Acclaim for PEAK courses

"Dear Tom

Would you please pass on my thanks to all the lecturers on the EMRAB course?

I have participated in many courses in my professional life and without doubt this was one of the best. The lectures were stimulating, well prepared and supurbly delivered with no-one being phased by a somewhat different group. We were encouraged to interact and all thoroughly enjoyed the time at Keele.

The group seemed to blend from the beginning and this was facilitated by a friendly group of lecturers and administrative staff who made us feel welcome and were always available for any query.

I know we are only half way through but the more formal teaching is over and I know we shall all miss the modules.

Thank you again.

With Best Wishes"

[Letter from student on the MA Ethics of Medical Research and Biotechnology, July 2007]

"The Ethics Unit had a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and was enthusiastic about knowledge transfer activities, and so the existing staff initially took on extra work without central funding. Success has been due to the excellence in the training and the identification of attractive unique selling propositions which others were unable or unwilling to offer. Advice/input from central university departments was received on pricing and contracts, but content, marketing, and overall strategy has been determined by the academic unit...

Success is measured by (i) the quality of delegate feedback (ii) number of bookings received (iii) total income generated for the academic unit (iv) indirect benefits (external esteem, boost to student recruitment, research opportunities)."

HEFCE guidance on good practice in knowledge transfer and exchange (2006) - the Keele Training for Research Ethics Committees programme was one of four chosen to illustrate the theme of 'Uniting expertise with business need'.

"The course was excellent and definitely worth the money and time invested. I have a much clearer understanding of ethical and legal issues relevant to my everyday practice, and was able to develop skills in critical reading and interpretation and evaluation of arguments. I am hoping to continue my studies at Keele by moving on to the MA year, which involves writing a 15-20 000 word dissertation on a topic of my choice."

BMJ Career Focus (2006) - report by former student on MA Medical Ethics and Law.

"I really enjoyed it. We explored ethical concepts around clinical scenarios that occur in daily practice. It provides a good grounding on underlying concepts and the moral and legal aspects. The teaching is informal and the staff are enthusiastic. It encouraged me to go on and study for the Master's degree. A general medical ethics diploma would cover more widespread issues in health care. Understanding the underlying philosophical principles makes you realise that often there is no right or wrong answer, and the more you learn, the harder—not easier—the ethical decisions become."

BMJ Career Focus (2004) - report by former student on MA Ethics of Cancer and Palliative Care.