms such as online presentations.
The aim of this course is that on successful completion of this course you will have a better understanding of the needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer, and their families and be able to improve the standard of patient care.
Learning is mostly done asynchronously, i.e. you can log in and learn at your own pace within a week timescale, except for tutorials, a live facilitated virtual clinical ethic committee and a live Multidisciplinary Team Meeting, the dates of which are always indicated at the start of each module.
You will receive 63 hours of on-line teaching per module, which comprises a variety of e-learning activities such as online lectures, some live classroom sessions, seminars, facilitated online discussions.
The international and inter-professional online nature of this course promotes opportunities for global learning, networking which could lead to travel.
What our graduates say
The content of the course has broadened my knowledge and altered my perspective on the care of these individuals beyond my expectations. Translating this back to the workplace I feel my heightened understanding of the unique developmental stage and diagnoses of this age group has enabled me to provide more individualised, age appropriate care along with my colleagues.
Entry Requirements
What our graduates say
This course impacts my practice every day. The course tutors and fellow students had a huge impact on me.
Fees and funding
2022/23 Tuition fees
For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
You will need access to a computer with headphones and microphone - to be supplied by the student.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our graduates say
This course impacts my practice every day. The course tutors and fellow students had a huge impact on me.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
The course is recognised by employers as a quality course that equips students with the appropriate level of knowledge within the specialism.
Where our graduates work
Our graduates work in various AYA cancer related settings in a range professional roles
What our alumni say
This online course has taught me more than I expected. The course is very well organised and conceived. It helps build specialist teenage/young adult cancer knowledge, provoke you to think critically and to network with international colleagues. You are really well supported by tutors too.
Disclaimer
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2022/23 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
