Short Courses and Study Days

Explore Our Short Courses and Study Days

We offer a wide range of short courses and study days for healthcare professionals, administrative staff, volunteers, and colleagues working across the voluntary, community, social enterprise and charitable sectors. Our educational opportunities include both face-to-face and online learning, supporting those working in cancer care and wider health and care settings. Popular courses run throughout the year alongside bespoke and one-off educational events.

Education and Development Guide

Not sure where to start?

Our Education and Development Guide brings together information on courses, academic modules, workforce development opportunities, career pathways, and additional learning resources to help you plan your learning and development.

Download Cancer Education Hub_ Education and Development Guide [pdf] 4MB

Aligned with the ACCEND Framework

All of our courses are aligned with the ACCEND Framework (Aspirant Cancer Career and Education Development). This national framework supports workforce development through structured career pathways, cancer-specific capabilities in practice, and educational standards designed to support high-quality, person-centred cancer care

Find out more about ACCEND Framework | NHS England

Request Your Place on a Course

Choose the relevant financial year and complete the booking request form:

Cancer Education Hub Booking Request Form 2026/27

Bespoke Education and Training

We can develop and deliver bespoke education and training for healthcare teams, services, networks, charities, and organisations. This includes communication skills training, cancer education, and tailored educational events designed to meet local needs.

For further information, contact:

plh-tr.cancereducationhub@nhs.net

Acute Oncology Service (AOS) study day

Who it is for   

It is aimed at all health care professionals including (but not exclusively) to Drs, GPs, Nurses, ACPs, AHPs.  

What to expect   

A full day of study led by the UHP AOS team.

Topics Covered

  • Introduction to the Acute Oncology Service

  • The advances in Systemic Anti Cancer Therapies (SACT), and the impact on our patients and the NHS

  • Immunotherapy

  • Bristol Myers Squibb Immuno-Oncology Education

  • Acute New presentations

  • Oncology Emergencies

Prices

Free for all UHP staff

Date and place

New date to be confirmed later in the year. 

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please email shirleyharker@nhs.net 

Advanced Communication Skills - 2 Day Workshop

Who it is for  

Registered healthcare staff who have completed Foundation Level Communication Skills (or equivalent) and are involved in complex and challenging conversations, such as breaking bad news. This workshop is designed to enhance participants’ ability to manage difficult communication situations. In some circumstances, staff in supportive or assistive roles may also be considered where appropriate.

What to expect  

A two-day interactive and immersive workshop designed to develop healthcare professionals’ communication skills for complex and challenging conversations with patients, relatives, and colleagues. The workshop builds on foundation-level communication skills knowledge.

Day 1 (9am to 4:30pm): (Maximum group size: 10 participants)

  • Advanced communication theory, including breaking bad news and transactional analysis

  • Preparation for Day 2 role play

  • Creating a safe and supportive learning environment

Day 2 (9am to 4:30pm):

  • Small group work (maximum of 5 participants per group)

  • Facilitated role play situations, supported by professional role players

  • Participants choose their own situations to work on, based on real practice challenges

  • Opportunities for practice, structured feedback, and reflective learning

  • Exploration of self-awareness and the importance of personal wellbeing when managing difficult conversations

This course is aligned with the ACCEND Framework , supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.
Core Capabilities Covered: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.10,

4.11, 4.12, 4.14, 4.15, 5.2, 6.1, 6.12, 6.13, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 & 11.7  

Prices  

Cost of £450. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.

Date and place  

18 and 19 November - Market Hall, Plymouth.

9 and 10 December - Market Hall, Plymouth 

11 and 12 February- Market Hall, Plymouth 

21 and 22 April - Market Hall, Plymouth 

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Cancer Care Essentials

Who it is for

Aimed at people in non-clinical roles within Cancer care including administrator's, receptionists, charity workers and volunteers. 

What to expect 

A full study day giving an overview of the biology of cancer, the patient pathway and cancer treatments. The course aims to give essential knowledge for those working with in cancer in non-clinical roles. This will enable you to interact more effectively with patients and the friends and family who support them. The day is interactive and engaging with active learning. 

This course is aligned with the ACCEND Framework , supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.
Core Capabilities Covered: 1.5, 2.6, 3.8, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 6.1, 6.5, 7.1, 7.4, 9.1, 9.2, 11.8, 12.7, 12.8, 12.12, 14.1, 15.8, 

15.9, 18.1, 18.4, 19.1 & 19.5

Topics Covered

  • Understanding Cancer

  • The Cancer Pathway

  • Own wellbeing

  • An overview of Cancer treatments including Surgery, Radiotherapy and SACT

  • Introduction to Communication skills

Prices

Cost of £100. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.

Date and place

Wednesday 7 October 2026, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Cancer Care Pro

Who it is for  

Aimed at Healthcare professions working in Cancer Care including Cancer support workers, nurses, AHPs, pharmacists, physicists, psychologists and doctors.    

What to expect  

A full study day giving an overview of the biology of cancer, the patient pathway and cancer treatments. The course aims to equip those working within cancer with a detailed overview of cancer care. We aim to make the day interactive and engaging with active learning.

This course is aligned with the ACCEND Framework , supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.
Core Capabilities Covered: 1.5, 2.6, 3.8, 4.7, 6.1, 6.5, 7.1, 7.4, 9.1, 9.2, 11.8, 12.7, 12.8, 12.12, 14.1, 15.8, 15.9, 18.1, 18.4, 

19.1& 19.5, 

Topics Covered

  • The Science of Cancer

  • The Cancer Pathway

  • Own wellbeing

  • An overview of Cancer treatments including Surgery, Radiotherapy and SACT

Prices

Cost of £100. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.

Date and place 

Thursday 17 September 2026, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Thursday 26 November 2026 - Online - MS Teams

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Foundation Communication Skills - 1 Day Workshop

Who it is for  

Suitable to  all those who work in healthcare or related areas of practice. Whist several of the facilitators have a background in oncology and end of life care, these study days are suitable for CNS's, support staff, community workers, primary care colleagues, AHPs and Doctors.

What to expect  

An interactive day including discussions, small groupwork, videos and simulated scenarios looking at best practice for communication skills in a healthcare setting.

This course is aligned with the ACCEND Framework,  supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.
Core Capabilities Covered: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.10, 4.12, 

5.2, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 & 11.7

Topics Covered

  • Reasons and impact of poor communication 

  • Active Listening Skills

  • Working with Cues

  • Blocking and distancing behaviours

  • Importance of empathy 

  • Facilitative skills 

  • Developing your own communication skills

Prices

Cost of £150. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.  

Date and place 

Wednesday 9 September 2026, Market Hall, Plymouth PL1 4PS

Thursday 1 October 2026, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Wednesday 21 October 2026 - Online - MS Teams

Wednesday 4 November 2026, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Wednesday 2 December 2026, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Immunotherapy Study Day

Who it is for  

Healthcare professionals who provide care for patients undergoing Immunotherapy including Doctors, nurses, AHPs and Pharmacists.   

What to expect  

A full day of study led by Nicola Jones (Lead Immunotherapy CNS ) to build knowledge on Immunotherapy.

Topics Covered

Learners will gain knowledge of the mode of action of Immunotherapy, early  identification and management of immune related and adverse events. Varied speakers including experts from dermatology, hepatology and endocrinology.  

Prices  

Cost of £100. Places for staff within the Peninsula Cancer Alliance will be funded.  

Date and place  

New date to be confirmed later in the year. 

Contact us  

If you would like to attend a course or have further questions, please contact plh-tr.cancereducationhub@nhs.net  

Level 2 Psychological Skills in Cancer Care

Who it is for

According to NICE, ACP-UK, and the ACCEND Framework, Level 2 psychological skills training is recommended for professionals who:

  • Routinely engage with patients experiencing emotional distress.

  • Are expected to screen for psychological needs and provide first-line psychological support.

  • Work in settings where referral to Level 3 or 4 psychological services may be required.

  • Are developing core capabilities in communication, psychological support, and person-centred care as outlined in the ACCEND Career

  • Pathway and Competency Framework.

This typically includes Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), and other experienced staff working in cancer care roles requiring enhanced psychological awareness and support skills.

What to expect

A two-day blended learning course designed to enhance psychological care capabilities in cancer settings. The course is aligned with the NICE Four-Level Model of Psychological Support and the ACCEND Framework, supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.

This course will be delivered by the Torbay Clinical Health Psychology team, with support from Andy Garner, Oncology Education Lead at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

Day 1 

Participants will:

  • Understand the NICE Four-Level Model of Psychological Support in Cancer Care.

  • Describe the key responsibilities and boundaries of Level 2 practitioners.

  • Understand the psychological impact of cancer across the cancer pathway.

  • Recognise and assess signs and symptoms of psychological distress and risk.

  • Identify common emotional and psychological responses to cancer, trauma, and loss (e.g. anxiety, depression, grief, trauma symptoms).

  • Distinguish between normal adjustment and distress that may require escalation to Tier 3 or 4 services.

  • Develop communication skills to support assessments and identify risk.

Day 2 

Participants will:

  • Develop knowledge and skills in applying Level 2 evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate psychological distress.

  • Apply knowledge to practice through case studies, role play, and experiential learning exercises.

  • Develop knowledge using screening tools to support assessment and intervention planning.

  • Explore opportunities for signposting and referring on to a Level 3/4 service.

  • Identify signs of compassion fatigue or vicarious trauma in oneself or colleagues.

  • Develop and implement effective self-care and reflective practice strategies to sustain wellbeing and professional effectiveness.

Prices

Places for staff within the Peninsula Cancer Alliance will be funded by The Peninsula Cancer Academy.

Date and Place

Thursday 14 January 2027 (Online), and Thursday 28 January 2027 (In Person), Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Request a Place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Study Day

Who is it for?

For anyone who is interested in lung cancer/mesothelioma. 

What to Expect

A full day of interactive, engaging learning, featuring:

  • Updates on legal perspective in asbestos related disease.

  • Diagnostics and treatments for mesothelioma

  • Diagnostics and treatment for lung cancer. 

Prices

Free to all attendees

Date and Place 

New date to be confirmed later in the year.

Contact Us

If you would like to attend a course or have further questions please contact Christine Jones on christine.jones34@nhs.net or 0780817218

Oncology Lunch and Learn

Who It's For

The Oncology Lunch and Learn is designed for UHPT staff working in oncology, including Nurses, Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), Cancer support workers and any staff interested in expanding their knowledge in cancer care.

What to Expect

Join us every 6 weeks for an engaging one-hour learning session during your lunch break. Each session will feature a different topic focused on oncology, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge. Feel free to bring your own lunch and participate in person in the Mustard Tree Training Room or virtually via MS Teams.

Topics Covered

The topics will vary each session and may include:

  • Innovations in cancer treatments and therapies

  • Best practices for oncology patient management

  • Effective communication techniques in oncology care

  • Recent advancements in immunotherapy

  • Handling oncology-related emergencies

Pricing

Free for all staff at University Hospitals Plymouth.

Date and Time

Oncology Lunch and Learn sessions will be held every 6 weeks between 1pm and 2pm in the Mustard Tree Training Room at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, with the option to join via MS Teams for those participating remotely. Specific dates and times will be announced in advance.

Contact Us

To register or if you have any questions, please contact us at plh-tr.cancereducationhub@nhs.net

Radiotherapy Study Day

Who it is for   

Aimed at Healthcare professionals who support people undergoing radiotherapy, including cancer support workers, nurses, AHPs and pharmacists.

What to expect   

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment - yet for many healthcare professionals, it remains a complex and unfamiliar field.

This engaging one-day course will give you a clear understanding of how radiotherapy works, what patients experience, and how you can best support them throughout their treatment. Whether you work in acute care, community settings, or specialist services, this day will strengthen your confidence and clinical insight.

Run by our training and education lead, Andy Garner, a registered therapeutic radiographer and experienced educator.

This course is aligned with the ACCEND Framework , supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.
Core Capabilities Covered: 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.13, 1.16, 2.6, 3.8, 4.7, 5.5, 6.1, 6.5, 7.1, 7.4, 7.7, 8.1, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.5, 9.6, 11.8, 12.4, 12.5, 12.7, 12.8, 12.12, 14.1, 14.2, 14.4, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 19.1, 19.2, 19.4, 19.5, 24.3

Topics Covered

  • Basics of Radiotherapy - what it is and how it works

  • The patient journey through treatment 

  • Specialist Techniques

  • Future Advances in Radiotherapy

  • Common side effects and how to manage them

Prices

Cost of £100. Places for staff within the Peninsula Cancer Alliance will be funded by the The Peninsula Cancer Academy.

Date(s) and Location(s)

Friday 20 November 2026 - Online - MS Teams

We run several dates a year for this course across the Peninsula. 

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Safe Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy Prescribers Study Day

Who it is for   

New medical oncology, clinical oncology and haematology registrars, commencing their ST3 training.  Non-medical prescribers preparing to prescribe SACT for a given group of patients.

What to expect   

Presentations will be delivered by various members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including Consultants, Registrars, Pharmacists, and Specialist Nurses. The day aims to enhance your confidence and understanding of the complex SACT prescribing process. Participants will be able to discuss specific issues and have the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the South West Peninsula. 

Topics Covered

  • Basics of Chemotherapy Prescribing

  • SACT Side Effects

  • Checkpoint Inhibitors

  • Dosing

  • Nibs, Mabs and ADC

Prices

Cost of £80. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.   

Date and place

 New date to be confirmed later in the year.

Contact us

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Skin Cancer Study Day

Who it is for   

It is aimed at all health care professionals including Nurses, AHPS, ACPs, Medics and GP's.

What to expect   

A full day of study led by the UHP Skin Cancer Team

Topics Covered

  • Dermatology, early detection and diagnosis

  • Plastic surgery, surgical management

  • Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant therapy

  • Targeted Radiation treatments

  • Innovations in Skin Cancer Care

Prices

Free

Date and place

14 October 2026 - Post Graduate Medical Centre, Plymouth PL6 8DH

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Foundation Communications Skills

  • Type Cancer Education Hub Courses and Study Days
  • Start 21 Oct 2026 09:00
  • End 21 Oct 2026 16:30

  1. Cancer Education Hub

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