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Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of End-of-Life Care
End of Life Care – Level 3 qualifications are designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding in specialised areas of care.
Requirments, Study Method & Duration
Entry Requirments
Open to all, Age 16+
Start Date:
Enrolment anytime
Duration
8-12 Weeks
Learning Method
100% Online, Online Assessment
Fees and Funding
Easy Instalment Plans & Funding Available
End-Of Life Care Course Overview
The Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of End-of-Life Care provides a thorough understanding of how to support individuals approaching the end of their lives with dignity, sensitivity, and respect. This course explores the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs of people nearing the end of life, as well as the essential role of supporting families and carers.
Each year, thousands of people in the UK require end-of-life support, either delivered at home, in residential care, or in hospice services. High-quality care during this time can make a profound difference to the comfort, well-being, and peace of both the individual and those close to them.
If you work in care, nursing, palliative support, domiciliary services, or simply want a deeper understanding for personal reasons, this course builds the knowledge and confidence required to provide safe, compassionate care.
This nationally recognised certificate also acts as a strong foundation for progression into specialist palliative roles, senior care positions, or higher-level Health and Social Care qualifications.
Career Progression
The Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of End-of-Life Care is ideal for anyone entering the care sector or already working in adult social care, residential services, community support, or palliative settings.
End-of-life care knowledge is increasingly essential across hospices, nursing homes, home-care services, hospitals, and community-based teams. Completing this qualification equips you with the advanced understanding required to provide safe, compassionate, and person-centred care during the final stages of life.
If you’re refreshing your skills for a current role, preparing for senior responsibilities, or developing towards a specialist pathway, this qualification provides the foundation needed to deliver high-quality end-of-life support that meets sector standards and CQC expectations.
This qualification can help you:
- Palliative and end-of-life care roles
- Hospice and specialist support services
- Senior care roles in residential or nursing homes
- Enhance your professional development as part of your CPD portfolio
- Domiciliary and community care positions
- Support worker or keyworker roles
- Bereavement and family support services
This qualification also prepares you for progression into higher-level study, such as the CMI Level 5 Qualification.
Enhance Your Career with a Level 3 Qualification in Health and Social Care
The health and social care sector continues to grow, offering professionals a meaningful opportunity to positively impact the lives of others. For those currently working in the sector or those looking to start a career in social care, a Level 3 qualification provides the advanced knowledge and skills required to excel. At Access Skills, we offer four specialised Level 3 qualifications in Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Mental Health, and Autism, designed to support care professionals in developing expertise in these vital areas.
Why Choose a Level 3 Qualification?
A Level 3 qualification signifies a substantial advancement in knowledge and skills within a specific field. For professionals in health and social care, these qualifications enhance understanding and equip individuals to address complex, real-world challenges.
Whether you are currently employed in the sector or seeking to improve your qualifications, completing a Level 3 course can pave the way for career progression, increased responsibilities, and leadership opportunities. Our range of Level 3 qualifications is designed to help you to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding to meet the evolving needs of the health and social care sector.
End-of-Life Care Course Content
The Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of End-of-Life Care provides a comprehensive understanding of how to support individuals approaching the final stages of life.
Through its 5 mandatory units, the qualification explores best-practice approaches for delivering safe, dignified, person-centred, and holistic end-of-life care.
Throughout the course, learners will develop a deeper understanding of:
- The principles, aims, and values that underpin high-quality end-of-life care
- How to support emotional, physical, psychological, cultural, and spiritual needs
- How to communicate sensitively with individuals and families during difficult conversations
- How to contribute to assessment, care planning, symptom recognition, and comfort measures
- How to maintain dignity, autonomy, choice, and respect at every stage
- Professional responsibilities around safeguarding, legal frameworks, teamwork, and safe practice
Below is a breakdown of the core units included in the course.
Unit 1: Understanding End-of-Life Care
In this unit, you will explore the principles and purpose of end-of-life and palliative care. You’ll examine:
- The difference between palliative and end-of-life support
- How life-limiting conditions progress
- The needs of the individuals in your care
- The importance of dignity, compassion, and respect when delivering care
You will also explore legal and ethical considerations, including consent, capacity, and how advance care planning supports individual preferences.
Unit 2: Communication During End-of-Life Care
This unit focuses on how to communicate clearly, sensitively, and professionally in end-of-life situations. You will learn:
- How to support difficult conversations about prognosis, wishes, and concerns
- How to recognise and respond to non-verbal communication
- How to adapt communication styles to meet emotional needs, cultural values, and fluctuating capacity
- How to maintain trust, reassurance, and rapport with individuals and families
The unit highlights the importance of empathy, active listening, and trauma-informed communication.
Unit 3: Assessment and Care Planning in End-of-Life Care
In this unit, you will develop an understanding of how to contribute to assessments, risk reviews, and personalised care plans.
You’ll explore:
- Monitoring physical changes, comfort levels, and symptoms
- Supporting nutrition, hydration, mobility, rest, and well-being
- How to identify changes that may require professional escalation
- The importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in delivering coordinated care
You will also learn how to uphold safe, evidence-informed practice aligned with organisational policies and sector standards.
Unit 4: Person-Centred Approaches to End-of-Life Care
This unit explores how to tailor care to each individual’s values, beliefs, cultural background, and personal preferences.
You will learn:
- How to support autonomy, decision-making, and individual choice
- How to ensure care remains respectful, meaningful, and aligned with personal wishes
- How person-centred approaches reduce distress and promote comfort
- How to support advance care planning and advocate for the individual’s voice
The unit reinforces the core values of dignity, compassion, and respect at every stage of care.
Unit 5: Care During the Final Hours of Life and Bereavement Care
This unit focuses on the sensitive and specialised support required during the final days, hours, or moments of life.
You will explore:
- How to recognise signs that an individual is nearing the end of life
- How to ensure comfort, calm, privacy, and dignity
- How to support families before, during, and immediately after death
- Normal grief responses and how to provide appropriate reassurance
- Professional responsibilities during bereavement and after-death procedures
This unit emphasises compassionate presence, emotional intelligence, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for individuals and their loved ones.
End-of-Life Care FAQ
Care workers, senior carers, hospice staff, support workers, or anyone passionate about understanding palliative and end-of-life care.
No. This course is completed fully online.
Yes, you’ll have ongoing tutor support throughout your studies.
Through online written assignments.
Yes, it is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions ?
This Level 3 qualification is ideal for professionals in social care, education, or support roles, and for those with a personal interest in End-of-Life Care.
These Level 3 qualifications are ideal for both current health and social care professionals looking to enhance their skills and individuals new to the sector who want to gain specialised knowledge in areas such as dementia, end-of-life care, mental health, and autism.
A Level 3 qualification offers advanced, specialised knowledge that can lead to career progression, new responsibilities, and even leadership roles. These qualifications are also recognised nationwide, increasing employability in the health and social care sector.
You will receive guidance from expert tutors and dedicated learner support advisors who are available to assist you throughout your learning journey, ensuring you have the resources and help needed to succeed.
Yes, all Level 3 qualifications offered by Access Skills are available entirely online. This format allows you the flexibility to study at your own pace within the designated course duration. You’ll have access to course materials anytime and support from experienced tutors throughout your studies.
Course Highlights
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