Online course

Healthcare Ethics and Law

  • Qualification: MA, LLM, PGDip, PGCert, CPD
  • Duration: 3-24 months, depending on the qualification level
  • Delivery: 100% online
  • Assessment: Coursework (MCQ for CPD)
  • Next enrolment: September 2024

Introduction

Inform your decision-making

Study the knowledge that underpins effective decision making in practice and develop your critical analysis skills. Our range of flexible, interdisciplinary courses will deepen your understanding of ethical and legal issues in healthcare and will help to build your confidence when faced with complex dilemmas.

The combination of online delivery with consistent support from our experienced and approachable academics will enable you to study while you work.

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Key features

Interdisciplinary course

Spanning ethics and law, this combination of disciplines will help you to develop new perspectives and expertise in this area.

Completely online

The flexible, fully online course structure will allow you to study alongside work and other commitments.

Convenient support

Academic and peer support are available at your convenience, with access to a first-class online library.

Building the future

This is a great course for broadening your skills and opening up opportunities in wider healthcare regulatory spheres. It is a good launchpad for professionals who wish to progress and develop into a senior role.

Nicolette Harrison

Director of Regulation, 

Human Tissue Authority 

Nicolette Harrison
Healthcare Ethics and Law course options

MA

Masters

LLM

Master of Laws

PGDip

Postgraduate diploma

PGCert Ethics

Postgraduate certficate

PGCert Law

Postgraduate certficate

CPD

Continual professional development

Apply for MA course Apply for LLM course Apply for PGDip course Apply for PGCert Ethics course Apply for PGCert Law course Apply for CPD course
24 months, part-time 24 months, part-time 18 months, part-time 15 months, part-time 15 months, part-time Flexible
100% online 100% online 100% online 100% online 100% online 100% online
September enrolment September enrolment September enrolment September enrolment January enrolment Flexible

Entry requirements

Upper Second (2.1) class honours degree

Entry requirements

Upper Second (2.1) class honours degree

Entry requirements

Lower Second (2.2) class honours degree

Entry requirements

Lower Second (2.2) class honours degree

Entry requirements

Lower Second (2.2) class honours degree

Entry requirements

Open to all applicants

Fees (full course)

UK: £13,000

EU/international: £25,000

Fees (full course)

UK: £13,000

EU/international: £25,000

Fees (full course)

UK: £8,667

EU/international: £16,667

Fees (full course)

UK: £4,333

EU/international: £8,333

Fees (full course)

UK: £4,333

EU/international: £8,333

Fees (per course)

£600

5 units (120 credits) including 2 'options'

Dissertation (60 credits)

5 units - including 2 law focused 'options' (120 credits)

Law-based dissertation (60 credits)

5 units (120 credits) including 2 'options'

3 units - ethics focused (60 credits)

3 units - law focused (60 credits)

From 1-9 accredited by the Royal College of Physicians

Coursework and dissertation Coursework and dissertation Coursework Coursework Coursework Online quizzes
Apply for MA course Apply for LLM course Apply for PGDip course Apply for PGCert Ethics course Apply for PGCert Law course Apply for CPD course

Try our free MOOC: An Introduction to Medical Ethics: The Impact of Disability Screening

Our free MOOC covers the following topics:

  • Ethical reasoning: method and application.
  • Key concepts of healthcare ethics.
  • The ethics of using technology to choose to have a child with a 'disability' (eg deafness).
  • The ethics of routine antenatal screening for Down Syndrome.

Join the course for free

Key information

  • Delivery

    100% online courses developed to fit around your lifestyle and circumstances.

  • Duration

    MA, LLM – 24 month, part-time
    PGDip – 18 months, part-time
    PGCert – 15 months, part-time
    CPDs – from 3 months. Please see our dedicated CPD site for more detail.

  • Enrolment dates

    MA, LLM, PGDip, PGCert in Healthcare Ethics: September
    PGCert in Healthcare Law: January
    For CPDs enrolment dates, visit our Healthcare, Ethics and Law CPD page

  • 2024/25 academic year fees

    MA/LLM: UK £13,000 EU/international £25,000
    PGDip: UK £8,667, EU/international £16,667
    PGCert (Law) Jan 2025: UK £4,333, EU/international £8,333
    PGCert: UK £4,333, EU/international £8,333

  • Entry requirements

    Please see our entry requirements section for more details.

  • How to apply

    For more information on how to apply and what documents to submit with your application, please visit our application and selection section.

  • Course directors

    Rebecca Bennett, Professor of Bioethics and Nicola Glover-Thomas , Professor of Law

Building the future

The LLM in Healthcare Ethics and Law is brilliant as it takes an interdisciplinary approach and provides a combination of subjects spanning ethics and law. It helps me broaden my skills and apply my learning into my role.

George Georgantidis

Forensic Physician, 

Dorset Police

George Georgantidis

Contact us today

Complete the form below and our Course Advisor will contact you with the additional course information and relevant event invitations.

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Please tell us which qualification you are interested in.

Course overview

Who this course is for

Whether you are a healthcare professional, work in law and regulation or are a graduate with an interest in healthcare ethics and law, our range of courses will enable you to develop your understanding of these fields and support your professional development. The masters' courses are also a stepping stone for those considering studying for a PhD.

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What you will learn

Studying one of our courses will help you to develop your understanding of ethical and legal issues in a range of real-world scenarios, and a diverse range of contexts. Whether it's allocating healthcare resources, protecting patients' rights, handling patients' consent, matters relating to prolonging life, or issues around reproductive choices, our courses will help you develop your understanding and enhance your decision-making.

Throughout your studies we offer you the opportunity to discuss these topics with your fellow professionals as well as the course tutors, in order to further your analysis of the issues involved.

Download the sample material of our course:

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Student testimonial

Where and when you will study

Study one of our courses from anywhere in the world and at a time that suits you. The online nature of our courses means you can combine a world-class Manchester education with work and other personal commitments.

From the moment you register your interest, and throughout your studies you'll receive the support you’ll need to excel and complete your studies, building a network of peers along the way.

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Webinar on-demand: Course insight

How it will benefit your career

  • Receive the highest quality of teaching in healthcare ethics and healthcare law with an interdisciplinary approach.
  • Gain the skills and knowledge needed to apply ethical and legal approaches to real-world scenarios.
  • Develop your skills in understanding and presenting clear, robust and defendable arguments in response to complex, ethical and legal questions.

Building the future

I am ticking all the boxes with this course. I am filling my knowledge gaps, I am developing my critical analysis skills, and I am doing it through ethical healthcare topics, I am passionate about.

Tony Little

Healthcare Educator and Researcher, 

China

Tony Little

Course units

Course unit options for different course types
Course unit Credits MA
(180 credits)
LLM
(180 credits)
PGDip
(120 credits)
PGCert Ethics
(60 credits)
PGCert Law
(60 credits)
Philosophical Bioethics 30 Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory X
Medico-Legal Problems 30 Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory X Mandatory
International Issues in Health Care Law and Ethics 30 Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory X X
Research Ethics 15 Optional X Optional Mandatory X
Ethics, Genetics and Genomics 15 Optional X Optional Mandatory X
Mental Health Law and Policy 15 Optional Mandatory Optional X Mandatory
Medicine, Law and Society 15 Optional Mandatory Optional X Mandatory
Dissertation 60 Mandatory Mandatory X X X

Please visit our dedicated site for more information on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses.

  • Philosophical Bioethics (30 credits)

    Mandatory for: MA, LLM, PGDip, PGCert Ethics

    • A practical approach to ethical decision making in the healthcare setting.
    • Respect for autonomy, informed consent, confidentiality and coercion.
    • Resource allocation, status of the embryo, pregnancy, euthanasia.
  • Medico-Legal Problems (30 credits)

    Mandatory for: MA, LLM, PGDip, PGCert Law

    • The role of the law in regulating healthcare practice including human rights law.
    • Key principles relating to consent, patient autonomy, and confidentiality.
    • Clinical negligence and alternative systems of redress.
  • International Issues in Healthcare Law and Ethics (30 credits)

    Mandatory for: MA, LLM, PGDip

    • Can healthcare ethics be 'global'?
    • Ethical and legal issues raised by global concerns such as public health and healthcare tourism.
    • The role of international law in regulating in areas including biotechnology and organ donation.
  • Research Ethics (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: PGCert Ethics
    Optional for: MA, PGDip

    • History of research ethics.
    • Current law and regulation.
    • Case studies including HIV research and Nazi experiments.
  • Ethics, Genetics and Genomics (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: PGCert Ethics
    Optional for: MA, PGDip

    • Genetic engineering and genome editing.
    • Genetic research and biobanks.
    • Genetic testing and screening.
  • Mental Health Law and Policy (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: LLM, PGCert Law
    Optional for: MA, PGDip

    • The law's response to managing the health and welfare needs of people who have a mental disorder or learning disability.
    • Legal issues will focus on admission to institutional care; medical treatment for mental and physical health issues; community support and treatment; legal rights to challenge care and detention.
    • Consideration of international law affecting people with a mental health diagnosis (UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; European Convention on Human Rights).
  • Medicine, Law and Society (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: LLM, PGCert Law
    Optional for: MA, PGDip

    • Decision-making about children's healthcare.
    • Reproduction and the law.
    • Human embryo and stem cell research.
  • Project (60 credits)

    Mandatory for: MA and LLM

    The dissertation project provides an opportunity for those registered on the LLM or MA to explore an area of healthcare law and ethics in more depth. 

Course structure

The range of Healthcare Ethics and Law courses aim to bring you the highest quality of training in healthcare ethics and healthcare law in a flexible and interdisciplinary way, thus catering to the practical needs of healthcare and legal professionals and those in related fields.

You will study a wide variety of ethical and legal subjects in both a domestic and global context, including autonomy, consent, refusal of treatment, mental capacity, confidentiality, the moral status of the foetus, resource allocation, genetic testing, genome sequencing, clinical negligence, organ and tissue transplantation, fertility treatment, genetic manipulation, research ethics, disability screening, euthanasia and end of life care.

Course learning aims

  • To offer you the opportunity to gain a comprehensive knowledge and firm understanding of healthcare ethics and healthcare law.
  • Provide you with the opportunity to gain the skills needed to apply your understanding to real-world scenarios in a diverse range of contexts.
  • Help develop the skills needed for research and academic writing.

Teaching and learning

You will be provided with a comprehensive set of course materials at the beginning of each course unit. These interactive, specially designed materials provide an introduction to the issues and skills central to each unit and direct you to other study components such as further reading. 

Each unit is supported by a virtual learning environment where you can access all course materials, online reading lists, podcasts, and the University's extensive online library . You are encouraged to use the virtual learning environment to discuss issues raised in the course materials with your course tutor and fellow students. Tutors are also available to provide one to one support by telephone, zoom and email.  

You can also attend an optional study day that is held each year, giving you an opportunity to meet with tutors and students on our Manchester campus. You are also welcome to attend the regular research seminars that take place on campus during term time.

 Academic teaching start dates:

September 2024 entry for Masters/ LLM/PGDip/ PGCert (ethics) - 16 September 2024

January 2025 entry for PGCert (law) - 20 January 2025

The welcome event and induction take place one week before the academic teaching start date. Our admissions team will confirm your induction date closer to the time. Please ensure that you complete your registration ahead of your chosen entry date to gain access to the online learning material and library services.

Coursework and assessment

All course units are assessed by written coursework.

MA/LLM students must also submit a supervised 10,000 to 12,000-word dissertation by independent research (60 credits). As a part-time student, you will undertake a dissertation in the summer months of Year 2. If you do not achieve success in the MA/LLM, you may be considered for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits). The award of the MA/LLM is classified according to pass, merit or distinction.

Admissions information

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

MA/LLM

You must hold a minimum Upper Second (2.1) class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject (eg medicine, law, philosophy, nursing, religious studies).

If you hold a relevant degree but do not reach the entry qualification for the MA/LLM, you may apply for the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip).

If you initially enrolled on the Postgraduate Diploma course, you will be considered for a transfer to the MA/LLM course. A decision as to whether a transfer can take place will be made once marks for all taught components are available. Transfer is dependent upon you reaching master's level in the taught course units.

PGDip

You must hold a minimum Lower Second (2.2) class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent in a relevant subject (eg medicine, law, philosophy, nursing, religious studies).

In exceptional circumstances, candidates who do not have a first degree, but can demonstrate professional competence, may be admitted on the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) course.

There may be an opportunity to upgrade to the MA/LLM in Healthcare Ethics and Law. A decision as to whether transfer can take place will be made once marks for all taught components are available. Transfer is dependent upon you reaching master's level in the taught course units.

PGCert

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) applicants must hold a minimum of a Lower Second (2.2) class honours degree. In exceptional circumstances candidates who do not have first degree, but who can demonstrate professional competence, may be admitted.

English language

  • IELTS - overall score of 7, including 7 in writing with no further component score below 6.5, or equivalent. Discover more about English language requirements .
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply online

Applying to the on-campus version of the course   

This course is also available on-campus either full-time or part-time. For further details regarding the on-campus course and how to apply, please check out the pages below:

Advice to applicants

To speed up the application process, please submit the following documents with your online application form:

1. Copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English, please provide official translations in addition to your official certificates and transcripts.

2. English language score report (if applicable) or alternative evidence to demonstrate your English language competency.*

3. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide contact details for at least one referee, professional or academic. The University will contact your referees directly after you submit your application and direct them to complete our online reference form.

*If you are not from or did not graduate from a majority English speaking country , we will also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application. We may be willing to consider your application without this document, but if we choose to make you an offer, the conditions will include IELTS (or equivalent qualification).

In some cases, we may ask you to provide your full CV or a personal statement. We will let you know if these are required once we have reviewed your application.

PGCert applicants : Applicants without a first degree may be accepted onto a PG Certificate course upon demonstrating the following attributes and skills:

Attributes:

  • Professional competence in the 'caring' professions or legal or paralegal professions
  • Commitment to and interest in the subject area

Skills:

  • Academic writing
  • Critical analysis
  • Broad understanding of the impact of ethical and legal issues in healthcare

In some cases, we may require evidence of the listed skills.

Scholarships and bursaries

Postgraduate loans (UK/EU)

If you're an English or EU student living in the UK, you may be eligible for a loan.

Manchester Master's Bursary (UK)

We're committed to helping students access further education.

Manchester Alumni Scholarship Schemes

If you completed your degree at Manchester, you could receive a discount.

Funding for students with disabilities

If you have a disability, we can help you apply for relevant funding.

Explore more funding opportunities

Fees and funding

Total course tuition fees in Sept '24 are:
  • MA/LLM: UK £13,000 EU/international £25,000
  • PGDip: UK £8,667, EU/international £16,667
  • PGCert: UK £4,333, EU/international £8,333

Please note the tuition fees are subject to an incremental rise in September.

Tuition fee discounts

  • Early application discount (10%): Apply on or before 19 May 2024 to receive 10% reduction on your tuition fee.
  • NHS employee discount (10%)

One-discount policy:  Discounts and scholarships are not accumulative. If you qualify for more than one, you will be awarded the one that is the highest amount.

Employer funding

If you are looking to secure funding from your employer, we can help you build a business case or talk to your employer directly. Contact us on studyonline@manchester.ac.uk to arrange a consultation.

Payment by instalments

During registration you will have the opportunity to pay your fees in three equal instalments. Learn more.

Additional cost information

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.