Bioethics and Medical Jurisprudence PhD

This is an innovative programme with a publication-based PhD. You will work closely with the Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, a leading bioethics and medical jurisprudence centre, which has a lively and productive research environment. You will pursue a structured research programme containing taught elements designed to provide a solid skills basis for independent research in this area.

Programme structure

The PhD programme is a 3-year/3.5-year full-time programme or a 6-year/7-year part-time programme. The letter you received from the University offering you a place on the PhD programme specifies your registration period and the deadline for submission of your thesis.

The PhD programme is structured through a combination of supervised research, research training and researcher development. In addition, the first year of your programme contains a taught element. You will begin work on your research from the start date of your PhD with support from your supervisory team. Research training to support you in your research is available at the University and your training needs and requirements should be discussed with your supervisors.

Researcher development is further training provided by the Faculty of Humanities under the Researcher Development Framework. The main focus of this is on the personal and professional skills required to produce a high-quality PhD.

We have a blackboard page with programme information and you are encouraged to access this on a regular basis.

Year 1

Semester 1

The first semester consists of taught courses on key issues and methodology in bioethics, medical jurisprudence, and moral philosophy.

These require attendance for three study blocks consisting of induction plus three days in late September, three days in late October and three days in late November.

Semester 2

In the second semester, there are three study days which provide the opportunity for students to present and discuss their work-in-progress, and in the second and third year, there are six more study days each year.

Part-time students may attend as many study days as they wish for the duration of their PhD. These courses and study days, together with closely supervised and monitored research, provide extensive training for advanced research in bioethics and medical jurisprudence.

Years 2 and 3

Years two and three (full-time) are devoted to individual research which leads to at least three publishable journal articles or book chapters and a structured PhD thesis.

The results of the research will be presented in research seminars and national and international conferences and meetings.

Your research community

Postgraduate students are an integral and essential part of our overall research activities. The type and the subject matter of the research undertaken will be closely linked to the research experience and plans of staff within the department. The department has a range of ongoing research activities and events, such as guest speakers, one-day seminars and conferences. You are encouraged to attend these events as they are part of the intellectual culture of the Department.

View more information on our research.