Biomedical and Healthcare Ethics MA

at University of Leeds

You’ll study modules designed to give you a solid base of theoretical knowledge and high level research skills.
 

As you progress through your studies, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in an independent research project on a topic of your choice.
 

If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Reason, Virtues and Obligation   
• Conscience, Codes and Professional Issues   
• Autonomy, Rationality and Psychiatric Issues    
• Distributive Justice and Scarce Medical Resources    
• Current Developments in Health Care Ethics    
• Health Care Ethics: Dissertation    
• Ethical Issues at the Beginning of Life    
• Ethical Issues at the End of Life    

A bachelor degree. Professional experience may also be considered. If you want to apply for this MA course but don't have a degree, you can begin your studies by completing the PGDip either online or on campus and then apply for the MA.
 

We look for your willingness and ability to think clearly and independently, as well as good writing skills, a basic understanding of philosophical ethics and any relevant experiences of ethical issues in practice.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.
 

Documents to include

• Your degree certificate and transcripts of all relevant qualifications, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying.

• CV (optional).

• Details of two academic referees whom we can contact if needed.

• Evidence of your English language test scores, if English isn’t your first language.

• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form. There's no word limit but you should include:

  • Why you want to study your chosen course at Leeds

  • What role ethics play in your professional life (if relevant)

  • What knowledge and understanding you currently have of ethics (if relevant)

  • How studying ethics will contribute to your academic and/or professional development
     

• Application essay: this will be used to assess your ability to construct arguments and defend a coherent ethical position. It should be 1000-1500 words long and address a topic relevant to your chosen course. You can choose from the questions below, or contact us about an alternative:

  • How should doctors decide who shall live when not all can live?

  • Is foetal abnormality a morally defensible ground for performing an abortion?

  • Should women be allowed to bear babies for a fee?

  • Can deception in research be justified?

  • When, if ever, are doctors justified in breaching a patient’s confidentiality?

Fees

• UK: £9,750 (total)
• International: £20,750 (total)
   

A postgraduate qualification in biomedical and healthcare ethics can improve your confidence in handling workplace decisions that have ethical implications. It will also allow you to improve your transferable skills such as research, analysis and oral and written communication.
 

Many of our graduates continue with their research, whether in academic appointments at universities, PhD studies or as researchers for other organisations such as the King’s Fund. Others have gone into healthcare management, joined research or clinical ethics committees or gone on to teach medical or healthcare ethics at medical schools part-time.