Bioethics & Society

The MA in Bioethics & Society is a unique and highly innovative programme that offers advanced interdisciplinary training in the analysis of pressing ethical issues in contemporary medicine, bioscience and health policy.

KEY BENEFITS
• Introduces students to key concepts, theories and findings from philosophy, social science and the law
• Enables students to apply this knowledge to the analysis of ethical dilemmas in contemporary medicine, bioscience and health policy
• Fosters understanding of the societal, cultural and historical aspects of these complex dilemmas (with a particular regional focus on Asia and South America)
• Offers a balanced introduction to the latest bioethical controversies and methods, as well as reflection upon the role of bioethics in societal discourse and health policy
• Explores the implications of an increasingly globalized world of health and health policy
• Equips students with the research skills necessary for engaging in current ethical debates surrounding health

• Taught by leading scholars in philosophy, ethics, law and the social sciences
• Attracts national and international students with diverse disciplinary backgrounds anda wealth of relevant experience
• Linked to an exciting programme of seminars with world-renowned visiting speakers
• Close links with the worlds of health policy and biomedical research
• Opportunities for contact with internationally leading clinicians, scientists and scholars at King’s
• Allows study of a wide range of specialist options
• Offers skilled supervision to develop competence and independence in the design and execution of a specific research project
• Located in the heart of London

PURPOSEThe MA in Bioethics & Society provides a firm grounding in the knowledge and analytical techniques necessary for sound ethical reasoning about end-of-life care, assisted reproduction, biomedical research, genetics, enhancement, justice in health and health care, and many other topics. Based in an institution with unrivalled excellence across the field of medicine and health policy, and with close links with the worlds of health policy and biomedical research, the programme offers students first hand exposure to health practitioners and scientists and allows them to build crucial professional networks. The MA in Bioethics & Society will lay the foundation for future careers; for example in government, national and international NGOs, or university teaching and research in bioethics or social sciences.It will also enhance existing careers in clinical practice, biomedical research, public health, and health policy.

DESCRIPTIONThe programme is designed around core taught modules on philosophical and social science approaches to ethical dilemmas in biomedicine, taught from the Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine and the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics. Optional modules enable the student to specialise and develop in-depth knowledge of particular fields. A dissertation allows an in-depth research based investigation of a particular topic area, to develop both knowledge and research skills. Teaching is by a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops, with an emphasis on group dialogue, presentations and debate.. Students also have the opportunity to engage with visiting speakers and senior figures from the worlds of biomedical research, bioethics, social science and policy.

EXTRA PROGRAMME INFORMATIONThe programme reflects King's commitment to the most advanced reflections from philosophy, social science and law on the major impacts that developments in biomedicine are having on medical practice, ideas of disease and treatment, and many other key aspects of societies in different regions of the world.The program is taught jointly by two leading institutions in bioethics and society.

Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine (SSHM)
SSHM is an innovative and thriving community of researchers that brings together approaches from sociology, anthropology, social policy and bioethics to better understand the individual and social impact of illness, medicine and healthcare.
www.kcl.ac.uk/sshm

Centre of Medical Law & Ethics (CMLE)
CMLE, the first Centre of its kind in the UK, is a leader in promoting research, discussion and training in medical law and ethics. CMLE is also extensively involved with issues in global ethics.
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/law/research/centres/medlawethics/index.aspx