Keele University

What you'll study

The programme blends theoretical and applied study across medical ethics, palliative care practice and research methods. Core themes include ethical theory and its application to clinical dilemmas, legal frameworks relevant to end-of-life decisions, symptom management principles, communication skills in difficult conversations, and the organisation and delivery of palliative services.

• Foundations of Medical Ethics – ethical theory, principles, consent, capacity and decision-making in healthcare.
• Law, Policy and End-of-Life Decision Making – legal context for advance decisions, Do Not Attempt Resuscitation orders, and professional responsibility.
• Principles and Practice of Palliative Care – approaches to pain and symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual care, multi‑disciplinary team working.
• Communication and Difficult Conversations – strategies for breaking bad news, shared decision-making and family-centred care.
• Research Methods and Evidence in Palliative Care – qualitative and quantitative methods, critical appraisal and service evaluation techniques.
• Applied Ethics and Clinical Case Studies – examination of real-world scenarios including futility, resource allocation and ethically complex interventions.
• Dissertation / Major Project – an extended research or practice-focused project that applies ethical analysis and palliative care knowledge to a topic of the student’s choice.

Modules are typically delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, case-based learning and supervised research. The programme is usually available full-time (one year) or part-time/flexible routes to accommodate working professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (such as medicine, nursing, allied health, philosophy, law or biosciences) at honours level. A 2:1 is commonly expected, though applicants with a 2:2 plus substantial professional experience in healthcare or related fields may be considered.

• Registered healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, allied health professionals) are welcome; current clinical experience strengthens applications.
• Applicants without a clinical background should demonstrate clear evidence of their interest in ethics and palliative care, which can include work, voluntary experience or relevant postgraduate study.
• Evidence of academic proficiency in English is required for international applicants; an appropriate English language qualification at the institution’s published standard is expected.
• Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide a personal statement outlining their reasons for study and, where relevant, a reference from an employer or academic referee.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of roles across clinical practice, education, research and policy. For clinicians, the degree supports advancement into senior roles within palliative care teams, specialist nurse posts, consultant pathways and leadership positions in hospices or hospital palliative services. The programme also prepares practitioners to take on roles in clinical ethics committees, patient advocacy, NHS policy development and health-care management.

Non-clinical graduates often move into research or teaching positions, work with charities and non-governmental organisations focused on end-of-life care, or progress to doctoral study in bioethics, palliative medicine or related fields. The skills gained — ethical analysis, communication, research methods and service appraisal — are transferable across health and social care sectors.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a multidisciplinary environment with strengths in medical ethics, clinical practice and applied health research. The university maintains close links with regional NHS services, hospices and community providers, giving students opportunities to engage with real clinical settings and service improvement projects.

• Interdisciplinary teaching: modules draw on expertise from ethics, law, medicine, nursing and allied health, supporting a rounded understanding of complex end-of-life issues.
• Research-active staff: you will be taught and supervised by academics with active research and clinical links in palliative care and bioethics.
• Flexible study options: the programme accommodates full-time and part-time students, helping practising professionals balance work and study.
• Student support: Keele provides academic skills development, a subject-specialist library and careers guidance tailored to health-care professionals and researchers.

Together these features make Keele a supportive setting for developing the practical, ethical and research skills needed to influence care at the end of life.