Medical Ethics and Law – MA

The MA in Medical Ethics and Law* offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the ethical and legal challenges arising in contemporary healthcare. The programme is designed for healthcare professionals, legal practitioners, and graduates of related disciplines who wish to develop specialised knowledge and critical skills in addressing complex issues in medical practice, healthcare management, and health policy.

Key benefits of the programme

Development of critical analysis skills in ethical and legal issues in healthcare
Interdisciplinary approach combining ethics, law, and medical practice
Strong emphasis on case-based learning and real-world applications
Flexible blended learning model supported by digital platforms
Focus on contemporary topics (AI in healthcare, bioethics, public health)
Enhancement of academic writing and research skills

UNIVERSITY

Keele University

DURATION IN YEARS

1,5 years (FT)

 

Language

English/Greek

Study at Keele Greece

Programme Description

The postgraduate programme focuses on the systematic study of ethical theories and medical law, exploring how they shape modern medical practice and healthcare systems. It addresses key themes such as patient autonomy, medical liability, end-of-life decision-making, and the ethical implications of emerging biomedical technologies.

Teaching is based on a student-centred approach and includes lectures, seminars, case study analysis, and guided independent research. The programme adopts a blended learning model, integrating digital tools to enhance flexibility and student engagement.

Upon completion, students will have developed strong analytical, argumentative, and research skills, enabling them to critically assess complex ethical and legal issues in healthcare.

MODULES PER SEMESTER

Semester 1

  • Ethical Theory and Medical Ethics Key topics include: Consequentialism, Deontological ethics, Virtue ethics, Principlism, Patient autonomy and paternalism, Informed consent, Ethical decision-making in clinical practice, Academic writing and referencing
  • Principles of Medical Law Key topics include: Introduction to medical law, Health law frameworks, Informed consent in legal context, Medical liability (civil and criminal), Confidentiality and data protection, Mental health law, Case law and legislation, Legal reasoning and argumentation

Semester 2

  • Life, Death and the Human Body Key topics include: Abortion and reproductive ethics, Assisted dying and euthanasia, End-of-life decision-making, Advance directives, Organ donation and transplantation, Disability and ethics, Biomedical technologies
  • Healthcare, Justice and Society Key topics include: Ethics of biomedical research, Health policy and regulation, Resource allocation in healthcare, Artificial intelligence in healthcare, Vaccination ethics and law, Public health and crisis management, Environmental impact of healthcare systems

Semester 3

  • Dissertation Key components include: Topic selection and research design, Research methodology, Literature review, Academic writing, Critical analysis and argumentation, Presentation of findings

Career Prospects

Graduates of the programme may pursue careers in sectors such as:
Graduates of the programme may pursue careers in sectors such as:
Hospitals and healthcare organisations
Public health institutions
Legal and regulatory bodies in healthcare
Bioethics committees
Healthcare management and administration
NGOs and international organisations
Academic and research careers

 

Admission Requirements

Supporting Documents

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Academic transcripts

Degree certificates

Letters of Recommendation

Copy of Identity Card

Passport photos

Keele Greece Enrolment Application

The evaluation of the supporting documents is complemented by a personal interview with the candidates.

* The programme of study has been submitted to the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) and, subject to approval, is expected to launch in the academic year 2026-2027.