Healthcare Ethics and Law
Manchester, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 up to 24 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Sep 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
15 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 14,500 / per course *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance learning
* MA/LLM | GBP 9,667 - PGDip | GBP 4,833 - PGCert
Introduction
Study the knowledge that underpins effective decision-making in practice and develop your critical analysis skills. Our range of flexible, interdisciplinary courses will deepen your understanding of ethical and legal issues in healthcare and will help to build your confidence when faced with complex dilemmas.
The combination of online delivery with consistent support from our experienced and approachable academics will enable you to study while you work.
Interdisciplinary course
Spanning ethics and law, this combination of disciplines will help you to develop new perspectives and expertise in this area.
Completely online
The flexible, fully online course structure will allow you to study alongside work and other commitments.
Convenient support
Academic and peer support are available at your convenience, with access to a first-class online library.
Where and when you will study
Study one of our courses from anywhere in the world and at a time that suits you. The online nature of our courses means you can combine a world-class Manchester education with work and other personal commitments.
From the moment you register your interest, and throughout your studies you'll receive the support you’ll need to excel and complete your studies, building a network of peers along the way.
Healthcare Ethics and Law course options
| MA Masters | LLM Master of Laws | PGDip Postgraduate Diploma | PGCert Ethics Postgraduate certificate | PGCert Law Postgraduate certificate | CPD Continual professional development |
| 24 months, part-time | 24 months, part-time | 18 months, part-time | 15 months, part-time | 15 months, part-time | Flexible |
| 100% online | 100% online | 100% online | 100% online | 100% online | 100% online |
| September enrolment | September enrolment | September enrolment | September enrolment | January 2026 enrolment | Flexible |
| Entry requirements Upper Second (2.1) class honours degree | Entry requirements Upper Second (2.1) class honours degree | Entry requirements Lower Second (2.2) class honours degree | Entry requirements Lower Second (2.2) class honours degree | Entry requirements Lower Second (2.2) class honours degree | Entry requirements Open to all applicants |
| Fees (full course) £14,500 | Fees (full course) £14,500 | Fees (full course) £9,667 | Fees (full course) £4,833 | Fees (full course) £4,833 | Fees (per course) £600 |
| 5 units (120 credits) including 2 'options' Dissertation (60 credits) | 5 units - including 2 law-focused 'options' (120 credits) Law-based dissertation (60 credits) | 5 units (120 credits) including 2 'options' | 3 units - ethics focused (60 credits) | 3 units - law focused (60 credits) | From 1-9 accredited by the Royal College of Physicians |
| Coursework and dissertation | Coursework and dissertation | Coursework | Coursework | Coursework | Online quizzes |
Other programs available in Healthcare Ethics and Law
Gallery
Ideal Students
Whether you are a healthcare professional, work in law and regulation or are a graduate with an interest in healthcare ethics and law, our range of courses will enable you to develop your understanding of these fields and support your professional development. The master's courses are also a stepping stone for those considering studying for a PhD.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
- Manchester Master's Bursary (UK) - We're committed to helping students access further education.
- Manchester Alumni Scholarship Schemes - If you completed your degree at Manchester, you could receive a discount.
Curriculum
The range of Healthcare Ethics and Law courses aims to bring you the highest quality of training in healthcare ethics and healthcare law in a flexible and interdisciplinary way, thus catering to the practical needs of healthcare and legal professionals and those in related fields.
You will study a wide variety of ethical and legal subjects in both a domestic and global context, including autonomy, consent, refusal of treatment, mental capacity, confidentiality, the moral status of the foetus, resource allocation, genetic testing, genome sequencing, clinical negligence, organ and tissue transplantation, fertility treatment, genetic manipulation, research ethics, disability screening, euthanasia and end of life care.
- To offer you the opportunity to gain a comprehensive knowledge and firm understanding of healthcare ethics and healthcare law.
- Provide you with the opportunity to gain the skills needed to apply your understanding to real-world scenarios in a diverse range of contexts.
- Help develop the skills needed for research and academic writing.
Philosophical Bioethics
Mandatory for: MA, LLM, PGDip, PGCert Ethics
- A practical approach to ethical decision-making in the healthcare setting.
- Respect for autonomy, informed consent, confidentiality and coercion.
- Resource allocation, status of the embryo, pregnancy, euthanasia.
Medico-Legal Problems
Mandatory for: MA, LLM, PGDip, PGCert Law
- The role of the law in regulating healthcare practice including human rights law.
- Key principles relating to consent, patient autonomy, and confidentiality.
- Clinical negligence and alternative systems of redress.
International Issues in Healthcare Law and Ethics
Mandatory for: MA, LLM, PGDip
- Can healthcare ethics be 'global'?
- Ethical and legal issues raised by global concerns such as public health and healthcare tourism.
- The role of international law in regulating in areas including biotechnology and organ donation.
Research Ethics
Mandatory for: PGCert Ethics
Optional for: MA, PGDip
- History of research ethics.
- Current law and regulation.
- Case studies including HIV research and Nazi experiments.
Ethics, Genetics and Genomics
Mandatory for: PGCert Ethics
Optional for: MA, PGDip
- Genetic engineering and genome editing.
- Genetic research and biobanks.
- Genetic testing and screening.
Mental Health Law and Policy
Mandatory for: LLM, PGCert Law
Optional for: MA, PGDip
- The law's response to managing the health and welfare needs of people who have a mental disorder or learning disability.
- Legal issues will focus on admission to institutional care; medical treatment for mental and physical health issues; community support and treatment; and legal rights to challenge care and detention.
- Consideration of international law affecting people with a mental health diagnosis (UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; European Convention on Human Rights).
Medicine, Law and Society
Mandatory for: LLM, PGCert Law
Optional for: MA, PGDip
- Decision-making about children's healthcare.
- Reproduction and the law.
- Human embryo and stem cell research.
Project
Mandatory for: MA and LLM
The dissertation project provides an opportunity for those registered in the LLM or MA to explore an area of healthcare law and ethics in more depth.
Program Outcome
Studying one of our courses will help you to develop your understanding of ethical and legal issues in a range of real-world scenarios, and a diverse range of contexts. Whether it's allocating healthcare resources, protecting patients' rights, handling patients' consent, matters relating to prolonging life, or issues around reproductive choices, our courses will help you develop your understanding and enhance your decision-making.
Throughout your studies, we offer you the opportunity to discuss these topics with your fellow professionals as well as the course tutors, in order to further your analysis of the issues involved.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
- Receive the highest quality of teaching in healthcare ethics and healthcare law with an interdisciplinary approach.
- Gain the skills and knowledge needed to apply ethical and legal approaches to real-world scenarios.
- Develop your skills in understanding and presenting clear, robust and defendable arguments in response to complex, ethical and legal questions.
Student Testimonials
Program delivery
Delivery - 100% online courses developed to fit your lifestyle and circumstances.
Duration:
- MA, LLM – 24 months, part-time
- PGDip – 18 months, part-time
- PGCert – 15 months, part-time
- CPD – from 3 months. Please see our dedicated CPD site for more details.
Enrolment dates:
- MA, LLM, PGDip, PGCert in Healthcare Ethics: September
- PGCert in Healthcare Law: January
- For CPD enrolment dates, visit our Healthcare, Ethics and Law CPD page
Teaching and learning
You will be provided with a comprehensive set of course materials at the beginning of each course unit. These interactive, specially designed materials provide an introduction to the issues and skills central to each unit and direct you to other study components such as further reading.
Each unit is supported by a virtual learning environment where you can access all course materials, online reading lists, podcasts, and the University's extensive online library. You are encouraged to use the virtual learning environment to discuss issues raised in the course materials with your course tutor and fellow students. Tutors are also available to provide one-to-one support by telephone, zoom and email.
You can also attend an optional study day that is held each year, giving you an opportunity to meet with tutors and students on our Manchester campus. You are also welcome to attend the regular research seminars that take place on campus during term time.
Please review the technical requirements to prepare for a successful learning journey with us.
Academic teaching start dates:
- September 2025 entry for Masters/ LLM/PGDip/ PGCert (ethics) - 15 September 2025
The welcome event and induction take place one week before the academic teaching start date. Our admissions team will confirm your induction date closer to the time. Please ensure that you complete your registration ahead of your chosen entry date to gain access to the online learning material and library services.