Overview

The Medical Ethics and Law MA programme at King's College London examines in depth the legal and ethical questions raised by medical practice and science. The Medical Law only programme is a pathway under the MA Medical Ethics and Law. Students can decide at induction which programme they wish to pursue (ethics and law; or law only, with the option of taking one ethics module).

There are always developments in medical practice and science of great interest to medical ethics and law. Huge legal and ethical questions are raised by advances in fields such as genetics and assisted reproduction. In a changing moral climate, debates about conflicts between a pregnant woman and her fetus, or about physician-assisted suicide, are very much alive.

Key benefits

The most up-to-date legal and ethical scholarship applied to a wide range of issues in relation to science and medicine. For the medical law only programme, the focus in on legal issues.

The courses discuss controversial issues such as euthanasia and abortion with a balanced, analytical approach.

Teaching is conducted in small seminar groups of less than 30 to encourage active student participation.

Supported by the UK’s first Centre of Medical Law and Ethics and its team of academic staff, each of whom has a very strong research profile and is actively engaged in associated policy issues.

Career prospects

Many alumni go on to work in policy-related positions, which include the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the Human Tissue Authority, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics and the Department of Health. We also have a number of alumni who have worked or are working in the BMA Ethics Department, for the GMC, Progress Educational Trust, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, the King's Fund, and medical defence societies. A number of alumni are teaching ethics and/or law in medical schools. Students who go on to doctoral-level study also find academic positions in law schools and research centres.

Programme Structure

Courses Include:

Mental Health Law: The Civil Context

Autonomy and Public Health

Reproductive Ethics

Human Rights and Health

Law at the End of Life

Clinical Negligence

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-25 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-25 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Legal Studies Health Sciences Ethics View 55 other Masters in Ethics in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Other requirements

General requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant discipline, e.g. law, medicine, philosophy, theology, social science, one of the life sciences, dentistry or nursing studies.

Alternative qualifications

Evidence of achievement of an academic level comparable to at least upper second class honours standard through past studies and where previous study, work or experience has made the applicant a suitable candidate, will also be considered.

You will be asked to submit the following documents:

A personal statement is required. (maximum 4,000 characters)

A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained.

One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.

You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

31600 GBP / year

≈ 31600 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

13500 GBP / year

≈ 13500 GBP / year

Additional Details

Part-time:

Home/EU fees: £6,750 per year

Overseas fees: £15,800 per year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Medical Ethics and Law.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Key benefits

Career prospects

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

London

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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