 |
Professional Ethics at Keele |
||||||||
MA, PgDip and PgCert in Research EthicsIntroductionThis web-based distance learning course is designed for those with a professional or other serious issue in research ethics, and in particular is structured around the needs of members of research ethics committees. It aims to deepen understanding of the philosophical basis of good practice in research, and to enhance the ability of participants to think systematically about the ethically challenging situations that they face in the course of their work. The course is specially structured to be compatible with the demands of full time employment, and is taught by staff from the Centre for Professional Ethics, who have research interests in medical and research ethics, and have published a wide range of articles and books in this area. The teaching team have many years experience of teaching postgraduate applied ethics courses. We are well aware of the special problems and challenges which may face mature students and those combining study with full-time work, and therefore we do our utmost to offer a supportive and stimulating environment for learning. Each student is assigned a personal supervisor from the teaching team, whom they can contact for help or advice at any time during the course. A report in January 2001 from the Quality Assurance Agency, involving external assessors, awarded the top mark of 24 out of 24 for our Postgraduate Diploma / MA courses. Read the report in full report here. Entry RequirementsApplicants should either have a degree in a relevant subject, or appropriate professional qualifications and/or experience. Applications are welcome from those with a professional or other serious interest in research ethics, such as researchers, research participants, research governance administrators and research ethics committee members. Course StructureThe course is specially structured so that it may be taken by professionals in full-time employment. The web-based mode of delivery, which requires students to travel to Keele for only one day in each year of the course, allows students to combine study with full time work and other commitments. It also enables students from across the UK and beyond to participate. The course has a flexible structure, with three different exit points. During the first year of the course four taught modules, each taught over an approximately two month period, are provided. Each module will be assessed by a combination of online tasks and a written assignment. As an important aspect of developing skills in ethics is participation in discussion on ethical issues a key element in the teaching of each module is student participation in on-line discussion of case studies with both the other students on the course and members of the teaching staff. Dates of the taught modules for the next intake can be found here. Students who successfully complete all four of these modules, and do not wish to continue to do the MA, will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Research Ethics. Those who wish to undertake a shorter course can choose to only do two modules (either module one or two, and one other module of the student’s choice). Successful completion of this option would result in the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Ethics. Students who pass the diploma may then proceed onto the MA year and write a dissertation (15,000-20,000 words) on a subject agreed with their supervisor and the Course Director. There will be a second day of study at Keele at the start of the second year at which students will be introduced to research methods and the skills needed to complete a dissertation. During the year students are expected to keep in regular contact with their supervisors, either by arranging meetings in person, or by telephone or email. Candidates who successfully complete the dissertation will be awarded the Degree of Master of Arts (MA). It is also possible to take the course full time over one year, rather than part-time over two, and to write the MA dissertation at the same time as the teaching blocks and assignments. Course ContentModule 1: Introduction to Ethical Theory and Research EthicsThis module provides the groundwork for the rest of the course. It will consist of introductory descriptions and discussions of the key relevant ethical theories such as consequentialism, deontology, virtue theory, and relativism. It will also seek to introduce key concepts and background issues that are directly related to the context of research ethics. Such issues are likely to include the nature of research, codes of research ethics, scandals and the role/ legitimacy of research ethics scrutiny. Module 2: Autonomy, Consent and ResearchThis module introduces and explores the central concepts of Autonomy, Consent and Confidentiality and examines them in the context of research. The module has a clear theory and application split consistent with the aims of deepening the theoretical understanding of these key concepts but in the context of research and the concrete issues it raises. Module 3: Ethics in Research TrialsThe focus of this module will be the ethical issues that arise in the context of clinical trials. There will be some attention given to the working of this kind of research and to the specific ethical issues that arise within it. The key concepts discussed in the module are not limited to clinical trials however. Equipoise, harm, risk and justice are important theoretical issues whose relevance is broader than just the clinical trial context. Module 4:Ethics and Different Research MethodologiesThere are many other forms of research besides clinical trials. This module will examine the particular ethical issues that arise in a range of different research methodologies and research contexts. It is likely to include (but not necessarily be limited to) consideration of the ethical scrutiny of research in Higher Education Institutions, public health research, qualitative methodologies and research conducted by students. Computer RequirementsAs this course is taught via a virtual learning environment, students must have regular access to a computer with broadband internet connection. The minimum specification of computer needed for running the programmes used is: For Windows based systems:
For Apple systems:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)When should I apply? Is there a closing date for applications?Please see our Course Dates and Applications Deadlines page for the latest information on closing dates. The closing date for applications will also be stated in the information pack. It is essential that the full application, including references and certificates is received at Keele by that date, as an offer cannot be made until all paperwork has been reviewed. Any delay would mean that students may not have a computer username issued in time for the start of the course, and without this they would be unable to participate in the activities during induction day or to access the online course materials. We do advise that you apply as early as possible as our courses are on occasion over-subscribed. Click here for more information about making an application. Is the course suitable for me?If you have a strong interest in the ethical questions that are raised in the area, and have either a degree in a relevant subject or a professional qualification and/or strong personal experience in this area, then you are probably suitable for the course. Our course is designed specifically for professionals and ethics committee members, and assumes no prior knowledge of ethics or applied philosophy. In the first module, there are introductory sessions on how to construct and analyse ethical arguments, and also on the style, content, and structure required for a good ethics essay. Each student will also be assigned a personal supervisor, who will offer advice and support on any aspect of the course, as well as feedback and suggestions for improvement after each assignment. As this is a web-based course students will need to have regular access to a computer with a broadband internet connection. Students will be required to search for information on-line, take part in web based discussion groups and complete a range of on-line tasks. However, this is not a course on how to use these tools. If you are unsure about whether your current computer skills would allow you to successfully complete the course please contact us. If you have any questions about the course, about your suitability, or whether it meets your particular needs, please contact us for an informal chat. What are the fees? Is there any funding available?Information about fees may be found on the Postgraduate Office website. Follow the link to Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and scroll down to Law. Like all UK universities, Keele has different rates for "home" (UK and EU students) and "overseas" students. Fee status is determined by residency rather than nationality. More information on what your fee status is likely to be can be found on this "ready reckoner" produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. The value of training in healthcare ethics is widely recognised, particularly by NHS trusts. Professional accreditation points (eg CME and PGEA) are normally available through the development of a personal learning plan. In previous years a number of students on our other courses have managed to obtain full or partial funding from their employers. The value of training in this area is increasingly recognised by employers, and the opportunity to undertake a detailed examination of a particularly pertinent ethical issue in research ethics could be very beneficial to the organisation. In addition, for those students who are members of research ethics committees, funding may be available through their committee. Do you accept students from outside the UK?We do. Fees from students from all EU Member States are the same as for home students. The same admissions criteria apply to overseas applicants, but we would also normally expect English language test scores of at least IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) from students from non-English-speaking countries. Excellent English language skills are particularly important for this kind of course, as small differences in language can make a large difference in meaning in ethics and applied philosophy. How many hours per week will it take?It is difficult to give a definitive answer, as this will obviously vary from student to student and from week to week. In addition to the induction day, we expect that the time commitment required will be around 15 hours per week for the majority of people. Although the course is designed to fit around work and family responsibilities, it is still a substantial commitment. Is accommodation provided for the induction day? Do the course fees include accommodation?Students are responsible for booking their own accommodation, and this is not included in the course fees. However, a list of accommodation in the local area will be provided before the course starts. Students may be able to obtain accommodation at a discounted rate from the University Management Centre. The Management Centre is a conference venue (not a student hall of residence) and is located about fifteen minutes walk from the main university campus. I live a long way away from Keele. How will I be able to get access to books and journals?As well as Keele library, our students also have online access to a wide range of books, journal articles and other materials through the ATHENS password system. Keele is a member of the UK SCONUL scheme, which means that our students can borrow books from most other university libraries in the UK. Keele students also have access to the Blackwell Reference Online, The Philosophers' Index, Lawtel, Westlaw, LexisNexis Butterworths, and netLibrary. A Library and IT training session is included in the first module of the course. More information on electronic resources can be found on our Information for Current Students page. Course tutors regularly check the availability of books on the reading list for each assignment, and try to recommend readings that are not only in the Keele library, but which are also either available online or as part of a reasonably-priced edited collection. What subjects can I write my dissertation on?Some students start the course with a clear idea about what they want to write about - often an ethical issue from within their own practice - but others find and develop particular interests as the course progresses and they learn more about ethical theory, so don't worry if you have no clear idea what to write about at the moment. Your supervisor will be able to give you advice on choosing and formulating an appropriate topic during the first year of your course. If there is a particular area you wish to write about, and would like to discuss this prior to applying for the diploma year, please contact us. What support is available for disabled students or students with particular learning needs?See our disabilites and equal opportunities pages. Are Continuing Professonal Development (CPD) points available for this course?CPD points may be available. Please see our CPD page for details. Application PackYou can download a full information pack here. However, if you prefer, we would be very happy to send you a hard copy of the information through the post. It is quite a lot to download, and the colour leaflet may take a heavy toll on your printer cartridge! Unless noted otherwise, the information is available as a .pdf file and will open in a
|
||||||||
 | ||||||||
