MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
MA Bioethics and Medical Law
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers a distinguished MA Bioethics and Medical Law program designed for individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including law, medicine, healthcare, philosophy, and theology. This established postgraduate degree provides a comprehensive and critical understanding of the ethical, legal, social, and spiritual dimensions arising from advancements in medicine and related technologies. The program encourages in-depth engagement with contemporary ethical dilemmas, from end-of-life care and assisted reproduction to emerging fields like gene editing and artificial intelligence in healthcare. It aims to equip graduates with the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate complex moral issues and contribute meaningfully to policy, practice, and public discourse in the rapidly evolving landscape of bioethics and medical law.
Curriculum: The MA Bioethics and Medical Law curriculum at St. Mary's is structured to provide a thorough exploration of key bioethical principles and their legal implications. Core modules typically include "Bioethics and Medical Law," which provides an overview of the foundational concepts. Specialized modules delve into "Ethical Issues at the Beginning of Life" and "Ethical Issues at the End of Life," examining complex areas such as assisted reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia, and palliative care. Other potential modules include "Human Beings and Human Action," "Professionals, Patients and Society," and "Religious Bioethics and Faith in the Public Square," which offer diverse perspectives on the human person, professional responsibilities, and the role of faith in ethical decision-making. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to conduct in-depth research on a specific bioethical or medical legal topic of their choice.
Research Focus: The research focus within the MA Bioethics and Medical Law program is heavily informed by the expertise of faculty and the work of the Centre for Bioethics and Emerging Technologies (CBET) at St. Mary's University. CBET is a leading research hub dedicated to exploring the ethical and social implications of biomedicine and new technologies. Its research areas encompass the ethics and philosophy of science, policy, law, and regulation, as well as the broader social and economic implications of cutting-edge technologies. Faculty research interests extend to topics such as care of the dying, disability, genome editing, organ transplantation, and the responsibilities of creators to their creations. CBET also manages the production of The New Bioethics – A Multidisciplinary Journal of Biotechnology and The Body, ensuring that the program is connected to contemporary scholarly debates and research developments in the field.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University emphasizes a practical and applied approach within its MA Bioethics and Medical Law program, designed to equip students with skills relevant to professional settings. While formal, mandatory external placements are not explicitly stated, the program strongly encourages students to engage with the real-world application of bioethics and medical law. The curriculum incorporates analyses of real-world cases and contemporary dilemmas, and students are encouraged to reflect on the ethical principles that underlie medical and allied practice. The university's commitment to professional development suggests that networking opportunities with professionals in healthcare, law, and policy are fostered, including engagement with national bioethics committees and other relevant organizations. The program's multi-disciplinary team of ethics experts with backgrounds in law, medicine, philosophy, and theology also brings valuable industry insight directly into the learning environment.
Global Perspective: The MA Bioethics and Medical Law program at St. Mary's University inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing ethical and legal issues that transcend national boundaries. Bioethics itself is a globally relevant field, confronting universal questions arising from medical advancements and human experience. The curriculum often examines global perspectives on bioethics, considering how different cultures, legal systems, and religious traditions approach complex dilemmas. The university's emphasis on the "Hippocratic / Judeo-Christian tradition" provides a foundational ethical framework while encouraging an awareness of "ecumenical and inter-faith significance of cooperation in matters of justice." This broad outlook prepares graduates to engage with bioethical challenges on an international scale, contributing to policy development and ethical discourse in a globally interconnected world.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18450
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
An MA in Bioethics and Medical Law from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, is an invaluable qualification for professionals seeking to navigate the complex ethical and legal challenges arising from advancements in medicine and biotechnology. This multidisciplinary postgraduate degree equips graduates with a profound understanding of contemporary bioethical dilemmas, from patient autonomy and consent to cutting-edge issues like gene editing and artificial intelligence in healthcare. The program fosters critical analytical skills, ethical reasoning, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives, preparing individuals for influential roles in healthcare policy, legal practice, research, and ethical oversight. Graduates emerge with the intellectual tools to contribute meaningfully to public discourse and shape responsible practices in a rapidly evolving field.
Clinical Ethicist/Ethics Consultant: Providing ethical guidance and consultation within hospitals, healthcare systems, or research institutions, helping patients, families, and medical professionals navigate complex moral dilemmas in patient care.
Research Ethics Committee (REC) Administrator/Coordinator/Member: Working for universities, NHS trusts, or private research organizations to review research proposals involving human participants, ensuring ethical conduct and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Healthcare Policy Analyst: Working for government bodies, think tanks, or public health organizations to research, analyze, and contribute to the development of policies related to healthcare, public health, and biotechnological advancements, with a strong ethical and legal foundation.
Medico-Legal Advisor/Lawyer: Specializing in medical law within law firms, regulatory bodies (e.g., General Medical Council), or healthcare organizations, advising on issues such as medical negligence, patient rights, consent, and healthcare compliance.
Bioethics Program Manager/Officer (NGOs/Charities): Leading or supporting programs related to bioethics, public health, or patient advocacy within non-governmental organizations or charities, often focusing on human rights, access to healthcare, or specific medical conditions.
Academic/Lecturer in Bioethics or Medical Law: Pursuing further doctoral studies (e.g., PhD) and teaching at universities or medical schools, contributing to scholarly research and educating future generations of professionals in bioethics and medical law.
Compliance Officer (Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology): Ensuring that pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or medical device manufacturers adhere to ethical guidelines and legal regulations in research, development, and marketing of products.
Healthcare Administrator/Manager: Taking on leadership roles within healthcare organizations, where a strong understanding of ethical considerations, patient rights, and legal frameworks is crucial for effective decision-making and governance.
Journalist/Science Communicator (Bioethics/Medical Focus): Writing for medical journals, news outlets, or science communication platforms, translating complex bioethical and medical legal issues into accessible content for a wider audience.
Public Engagement Officer (Science/Health): Working for science museums, research institutes, or health charities to engage the public in discussions about scientific advancements, particularly those with ethical implications, fostering informed public discourse on complex topics.
