Core modules
ETH-40044 Moral Theory and Medical Ethics (30 credits, Semester 1)
This module provides an overview of the key ethical theories, frameworks and principles that underpin decisions and action by doctors, health providers, patients and families in relation to treatment plans and to achieve a shared goal. You’ll learn to use these tools to analyse practical moral problems in medical and healthcare ethics. Topics covered typically include: consequentialism; deontology; virtue ethics; principlism; autonomy and paternalism; the ethical foundations of consent; liberty and toleration.
ETH-40045 Principles of Medical Law (30 credits, Semester 1)
Developing your knowledge of the key principles, cases and statutes in medical law, you’ll learn to critique aspects of medical law and apply your knowledge of the law to practices in medicine and healthcare. Topics covered typically include: introduction to law; use of cases and statutes; healthcare law and the concept of health regulation and self-regulation in the healthcare system; law and consent; capacity; professional negligence; mental health law; confidentiality and the law; the relationship between law and morality.
ETH-40037 Ethical Issues in the Care of the Dying (30 credits, Semester 2)
This module includes topics on the significance of death; the sanctity and value of life; the idea of 'quality of life'; withdrawing and withholding life-prolonging treatment; ethical issues relating to the treatment and care of patients at the end of life; and ethical and legal issues related to euthanasia and assisted dying. You will consider clinical perspectives and ethical arguments relating to the case for and against legalising euthanasia, the distinction between active, passive, voluntary, involuntary and non-voluntary euthanasia, and its relation to withdrawal of treatment and terminal sedation.
ETH-40036 Policy, Resources and Research Ethics in Palliative Care (30 credits, Semester 2)
Controversies surrounding palliative care are often issues of policy, resource allocation or research. While the content of this module varies from year to year to reflect current issues of particular concern in the field, you will explore contemporary debates concerning health care resource allocation, health policy and public health, related to palliative care, such as funding based on quality adjusted life years (QALYs). In recent years, seminars have covered special issues relating to the care of children, the role of religious belief in ethical debate, and differing conceptions of palliative care.
ETH-40041 Medical Ethics and Law Dissertation (90 credits, studied throughout the course)
The production of a 15,000 to 20,000-word dissertation provides an exciting opportunity to work under the supervision of an expert in your chosen field of interest, demonstrating a level of knowledge and understanding far beyond what you have learned in class. You’ll be supported to develop the research skills needed to conduct an extended piece of work on a topic of your choice, analysing existing relevant research. While your dissertation must relate to an ethical issue within the broad field of palliative care, you can choose your own topic to reflect your personal or professional interest. Some students start the course with a clear idea about what they want to write about – often an ethical issue from within their own practice – but others find and develop particular interests as the course progresses. Examples of recent dissertation topics which reflect the breadth of the subject include: ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ orders; withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment; terminal sedation; euthanasia and assisting in bringing about death; concepts of a good death; and ethical issues in considering faith and spirituality.
