Course summary

Explore the application of ethics in the biomedical and healthcare sectors, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to address the complex ethical issues facing professionals in this field. This online course allows to you investigate current issues, debates and theories surrounding ethical principles in medicine and healthcare. You’ll gain a critical understanding of issues such as trust, confidentiality, autonomy and consent, and demonstrate the contemporary relevance of your findings by applying them to real-life case studies. Throughout, you’ll benefit from teaching informed by consultation with healthcare professionals and shaped by the latest social, technological, and political developments. You’ll learn from experts who are experienced and actively engaged in research in this field. As our student, you’ll join a diverse community of people from many different countries and backgrounds, with many opportunities to network and connect with our online community throughout your time studying with us, including various events and activities we run as an active and thriving applied ethics research centre. Many of our students have achieved publication of a paper as a result of their time studying with us and some have been interviewed on our podcast. Whether you’re looking to progress in your career, change to a new one, or explore a new subject area, you’ll be fully supported in achieving your goals. You can study this course on campus or online, and at Masters or PGDip level. All of these options are available both full time and part time. Specialist support We have extensive experience in providing high-quality online learning, having run this course in an online format for more than a decade. You’ll study at the times and pace that suit you, whether taking the course full time or part time, sharing insights with other students as you learn. Throughout, you’ll receive expert support as well as opportunities for live discussions with your module leaders, and your Academic Personal Tutor. The IDEA Centre is an interdisciplinary specialist unit for teaching, research, training and consultancy in applied ethics, and we consult with practitioners and professional bodies to ensure that our work reflects the latest social, technological, and political developments worldwide. Our expert tutors work in partnership across the University with many disciplines and subjects and bring this experience and knowledge to your course. Extensive resources You’ll study using course materials that have been specially designed for online distance learning, including reading, supplements and exercises. You can easily access these at any time using the University’s virtual learning environment, Minerva. The IDEA Centre is an active and thriving centre of research and learning, with regular research seminars, podcasts, and annual events such as our Medical Ethics Evening and Ilkley Colloquium all available for you to take part in. We maintain close ties with our alumni and external professionals who often share their insights and expertise at our events. Leeds University Library is one of the UK’s major academic research libraries, and has extensive holdings to support your studies. You can access a wide range of books, journals and other items online, as well as webinars on academic skills.