The End-of-Life Studies microprogram offers students the opportunity to gain insights into the psycho-social, cultural, religious, and historical perspectives of grief, death, and dying. It aims to enhance competencies in addressing age and death phobias, engaging in grief work, and providing care for individuals who are dying. The program will explore how death is understood across various cultures and religious traditions, and how these understandings influence individuals' experiences throughout their lives. It will also critically examine the cultural taboos surrounding aging and dying that are prevalent in contemporary society, which is often described as youth-oriented, self-focused, elder-less, and death-phobic. Lastly, the program will analyze evolving attitudes toward death in Canada, including the increasing acceptance of medical assistance in dying. 

For those who have a strong interest in pursuing careers in counselling psychology, social work, nursing, medicine, public health, chaplaincy, or advanced study in the field of End-of-Life Studies, this course, along with others, invites you to consider how age and aging interacts with healthcare, religion, and culture. Our end-of-life program offers students opportunities to understand psychological, social, cultural, religious, and historical perspectives on grief, death and dying, as well as strategies for combating death-phobia, grief-work, and care for the dying. The courses offered as part of the End-of-Life studies program are open to all students who have an interest in questioning and understanding life, death, and the stages in between. 

In addition, students will have the opportunity to choose from fascinating courses centered around death and dying, including topics such as the psychology of death and dying, bioethics, and medical anthropology, etc. 

For those seeking practical skills in end-of-life care, the microprogram strongly encourages enrollment in the online End of Life Doula Course, offered through Douglas College in Vancouver and accredited by the University of Ottawa. This course equips students with compassionate, hands-on approaches to supporting individuals and families at the end of life, and complements the academic study of mortality with real-world application.

How to apply

Students currently enrolled in a University of Ottawa program may add this microprogram to their program of study through the online tool. The units completed will count toward elective requirements.

Individuals who are not already admitted to a University of Ottawa program must apply for registration as a non-degree student.

For full details, consult: Course enrolment – Non-degree students