Professional/Short course The Management of Head and Neck Cancer

Entry year: 2025/26
Course code: UZWSGV20M
Application: University
Level: Professional/Short Course
School: School of Health and Social Wellbeing
Campus: Glenside
Delivery: Hybrid (on-campus/online)
Course Director: Tom Cave

Introduction

This course is open to Allied Health Practitioners and nursing practitioners/students who wish to apply.

This 20 credit specialist interdisciplinary module, The Management of Head and Neck Cancer, aims to increase and develop expert knowledge and understanding of the management of head and neck cancer. It seeks to prepare you to respond to this complex, diverse and evolving area of health care. The module is delivered by a wide range of clinical experts in the field.

On successful completion of this level 7 (Masters level) module, you will be able to:

Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of head and neck cancer biology, anatomy, and physiology.
Explore and develop an understanding of the different modalities of current treatments in head and neck treatment, including symptom management as you relate to your own professional role.
Critically examine the psychological and emotional effects of head and neck cancer including body image disturbance.
Investigate the issues surrounding rehabilitation, survivorship and palliative care in head and neck cancer including ways in which users can be supported through the treatment journey.
Critically evaluate and appraise the current service provision in head and neck cancer and the role of the multi-professional team in the context of your own role and service development.

Careers / Further study

This module can contribute towards:

MSc Advanced Practice (District Nursing)
MSc Specialist Practice
Professional Development Awards

Structure

Content

The course syllabus typically covers the following topics:

Diseases and pathology of the head and neck
Epidemiology of head and neck cancers
Aetiology of head and neck cancers
Cell biology, cancer staging, metastatic spread
Surgical management of head and neck cancers
Radiotherapy and head and neck cancer
Oncological management of head and neck cancers
Ethical issues in head and neck cancer
Supportive Care and Symptom Management
Psychological and emotional effects of diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer
Management of alcohol dependency in head and neck cancer
Nutritional needs of the head and neck cancer patient
Altered body image and dysfunction
Symptom management and palliative care in relation to head and neck cancer
Rehabilitative care in head and neck cancer management
Swallow and Voice restoration
Understanding the patient and family experience
Life beyond treatment
Professional self-care

Learning and Teaching

A variety of approaches will be used which may include:

Technology enhanced learning
Workshops and masterclasses
Lectures and seminars
Enquiry-based learning
Case-based learning

Study time

A total of 36 hours in the form of scheduled learning and teaching study hours.

Assessment

Assessment of this module comprises a 3,000 word project related to the your area of specialist practice in head and neck cancer.

Features

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Health Professions facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Please visit full fee information to see the price brackets for our modules.

Please note: Priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts. Places on this module will be limited for applications received outside of this funding. Please check with your employer as a funded contract place may still be available to support your learning.

Dates

Please click on the Apply Now button to view dates.

How to apply

Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

Email: pd@uwe.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 81158