Ethical and legal issues in healthcare practice (degree and masters level) (HEAD363 / APP718)

Increase your knowledge of ethical and legal frameworks in relation to your practice
CPD for healthcare professionals
Local Livewell team

Key features 

This 20 credit module can be studied at degree or masters level and will give you the opportunity to explore ethical and legal concepts, issues and theories relating to health and social care.

At degree level, this module will give you the opportunity to develop detailed knowledge and understanding of ethical frameworks, concepts and theories that impact upon healthcare practice. 

You will also be encouraged to debate, discuss and evaluate various situations in practice.

At masters level, you will gain the tools necessary to undertake critical decisions within your professional practice by enabling you to reflect on your knowledge, practice and the conduct and performance of healthcare organisations. 

You will also analyse and apply the essential principles, qualities, legal and ethical theories in relation to practice in order to promote the professional development of students and to further the advancement of high quality, safe, lawful and ethical health care delivery.

Module code

HEAD363/APP718

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 6 – bachelors degree

Level 7 – masters degree

Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth

Livewell Southwest North Community Mental Health Team

HEAD363 course details (degree level)

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
  • demonstrate an understanding of professional accountability and codes of conduct
  • critically explore how an understanding of law is necessary for safe, accountable practice
  • utilise appropriate theory to debate ethical issues and dilemmas arising from practice
  • analyse the implications and impact of law and ethics upon healthcare and healthcare provision from both an individual and collective perspective.
Assessment
The assessment for this module is an essay.
(Please note that the assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).

APP718 course details (masters level)

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
  • critically analyse the legal perspective on duty of care and its application in practice
  • critically review how the law affects decision making and the practice of healthcare and determines the boundaries of professional practice from a legal perspective
  • demonstrate a critical understanding of professional accountability and codes of conduct
  • critically explore how an understanding of law is necessary for safe, accountable practice
  • utilise appropriate theory and critically analyses the implications and impact of law and ethics upon healthcare and healthcare provision from both an individual and collective perspective.
Assessment
The assessment for this module is an essay.
(Please note that the assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).

Admissions information

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms.
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
Admissions information Additional information and documentation required for the application process.Access to application forms, download guides and confirmation information. Visit our admissions homepage.

Module dates

16, 23, 30 January and 6, 13, 20, 27 February 2025
(Occasionally delivery dates might be subject to change – always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit).
Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers.
In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date.
Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.

What programmes can these modules count towards?

At degree level, this module can be studied as a standalone module, as a core module for our BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Nursing BSc (Hons) or as an optional module towards some other BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Health and Social Care pathways.
At masters level, this module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards some MSc Advanced Professional Practice pathways .
For further information please contact the Professional Development Unit.
 
“These modules are designed to enable healthcare professionals to critically analyse, explore and debate ethical and legal concepts, issues and theories relating to health and social care. The modules give students the tools necessary to analyse and apply essential principles and legal and ethical theories in relation to practice in order to promote professional development and to further the advancement high quality, safe, lawful and ethical health care delivery.

The modules are delivered over seven weeks using a combination of highly directed study, taught sessions, scenario presentations, discussions and tutorials. A growing range of literature sources are made available to students including case reports, legislation, professional guidance and research. Successfully completing one of these modules will enable students to have greater confidence that decisions they make within clinical practice will be defensible, ethical and lawful.”
 

Entry requirements

To be considered for a place on these modules you must:
  • be a registered health and social care professional or health and social care worker in possession of previous study at level 5 (Diploma of Higher Education) or a foundation degree to study the module at degree level, or
  • be a registered health and social care professional or health and social care worker ideally in possession of previous study at degree level to study the module at masters level.
Each student will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit. Please contact the PDU or programme lead if you have any queries regarding your situation.

Fees