Keele University

What you'll study

This programme combines taught modules and a research dissertation to explore core questions in clinical ethics, health law and biomedical policy. You will study conceptual foundations in moral philosophy and the legal principles that shape health‑care practice, and apply those frameworks to contemporary issues such as end‑of‑life decision making, reproductive technologies, genetics, mental capacity, public health, resource allocation and professional regulation.

• Core themes: ethical theory and clinical ethics; legal regulation of health care; consent and capacity; confidentiality and data protection in health contexts.
• Applied topics: end of life care, reproductive and genetic technologies, public health law and policy, research ethics and regulation, neuroethics and emerging technologies.
• Research training: qualitative and/or quantitative methods for bioethics and health law research, critical appraisal, and a supervised dissertation on a specialist topic.

The programme is typically delivered through seminars, lectures, case‑based workshops and student presentations. Assessment methods include essays, case analyses, policy briefings, reflective portfolios and a substantial dissertation or extended research project. Options for full‑time and part‑time study are normally available to accommodate practising professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold an undergraduate degree at a good honours level (equivalent to a UK 2:1) in law, medicine, philosophy, health sciences, social sciences or a related discipline. Applicants with a lower degree classification but with substantial relevant professional experience in health care, clinical practice, legal practice, policy or ethics may also be considered.

• Professional experience: relevant clinical, legal, research or policy experience is valued and can strengthen an application.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the University's English language requirement (evidence of proficiency through accepted tests or qualifications is normally required).
• Application materials: a personal statement outlining interest in medical ethics and law, academic references, and a CV are normally required; a research proposal may be requested for applicants wishing to focus on a specific dissertation topic.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a range of roles in clinical ethics support, health‑care management, research, regulation and policy. Typical career paths include work on hospital clinical ethics committees, roles in NHS trusts and clinical governance, positions in healthcare regulatory bodies, bioethics research and teaching, health policy and advisory work for government or non‑governmental organisations, and specialist legal practice or advocacy focused on health law.

Many students also use the MSc as preparation for further academic study (PhD in bioethics, health law or health policy) or professional conversion into related careers such as clinical research coordination, public health, or roles requiring expertise in consent, capacity and patient rights.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers this programme in an interdisciplinary environment with access to expertise across the School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the University’s law and humanities staff. Teaching emphasises applied, case‑based learning and promotes engagement between academic perspectives and clinical practice. Students benefit from small‑group seminars, opportunities to work with practising clinicians and legal advisers, and supervisory support for dissertation work.

The campus setting provides a collegiate learning environment with support services for postgraduate students and opportunities to attend seminars, workshops and public lectures that bring together scholars, clinicians and policy makers. The programme is designed to equip graduates with the analytical and practical skills needed to influence ethical and legal practice in contemporary healthcare.