Whether we realise it or not, bioethics is relevant to all our lives. Even if we never work in healthcare, it touches us when we are most vulnerable - when we or those we care for are unwell.
Almost every day, it seems some new ethical dilemma appears in the news; whether to do with assisted suicide, stem cell therapies, assisted reproductive technologies, resource allocation or genome editing. These new developments in medicine and health are stretching traditional ethical understanding to the limit. Having a greater understanding of the issues involved can enable more in-depth public engagement.
Reflection on the ethical principles that underlie medical and allied practice is an important part of continuing career development for healthcare practitioners. If you are working in any of these areas, or aspire to in the future, this module will equip you to play your part.
This 20-credit, Master's-level (Level 7) course will benefit anyone wishing to gain a practical understanding of how established techniques of ethical reasoning are applied in healthcare decisions at the end of life, including the approach of death and the direct or indirect bringing about of death and the principles of consent and beneficence in the treatment of dying patients. You’ll also be able to learn how to apply conclusions from reflection on the philosophy and theology of the human being to particular moral questions commonly encountered towards the end of life.
Many of our students study for the MA as a form of professional development and advancing their career prospects. The degree sharpens your ability to critically engage and contribute to the world around you: the study of a contemporary and universally relevant subject such as medical ethics and law is excellent preparation for any profession that requires graduates with high levels of human understanding, critical skills and knowledge of current affairs.
This course is a module on the MA Bioethics and Medical Law any credit gained on this course can be counted towards the Master's degree.
Dates and times
Monday evenings (18:00 – 20:30
), Saturday study day (09:00-17:00)
|
Week
|
Focus
|
| 01 – 21 Nov |
The body in bioethics |
| 02 – 28 Nov |
Ethics of organ transplantation |
| 03 – 5 Dec |
Withdrawing and withholding treatment |
| 04 – 16 Jan |
Brain death and disorders of consciousness |
| 05 – 21 Jan |
Saturday study day – End of life from a veterinary perspective; palliative care |
| 06 – 30 Jan |
Art of Dying Well |
| 07 – 6 Feb |
Euthanasia and physician assisted suicide |
| 08 – 13 Feb |
Suicide prevention |
Please note that this is an indicative only schedule and the sessions might be subject to change.
Prices
This course can be taken without assessment for £834. The full cost of this course with assessment is £1,084.
St Mary's University alumni and members, staff and volunteers of Chiswick House will receive a 20% discount.
Content
This module analyses the key principles, concepts and theory concerning the understanding of the end of human life. The module will explore more thematic issues that will bring context to the theory and offer further scope for critique and reflection of the central social and ethical questions. The module will consider the ethical implications of modern medicine on end-of-life decision-making.
Lead tutor
Matt James – Associate Professor Bioethics and Medical Law.
Matt is Associate Professor in Bioethics and Medical Law at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. As part of this role, he is Course Lead for MA Bioethics and Medical Law programme and PGR Lead within the Faculty of Education, Theology and the Arts. He is also Director of the Centre for Bioethics and Emerging Technologies (CBET), one of St Mary’s 12 research centres and Managing Editor of the peer review journal, The New Bioethics.
Other tutors include:
- Dr Pia Matthews, senior lecturer in healthcare ethics
- other invited guest speakers.
Requirements
Students are normally required to achieve a 2:2 degree from a UK university, or equivalent, in a relevant subject.
If you don't meet these requirements you may be admitted if you show evidence of sufficient experience and aptitude for academic study at master's Level. You'll need to provide a portfolio of suitable work and experience
Assessment
This course will be assessed through:
- One 3,000 word position paper which will help students to articulate a particular position by having to convince an audience of the validity of the point of view through reasoned debate. Some initial choice will be suggested but students are actively encouraged to decide on the issue and the position they wish to take in consultation with the module convenor.
- One 2,000 word discussion paper which will help students to consolidate their comprehension and knowledge of an academic papers, news media and thought leader pieces, whilst appraising and evaluating the truth claims presented.
Award
Upon successful assessment, learners will be awarded 20 Master's-level (Level 7) academic credits. Credits may be transferred onto existing masters degrees at St Mary’s University.
Book your place now
For more information about this course please contact the Short Courses team: