The nature of the fields of health care and medicine are such that their day-to-day operations necessarily raise a myriad of ethical questions and issues and, as science progresses, new ethical challenges emerge. Through studying this programme, you will be better able to engage thoughtfully in debates around these questions which is a benefit to you but also to wider societal and professional deliberation and understanding.
In this programme, through the study and application of relevant theories and principles, you will gain a critical understanding of ethical issues in the context of medicine and health care, such as, for example, those at the beginning and end of patient lives, health inequalities and just resource allocation, professional issues relating to trust, confidentiality, consent and respect for autonomy, and you’ll apply your theoretical understanding to realistic scenarios in the practice of medicine and healthcare.
All taught modules are delivered through in-person seminars that explore such issues with reference to the latest in academic research. This supports you to develop the tools to analyse, challenge, or defend different arguments and accounts, including your own.
The course equips students with many transferrable skills. You will learn how to engage with multiple perspectives, to interpret viewpoints charitably, to communicate your ideas clearly, and to form strong arguments for your views and decisions. You will develop your independent research skills and you will be able to apply specialist knowledge in new contexts.
Our diverse community includes people from a variety of backgrounds and professions, with many opportunities to network and connect during your time studying with us, including various events and activities we run as an active and thriving applied ethics research centre.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IDEA3301 | Reasons, Virtues and Obligation | 15 | 1 Sep to 30 Nov (15mth) | |
| IDEA3304 | Conscience, Codes and Professional Issues | 15 | 1 Feb to 30 Apr | |
| IDEA3305 | Autonomy, Rationality and Psychiatric Issues | 15 | 1 Apr to 30 June | |
| IDEA3306 | Distributive Justice and Scarce Medical Resources | 15 | 1 May to 31 July | |
| IDEA3307 | Current Developments in Health Care Ethics | 30 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| IDEA3312 | Ethical Issues at the Beginning of Life | 15 | 1 Nov to 31 Jan | |
| IDEA3313 | Ethical Issues at the End of Life | 15 | 1 Jan to 28 Feb |
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Last updated: 31/01/2025 14:18:22
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