Bioethics and Medical Jurisprudence

Overview

Traditional graduate studies for a research degree do not offer the ethical and legal knowledge or the comprehensive methodological training needed for cutting-edge research into bioethics and medical jurisprudence. A more structured approach is called for.

About

This Bioethics and Medical Jurisprudence programme at The University of Manchester is designed to provide a solid skills basis for independent research, and to guide participants steadily towards the completion of a structured doctoral thesis, which is based on publishable journal articles and book chapters. 

The programme itself is unique in its combination of taught elements, which are designed to ensure a genuine sense of community among the participants, and friendly but relentless supervision by world-class scholars in the field.

The topics and themes which are covered during the taught period and which are suitable for the students' postgraduate research include classical and contemporary issues like abortion, euthanasia, resource allocation in health care, public health activities, life-style regulation, assisted reproduction, gene therapy, genetic testing, human enhancements, cloning, stem cell research, the doctor-patient relationship, professional responsibility, and the legal and ethical status of living, dead, and unborn bodies; as well as central principles and doctrines like autonomy, rights, sanctity of life, justice, utility, self-determination, dignity, solidarity, precaution, self-governance, and the role of society and community in medicine and health care. 

All of these are approached in a uniquely analytical and structured way, combining the methodological strengths of medical law and philosophical ethics.