Gain essential in-depth knowledge and insight in your chosen area of law and understand the importance of legal rules as they are applied in the real world.
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An online Master of Laws (LLM) in Medical Law and Ethics, offered by The University of Law, is a postgraduate degree designed for law and non-law graduates to enhance your academic legal knowledge. This internationally recognised Master’s is ideal if you have a qualification in medicine or ambitions of working in medical liability. It will give you the skills to progress within the medical industry and can open up pathways to careers in medico-legal areas such as expert witnesses or clinical governance; legal specialist in clinical negligence, personal injury, mental health law and Court of Protection; bioethics governance; enhanced health and care professional careers; healthcare management; policy advisor; regulation and more.
12 months (full-time)
21 months (part-time September)
Apply for this course directly with the University of Law.
This online course starts with an introduction to medical law and ethics, and medical law research. You’ll then consider the patient’s right to consent or to refuse medical treatment (protected by human rights law and common law). This will be examined in relation to competent and incompetent patients. You will continue by examining the beginnings of life including assisted conception, controlling fertility and abortion, followed by end of life including the right to die, euthanasia and assisted suicide. The course will also cover examination of mental health, medical negligence (including the impact on the NHS), organ donation, including the body as property and confidentiality.
Whether you want to progress within a firm specialising in medical law or simply want to know more about how medical law works in practice, this programme will provide you with the knowledge to help you achieve your ambitions.
When you study the LLM Medical Law and Ethics degree with us you will:
Take a look at our Centre of Excellence for Healthcare, for more information about how you can benefit from our specialist programmes, strategic partnerships, expert teaching and resources to help you succeed in the field of healthcare.
Please note that, due to Home Office regulations, students who require a Student Route visa to study with us are not permitted to study online and can only choose face-to-face taught modules.
It's not too late to apply for our February 2025 intake. The application deadline is Friday 31 January 2025.
In addition to a general induction to the programme, there is a two-week induction covering the Key Principles of the English Legal System. This is compulsory for non-law students, but also open to students wanting a refresher in the fundamentals of the law of England and Wales. This would be useful for any student who has taken a considerable break from legal education.
Compulsory modules include:
You may then choose three from the list of elective modules* which includes modules such as:
View the elective module guide
*All elective modules are subject to availability.
Dissertation in Medical Law and Ethics
The course demands show you the requirements, prior knowledge and commitments our course will involve.
You can also study these courses at one of our campuses across the UK. If you’re looking for a more traditional university experience, why not consider studying on campus?
Application and booking deadlines vary by intake - take a look at our key application and enrolment deadline dates for more information.
With so many options for studying this course, you can be sure to find a start date and study option to suit your needs.
Modules are assessed by a three hour unseen written examination or 4,500 word coursework assignment.
All assessments are conducted online.
The dissertation module will be assessed by submission of a thesis (15,000 words), and provides an opportunity for sustained, in-depth and intensive investigation into, and reflection upon, your chosen specialist area.
This online course has an innovatively flexible structure, with specific assessments that are conducive to effective learning.
The approach to learning and teaching on the Master of Laws programmes is predominantly learner-centred, with live workshops taught by our expert lecturers to encourage conversation and discussion. However, if you're unable to attend then you can catch-up with recorded sessions at a time to suit you.
Each taught module is divided into a number of Units which are presented using the Prepare, Engage, Consolidate approach.
Prepare: this represents all the work the student needs to complete before attending the relevant workshop. Traditional lecture content will be presented in short bite-sized segments of approximately 10 minutes to better engage the modern student. Guided independent research and reading will be expected as part of a student’s preparation.
Engage: this represents the interactive element of the Unit. This could be a face to face
workshop, a synchronous online workshop or an asynchronous online activity.
Consolidate: this represents the final part of the Unit and can be used by students to check their understanding of the Unit immediately after their Engage activity or as part of their revision for the module or both.
We care about your career, which is why we offer support with job applications and other work experience opportunities as soon as you accept your place.
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You can apply for this course directly with the University.
These courses cannot be chosen to study alongside our Legal Practice Course (LPC). For more information on the choice of Master's to study alongside our LPC, please visit the LPC page.
Please note: Our Master of Laws (LLM) programmes are not a direct route to qualification as a Barrister or Solicitor in the UK.
2024/25 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2024)
Online: £11,900 (or £11,400 including a £500 International Bursary*)
By studying a Master's degree you could be eligible for a Postgraduate Loan.
If you’re a ULaw alumnus, you may be eligible to receive our £1000 Academic Master's Alumni Discount.
We also have a range of scholarships and bursaries available which make studying with us more affordable than ever.
We have students from over 120 different countries throughout our campuses, with a dedicated team to help international students.