PGDip Healthcare Ethics and Law (online)

To give students in-depth knowledge and understanding of the historical development of research ethics, the main international guidelines in this field, and the main arguments specific to topical areas of research ethics.

To enable the students to analyse research ethics problems independently.

• have a good understanding of the history of research ethics • know the contents of the main international and national guidelines in this field • have developed an understanding of the main types of arguments used in the research ethics field, and the main areas of controversy 

• be familiar with the function and role of research ethics committees • have developed skills in analysing research ethics problems 

This is a fully distance learning course unit. You will receive course materials and access to an online virtual learning environment. The course materials are designed to guide you through the areas of study. 

These interactive specially designed materials provide an introduction to the issues and skills central to the course unit and direct you to other study components such as further reading. However, the course materials and guidance are not intended to be exhaustive. 

To get the most out of this course unit you should do as much independent reading as possible. 

Working through the course materials 20-35 hours 

Research and directed reading - 60 hours 

Preparation of assignments - 60 hours Total 140 = hours. 

Assessment will be by one essay of no more than 3,000 words. The essay topic will be provided by the tutor of this Course Unit. 

Feedback on progress will provided throughout this course via one-to-one email or phone contact and via the online discussion boards. Formative feedback will also be provided by way of peer assessment via online discussion. 

Feedback on assessed written work is provided online providing comprehensive feedback giving both broad indications and detailed comments on strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. 

There are no books that we specifically recommend you to buy for this Course Unit. You might, however, find the following book useful, because it contains much of the essential reading and gives you an overview in the area. 

Len Doyal & Jeffrey S. Tobias (eds.), Informed Consent in Medical Research (London: British Medical Journal, 2001) 

A useful introduction to research ethics with a European focus can be downloaded from the web 

Hughes, J. Hunter, D. Sheehan, M. Wilkinson, S. Wrigley, A. (2010) European Textbook on Ethics in Research 

https://eprints.lancs.ac.uk/id/eprint/62755/1/textbook_on_ethics_report_en.pdf