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Program Overview
Keele's MA in Medical Ethics and Law offers an in-depth study of healthcare ethics and law, ideal for working professionals or recent graduates who want to think systematically and critically about the moral and legal issues healthcare professionals and those involved in healthcare management and policy may encounter. The programme combines four taught modules plus a 60-credit dissertation on a topic of your choice, with flexible study options including full-time, part-time, modular study up to five years, and a placement route after the taught element.
Curriculum structure: Starting in October, the programme can be studied over one year full-time, two years part-time, or up to five years modular, and comprises four 30-credit taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. In Year 1, you will study four core modules: Moral Theory and Medical Ethics; Principles of Medical Law; Life, Death and the Human Body; Healthcare, Justice and Society. The first two modules provide a foundation in ethics and law, while the latter two apply these frameworks to the doctor-patient relationship and broader policy context; you’ll also learn to write and argue ethically and legally. The Dissertation module runs across semesters 1-3 under supervision, culminating in a 15,000- to 20,000-word piece on a topic within healthcare law or ethics. If you choose the 'with Placement' route, you will complete a 6-12 month placement after the taught element. Exit routes include a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma after two or four modules.
Experiential Learning
The programme emphasizes practical skills, with case-based learning, interactive discussions and short, intensive teaching blocks designed to fit around full-time work. You’ll gain hands-on experience in analysing real-world ethical and legal scenarios and in communicating your arguments clearly to professional and lay audiences.
Transition
- Group projects and case studies: frequent collaborative work to simulate professional settings.
- Placements: a 6-12 month industry placement after the taught element (placement option).
- Libraries and facilities: access to the Law Library with extensive electronic resources and online databases, copies of core texts.
- Facilities: Moot Room/model courtroom for mooting, a dedicated postgraduate space with networked PCs; mentoring and support from the Placements and Projects Team; access to academic mentors and learning development support.
Progression & Future Opportunities
This interdisciplinary course allows you to pursue ethical and legal interests in healthcare for personal or professional reasons, exploring the ethical dilemmas facing healthcare professionals and administrators on a daily basis, and developing essential transferable skills in analysis, critical thinking and communication.
- University services to help you employ: The dedicated Placements and Projects Team will support you in finding a suitable placement and provide guidance throughout the process, enhancing employability.
- Graduation outcomes: Roles may include Academic, Barrister, Chaplain, Consultant, Doctor, Nurse, Solicitor, Policy officer, among others.
English language requirement: a Group B English language testAcademic references: typically at least one academic referencePersonal Statement/Statement of PurposeRecognition of Prior Learning (RPL)Professional qualifications and/or work experience may be considered in lieu of an undergraduate degreeIntercalating Medical Students: if taking the MA as an intercalated year, normally must have completed the fourth year of a medical degreeGeneral information: the university reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending on the applicationUK: 2:2 degree in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subjectBangladesh: 60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject from a private university; or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a Health, Psychology, Sociology, Humanities or Social Sciences subject from a private university; or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceCanada: 70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject; or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceChina: 70% in a degree in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject or 65% in a degree in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject from a '211' university; or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceGhana: Second class degree in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject; or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceIndia: 55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject; or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceKenya: Second class degree in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject; or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceNepal: demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceNigeria: Second class degree in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject; or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experiencePakistan: We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information; or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceSouth Africa: demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceSri Lanka: 55% in a special bachelor's degree in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject; or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceUganda: Second class degree in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject; or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceZimbabwe: Second class degree in a Health, Humanities or Social Sciences subject; or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experienceAcademicBarristerDoctorNurseSolicitorPolicy officer
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