The Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine at King’s College, London is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for 2014/15 for a new Postgraduate Programme in Bioethics & Society.
The Bioethics & Society programme is offered as a 1-year full time / 2-year part-timeMaster in Bioethics & Society (180 credits), a 1-year PG Diploma in Bioethics & Society (120 credits, coursework only), or a 6-month PG Certificate in Bioethics & Society (60 credits, selected coursework).
Why does is matter?
Advances in biomedicine and neuroscience raise some of the most difficult ethical and societal questions of our time. The Bioethics & Society Programme facilitates close study of these questions, drawing on concepts, theories and methods from philosophy and the social sciences. Students are inspired to understand how bioethics influences the world, and they are enabled to contribute solutions to bioethical problems.
What is unique about this programme?
· The only UK Bioethics programme based in a social science department.
· Taught in the heart of London, with immediate access to King’s hospitals and laboratories, and close to government, health policy think-tanks, patient advocacy groups, medical and scientific societies, and the private health sector
· Offers a unique ‘real-world’ approach to bioethics, allowing students to understand the social and political contexts in which bioethical controversies arise and proposed solutions are developed
· Equips students with essential knowledge and skills to make a contribution to resolving bioethical problems
· Offers rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative research methods and empirical ethics
· Provides internship opportunities that allow students to gather practical insights and to build professional networks
Lectures and seminars are taught by internationally recognized faculty who consult with the World Health Organization, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, and the UK Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology, among others.
A rich programme of guest lectures and seminars within the Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine and the College, including the KCL / UCL Joint Bioethics Colloquium, and the SSHM Seminar Series, enhances students’ learning experience, and networking opportunities.
Core programme content
§ Foundations of Bioethics & Society (30 credits)
§ Case Studies in Bioethics & Society (30 credits)
§ Dissertation in Bioethics and Society (60 credits)
Non-core content:
At SSHM we are committed to a thoroughly interdisciplinary approach to bioethics, and we encourage students to shape their non-core curriculum according to their individual interests and needs.
Students can therefore take 60-80 credits of optional modules taught at the Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine, and in other departments at King’s College (for a total of 180-200 credits).
The optional modules can be grouped around five concentrations or career streams:
1) Research Ethics / Clinical Ethics
2) Genetics & Reproduction
3) Health Policy & Public Health
4) Neuroscience & Mental Health
5) Global Trends
For more information on the career streams see here.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is ideal for health professionals, graduates of a relevant discipline, policy makers and shapers, and those wishing to develop a more rigorous understanding of ethical and societal issues in biomedicine, neuroscience, and health policy today. Our degree lays the foundation for future careers; for example, in government, national and international NGOs, teaching, or research in bioethics or social sciences. The programme can also enhance existing careers in clinical practice, biomedical research, public health, and health policy.
How do I find out more?
For any queries, contact the Admissions’ Tutor, Dr Silvia Camporesi: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.